Summary

• Jesse's transformation throughout Breaking Bad is evident in his powerful and memorable quotes, highlighting his journey from a reckless drug dealer to a better person.
• Jesse's humor and immaturity, along with his heartbreaking moments, make him a fan-favorite character with many different sides.
• Jesse's awareness of his role as a passenger in the drug world ultimately leads him to take control and step into the driver's seat by the end of the series.

While Walter White's journey in Breaking Bad is the most compelling aspect of the acclaimed series, the best Jesse Pinkman quotes are a reminder of what an essential and complex character he was to the show. Aaron Paul won an Emmy for his powerful and evolving performance as Jesse, who starts the series as a self-involved, reckless, and dim drug dealer yet becomes the heart of Breaking Bad by its final season. It is a transformation that mirrors Walt's own but in reverse, as Jesse becomes a better person and his most memorable quotes highlight that journey.

Though Jesse was meant to die in Breaking Bad season 1, the change allowed for him to grow into a fan-favorite character. He could be funny with his somewhat obnoxious and immature behavior as well as heartbreaking with all the pain he suffers over the course of the series. His greatest quotes not only show the many different sides of his character but also allow audiences to revisit some of his best moments on Breaking Bad.

20 “What Good Is Being An Outlaw When You Have Responsibilities?”

Kafkaesque (Season 3, Episode 9)

Jesse was a drifter for much of his adult life, choosing to flunk out of high school and focus his attention on selling and doing drugs, playing video games, and generally getting into trouble. While his ventures with Walter White were completely illegal and morally wrong, they were still run like a business that required responsibilities and accountability. This change in style was not what Jesse had in mind when becoming an outlaw and finds that the partnership with Walt comes with far too many rules. It is an early sign of the great fun this odd couple pairing would be while also setting Jesse on a path where he embraces more of those responsibilities and starts to finally grow up.

Where To Watch Breaking Bad

19 "You Know What? Why I’m Here In The First Place? Is To Sell You Meth. You’re Nothing To Me But Customers! I Made You My Bitch. You Okay With That?”

Problem Dog (Season 4, Episode 7)

Jesse killing Gale in Breaking Bad was a pivotal moment for the character. Though he was the established criminal at the beginning of the series, he proved he was more empathetic and caring than Walt. Gale’s murder weighs heavily on him and he is torn apart by the guilt. This leads to him confessing to his addiction support group that he is there to sell drugs, challenging their willingness to forgive. When Jesse is told he has to leave, he accepts it as he desperately wants to receive some punishment for what he did.

18 "This Is My Own Private Domicile, And I Will Not Be Harassed."

Sunset (Season 3, Episode 6)

Throughout their criminal activities together, Walt and Jesse are almost caught on numerous occasions, but one of the most nail-biting instances is when they find themselves trapped in their RV with Hank poking around outside. Though Hank knows Jesse is inside, Walt hasn't been found out and stealthily instructs Jesse to use some legal maneuvering to help keep Hank from entering. It is hilarious the reaction Hank has hearing Jesse suddenly spout the well-thought-out, "This is my own private domicile, and I will not be harassed.” Credit also goes to Jesse for recognizing that such a statement might not sound like it came from him, so he adds "B****" on the end for good measure.

17 “Are We In The Meth Business Or The Money Business?”

Buyout (Season 5, Episode 12)

While Jesse was in the drug business before Walt ever considered it, their difference in approach to it is interesting. Walt uses his chemistry knowledge to design and cook the perfect meth where Jesse is less concerned with being so ambitious, asking Walt this pointed question about his motivations. While it initially depicts Jesse as a lazy and greedy drug dealer, by the end of the series, it is one of his most important questions. Though the money Walt and Jesse could make was initially what drew Walt to the business, his ego gets the better of him. However, Jesse would rather make as much money as he can and leave the business behind.

16 "Would You Just, For Once, Stop Working Me."

Confessions (Season 5, Episode 11)

Even though Jesse Pinkman and Walter White spent a lot of time working together, there was always an element of Walt thinking he was better than Jesse, controlling him to some degree. So the moment Jesse calls him out on it and proves he's more than aware of what Walt's doing is fantastic. Jesse making it clear that he knew Walt was trying to play him with mind games was a brilliant moment in the series, and at this point it was clear Jesse was no longer going to be taken for a ride.

15 "A Robot?!"

4 Days Out (Season 2, Episode 9)

The funniest Jesse Pinkman quotes on Breaking Bad prove that he is not always the smartest guy around, but that is part of what makes him so endearing. He has a childlike view of the world at times which is refreshing compared to Walt’s deeply rational mind. When the two find themselves stuck in the desert Jesse tries to motivate Walt to use his science to build a new battery, a robot, or some dune buggies to get them out of there. Jesse gets through and Walt realizes he can build something. The amazement on Jesse’s face when he thinks it’s a robot is hilarious and adorable.

