‘Breaking Bad‘ introduced us to Walter White, the high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer, and his elusive alter ego, Heisenberg. Throughout the series, we see Walter White masterfully conceal his criminal activities from the authorities, family, and friends. However, the end of the series sees Hank Schrader, Walter’s brother-in-law and DEA agent, uncover the truth through a series of events that ultimately lead to the downfall of Heisenberg.
But imagine for a moment that some of the most iconic fictional detectives were on the case. How might they have fared in unraveling the mystery of Heisenberg’s true identity? In this article, we’ll explore how 10 famous investigators would tackle the Heisenberg conundrum, using their unique skills and approaches to expose Walter White.
Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle)
Sherlock Holmes would likely make quick work of the Heisenberg case. His unparalleled powers of observation and deduction, combined with his extensive knowledge of chemistry, would lead him to connect the dots between Walter White’s expertise and Heisenberg’s precise product. Holmes would also likely notice the sudden lifestyle changes in the White family, prompting further investigation. With Watson’s assistance, they would meticulously piece together the evidence and expose Heisenberg.
Clarice Starling (The Silence Of The Lambs)
Clarice Starling is adept at getting inside the minds of criminals. Through her psychological profiling skills, she would likely identify the desperation and ambition driving Heisenberg’s actions. Starling’s ability to gain the trust of unlikely informants, such as the enigmatic Hannibal Lecter, could also prove valuable in her pursuit of the truth. By developing relationships with those close to Walter White, she would eventually uncover his secret identity.
Columbo (Columbo)
Lieutenant Columbo’s unassuming and disheveled appearance would make him the perfect detective to approach Walter White without arousing suspicion. Columbo’s genius lies in his relentless questioning, often circling back to seemingly trivial points that later prove crucial to the case. His ability to spot inconsistencies would lead him to question Walter’s sudden wealth, and his dogged persistence would ultimately force White to reveal his hidden life as Heisenberg.
Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie)
The fastidious Belgian detective Hercule Poirot would approach the Heisenberg case with his signature methodical style. Poirot’s keen understanding of human nature and his unrivaled attention to detail would make him a formidable opponent for Walter White. By interviewing the people in White’s life and carefully analyzing every clue, Poirot would gradually unravel the web of lies concealing Heisenberg’s true identity.
L (Death Note)
L, the enigmatic detective from the manga series ‘Death Note,’ specializes in cracking seemingly unsolvable cases. His unorthodox methods and strategic thinking would lead him to suspect Walter White early on. By engaging in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, L would force White to reveal his hand, ultimately unmasking Heisenberg.
Olivia Benson (Law And Order: SVU)
As the head of the Special Victims Unit, Olivia Benson is driven by her unwavering determination to bring justice to victims. Her compassionate nature and ability to connect with people would enable her to gain the trust of those closest to Walter White, including his wife, Skyler. By empathizing with Skyler and understanding her concerns, Benson would piece together the evidence that leads to the revelation of Walter White’s double life as Heisenberg.
Rust Cohle (True Detective)
Rust Cohle, the deeply philosophical and brooding detective from True Detective, possesses a unique understanding of the criminal mind. His experience with the darker side of humanity would enable him to see through Walter White’s façade, recognizing the desperation and pride that fueled his transformation into Heisenberg. Cohle’s relentless pursuit of the truth would lead him to uncover the intricate web of lies and deception surrounding White’s secret identity.
Olivia Dunham (Fringe)
FBI agent Olivia Dunham is well-versed in solving bizarre and unexplained cases. Her expertise in the world of fringe science would be invaluable in understanding the unique chemistry behind Heisenberg’s trademark blue meth. Dunham’s persistence and dedication to her work would lead her to dig deeper into Walter White’s life, eventually exposing the truth behind Heisenberg’s mysterious persona.
Adrian Monk (Monk)
Adrian Monk, the obsessive-compulsive detective from the TV series Monk, boasts an uncanny eye for detail. His unique quirks would enable him to notice the smallest inconsistencies in Walter White’s story, such as the second cell phone and the discrepancies in his daily routine. By relentlessly scrutinizing the evidence, Monk would eventually connect the dots and reveal Heisenberg’s true identity.
Chloë Decker (Lucifer)
LAPD Detective Chloë Decker is known for her strong moral compass and her ability to see the good in others. Her relationship with the enigmatic Lucifer Morningstar would provide her with insights into the complex motivations behind Walter White’s transformation into Heisenberg. As Decker delves deeper into the case, her unwavering pursuit of justice would ultimately lead to the exposure of Walter White’s secret life.
These 10 fictional investigators, each with their own unique skills and methods, would no doubt have given Walter White a run for his money. While the outcome of each detective’s pursuit of Heisenberg may vary, one thing is certain – the brilliant minds of these legendary investigators would undoubtedly make for an exciting and suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind the elusive Heisenberg.