14 “We Make Poison For People Who Don’t Care. We Probably Have The Most Un-Picky Customers In The World.”

Fly (Season 3, Episode 10)

The difference in how Walt and Jesse view their product is brought up again with Jesse providing his own astute observation on their chosen industry. Given the clientele that Jesse and Walt are selling to, he is right in feeling that worrying about their complaints is not a priority. It is a darkly funny quote from Jesse but also shows one of the few aspects of his character that was unlikable. Though Jesse shows more compassion than a lot of people in the show, especially Walt, he never seemed concerned with the damage he was causing people by selling meth. It would have been interesting to see him confront that more directly.

13 "We Can Do Better."

Gray Matter (Season 1, Episode 5)

Jesse and Walt make for a contentious team in the lab, so it is not surprising that Jesse looks elsewhere for his next partner in the meth cooking business. Recruiting his best friend Badger seems like a more hospitable working environment, but their partnership only highlights how much Walt actually rubbed off on Jesse. After cooking all day, Jesse examines their product and concludes that they can do better. It is a dramatic turn from his previous insistence that they need not worry about the quality, and is an early sign that, despite Jesse seeming like a child at times, he is capable of tremendous growth.

12 “I’m Not Turning Down the Money. I’m Turning Down You.”

One Minute (Season 3, Episode 7)

There are many people that Walt harms in his journey, some intentionally and others unintentionally. But Jesse is the one who pays the most for being associated with Walt, including when he is savagely beaten by Hank because of Walt's actions. With Jesse sitting in a hospital bed, he finally makes his stand, turning down Walt's offer to keep working and $1.5 million in the process. He makes it clear he wants nothing to do with Walt anymore after everything that he has been through. Aaron Paul's delivery of this heartbreaking speech cemented Jesse as someone the audience could care deeply about, and sadly, was just the beginning of his suffering because of Walt.

11 “Like I Came To You, Begging You To Cook Meth. ‘Oh Hey, Nerdiest Old Dude I Know, You Wanna Come Cook Crystal?”

Cat's In The Bag (Season 1, Episode 2)

There is a sense that Jesse was cursed the day Walter White came to his with a proposition to partner up. Of course, with Walt threatening to go to the police if Jesse didn't agree, it didn't leave any real option to refuse. In that way, this is a sad quote to look back on as it is a reminder that Jesse was strung along and used by Walt even from the very beginning. However, it is also a great display of Jesse's humor as he loves to put down Walt any chance he gets. The way he also points out how ridiculous their partnership is speaks to Jesse sometimes having a better perception of things than Walt.

10 “Yeah, Mr. White! You Really Do Have A Plan! Yeah, Science!”

A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal (Season 1, Episode 7)

Another brilliant part of the dynamic between Jesse and Walt is the fact that Jesse used to be Walt's student and seemingly absorbed nothing from his teaching. Now stuck in the lab together, Jesse's lack of interest in science makes for some of the show's funniest moments. He does eventually learn some scientific principles by watching Walter and learning how to make the signature blue meth. Walt can't help but revert to teaching mode, showing all the amazing things science can do. It is genuinely endearing in their new one-on-one dynamic that Jesse is able to actually get excited by science now.

9 "Yeah, B****. Magnets!"

Live Free Or Die (Season 5, Episode 1)

This quote from Jesse is one of his most famous moments and a wonderful display of how far he has come from his time as that indifferent student. As Walt and Hank argue over how to destroy a police computer that holds some incriminating evidence, Jesse is the one who comes up with the idea of using a magnet. There was a time when Jesse's idea would just get an annoyed scowl from Walt, but when they put the plan to the test and see that it works, the pride Jesse has is hilarious. It proves he has become a smart young man in his own right even if he doesn't get the credit for it.

8 “Mr. White…He’s The Devil. You Know, He Is…Smarter Than You, He Is Luckier Than You.”

Buyout (Season 5, Episode 12)

Despite everything they had been through together, the relationship between Walt and Jesse had to come crumbling down at some point. Jesse discovering that Walt poisoned young Brock is his breaking point in realizing just how much of a villain Walt really is. Agreeing to help Hank stop Walt, Jesse lays out this warning about the kind of man they are facing. It is a terrific moment of reminding the audience of the kind of protagonist they have been following throughout the show as Jesse's assessment of Walt is true. It is also disturbing to see the realization of what Walt is finally washing over Jesse.

7 “I Uh… I Eat A Lot of Frozen Stuff… It’s Usually Pretty Bad.”

Buyout (Season 5, Episode 6)

Aaron Paul's talents as a dramatic actor make for some of the most heartbreaking moments on Breaking Bad, but he is also a very gifted comedic actor, delivering some laugh-out-loud moments as well. One of the most uncomfortable Breaking Bad moments comes as Walt invites Jesse over for dinner. While it is unusual itself, Jesse finds himself in the middle of the most awkward meal of his life with Walt and Skyler hashing out their marital problems and her recent affair. Paul's nervous energy is hilarious as Jesse attempts to cut through the tense silence by complimenting the food and discussing his typical diet of frozen meals.

6 "Coin Flip Is Sacred."

Cat's In The Bag (Season 1, Episode 2)

While Breaking Bad takes its darker moments quite seriously most of the time, there are also some wonderful instances of black humor. One of the earliest examples is when Jesse and Walt do a coin flip to determine who has to dispose of Emilio with acid and who has to kill Krazy 8. Walt is the unlucky one who has to finish off Krazy 8, but he is more than reluctant to do the job. Upon learning that Walt hasn't kept up his end of the agreement, Jesse is outraged that he would defy the coin flip. Jesse's immaturity shines through as he is more concerned about ignoring the made-up rules of the coin flip than the actual murder on hand.

5 "Well, Um, He Did Try To Kill Us Both Yesterday. So There’s That."

Cat's In The Bag (Season 1, Episode 2)

Walter White might be a genius, but sometimes it is Jesse who gets to point out the obvious to him. When Walt is trying to push himself to kill Krazy 8, he tries to convince himself that this is a person who deserves to die. He questions Jesse on Krazy 8's past criminal activities and asks what his penchant for violence is like. The way Jesse condescendingly reminds Walt that this person tried to kill them yesterday is a hilarious moment and the rare time Jesse can look like the smart one between the two.

4 "You Add Plus A Douchebag To A Minus Douchebag And You Get, Like, Zero Douchebags.”

Hermanos (Season 4, Episode 8)

Though Jesse is not as cold-blooded as Walt by any means, he is willing to see certain people eliminated from the equation if they become a threat. When Walt comes to Jesse in a panic about Hank investigating Gus Fring, Jesse doesn't see it as too much of a concern. Following his brutal beating, Jesse has no love for Hank while Gus could have them killed at any moment. Jesse taunts Walt's intellect with a math equation suggesting they let the problem take care of itself. It is a moment of Jesse showing the callousness he develops for people inside the drug world while also addressing the way Walt looks down on his intellect.

3 “You Got Me Riding Shotgun To Every Dark Recess Of This State. It’d Be Nice If You Clued Me In A Little.”

Shotgun (Season 4, Episode 5)

The image of Jesse riding in the passenger seat has been seen throughout the series and has become recognized as a symbol of his role in much of the series. Jesse is not given his own agency and is dragged along by various people, from Walt to Hank to Mike, never being the one to drive himself. It is a sad reality for the character, but this moment hints at his awareness of the fact. As Mike takes Jesse along with him on various jobs, he offers no explanation of where they are going and what they are doing. Jesse pointing out the fact that he recognizes he is a passenger in this game gives a glimmer of hope that allows him to step into the driver's seat by the end of the series.

2 “You Don’t Need A Criminal Lawyer. You Need A ‘Criminal’ Lawyer.”

Better Call Saul (Season 2, Episode 8)

Though Jesse can be reckless and naive, Walt also doesn't recognize enough that he also knows the drug game much better. When one of their dealers is arrested, Walt begins looking for a lawyer who can help them. However, it is Jesse who points out that they don't need a lawyer who knows the law but rather one who knows how to bend it. Given how much of a key role Saul Goodman plays in their operations, it turns out to be one of Jesse's wisest pieces of advice on Breaking Bad.

1 "Then Do It Yourself."

Felina (Season 5, Episode 16)

Breaking Bad’s ending with Jesse and Walt brings them back together after a brutal journey. When last they saw each other, Walt told Jesse he let Jane die before handing him over to Uncle Jack and Todd. So when Jesse has Walt at gunpoint, revenge seems likely and Walt accepts it. However, Jesse forces Walt to admit he is not surrendering himself for Jesse’s sake but rather because he wants to die. When Walt admits it, Jesse drops the gun and tells him to do it himself. After being manipulated and forced to do Walt’s dirty work for so long, it is rewarding to see him regain control in the end.

• 

  Breaking Bad

  Summary:

  Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.

  Release Date:

  2008-01-20

  Cast:

  Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, Aaron Paul, RJ Mitte, Anna Gunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, Bryan Cranston, Jonathan Banks

  Writers:

  Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz

  Seasons:

  5

  Genres:

  Crime, Drama, Thriller

  Story By:

  Vince Gilligan

  Network:

  AMC

  Streaming Service(s):

  Netflix

  Franchise(s):

  Breaking Bad

  Directors:

  Vince Gilligan, michelle maclaren

  Showrunner:

  Vince Gilligan

  Season List:

  Breaking Bad - Season 1, Breaking Bad - Season 2, Breaking Bad - Season 3, Breaking Bad - Season 4, Breaking Bad - Season 5