Breaking Bad Meets Mad Men: 5 Couples That Would Work
If the 50s setting of Mad Men were to clash with the drug-ridden world of Breaking Bad, which couples would emerge? And how well would they work?
Breaking Bad and Mad Men are two of the most popular and critically acclaimed television shows of all time, and both of which thrive on having incredible characters. The characters are at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum in reality, with those on Breaking Bad being involved in the world of crime. Meanwhile, Mad Men’s characters are seen as more upstanding citizens, thriving in the advertising world.
However, relationships are part of both shows and even though the characters might not be in similar settings, the personalities of the characters make them easy to match up. Within these two shows, there are some characters that would clearly mix well together, while others would simply not be good romantic partners.
Would Work: Jane Margolis & Don Draper
Don Draper has countless relationships throughout his time in Mad Men, including two marriages, so there is no doubt he would work his charm with the Breaking Bad characters as well. One character that would likely catch his eye is Jane Margolis, who dates Jesse Pinkman throughout the show.
She might not necessarily seem like a perfect match due to the fact she is a serious drug addict. However, Don seems to gravitate towards broken souls, and this relationship would be similar to his with Midge. Jane might not be perfect, but Don would be excited by her unpredictability and her engaging conversations.
Wouldn’t Work: Saul Goodman & Faye Miller
Saul Goodman is someone who means well within his heart, even though he can be quite over the top at times. However, while he tries his best with people and he is a kind person, Saul is also someone who dabbles in a lot of dangerous situations with work and tries to cover up his real self with his confident personality.
Because of Faye Miller’s job, she would be able to see through everything about Saul. He likes to put on a show, and that is something that simply wouldn’t work with Faye, who is better suited to being with someone a little more intelligent who could provide some more engaging conversations.
Would Work: Lydia Rodarte-Quayle & Megan Draper
Both Lydia and Megan are two characters who end up joining their respective shows later on in the series, and they would certainly work well as romantic partners. Both of them are incredibly driven and passionate people, eager to impress and climb the ladder of their respective career worlds, which could be a reason they’d connect well.
Megan is shown to be quite a free spirit within Mad Men, and while Lydia is the opposite to that, they do say opposites attract. Don is also quite uptight, so it’s clearly something that doesn’t cause a problem for Megan, and together, they would be quite the powerhouse pairing.
Wouldn’t Work: Skyler White & Pete Campbell
Pete Campbell is someone who isn’t able to be trusted, and that is something that would ultimately lead to Skyler White and him not working out. Skyler is a very clever and strong individual, and she isn’t someone who is willing to be taken for a fool.
Pete doesn’t treat Trudy very well throughout the series, and that is something that Skyler simply wouldn’t stand for. She’s smart enough to be able to understand a situation, and she would take action, likely in the form of getting revenge in her own right.
Would Work: Walter White Jr. & Sally Draper
Walter White Jr and Sally Draper are both children of the lead characters and they’re really shown to develop throughout the course of the show. They would potentially be great partners as they go through very similar family situations, both being let down by their fathers and not being shy in letting their opinions be known.
They’re very confident characters who showcase that and become even more positive as the series goes on. They’re both very funny and they can be caring as well, even if they’re a little blunt at times. However, putting them together could certainly work.
Wouldn’t Work: Jesse Pinkman & Peggy Olson
Jesse Pinkman and Peggy Olson are two of the main characters for their respective shows, but they would not make good partners. Both of them are far too opinionated to be able to work together, as this would just lead to countless arguments between them.
Peggy is incredibly driven and doesn’t really have time to commit to relationships, meanwhile Jesse likes to have a deep connection, as he does with Jane. Plus, Jesse’s messy and relaxed way of life is something that Peggy would likely not get on board with.
Would Work: Gale Boetticher & Salvatore Romano
Salvatore Romano hides his true self throughout Mad Men, mainly because he is worried about being shamed. However, if he was to find love from the Breaking Bad world, then Gale Boetticher seems like the perfect fit in a relationship that would certainly work well.
Salvatore is a very creative mind, whether that be with his drawing or his food. He is someone who has a real zest for life, and that is exactly the same with Gale. Putting them together would no doubt create some fantastic conversations and some real excitement for them both, which is why they’d work well together.
Wouldn’t Work: Marie Schrader & Roger Sterling
Marie Schrader is the exact type of character that would catch the eye of Roger Sterling, but that doesn’t mean that they would necessarily work as an item. Marie is someone that Roger would certainly be attracted to, as he likes women of wealth who showcase a sense of confidence.
However, the reality of their relationship would not work. Roger is better-suited to someone who is a little more of a free spirit, which isn’t the case with Marie. She likes to be in control of every situation and this would only cause tension between them.
Would Work: Hank Schrader & Joan Holloway
Joan Holloway is incredibly unlucky in love throughout Mad Men, despite the fact she’s an incredibly successful person in her career. She is looking for someone who has a stable job and is able to provide for her, and that is where Hank Schrader would be an ideal partner.
He has a fantastic job and would be able to provide and spoil Joan, making her feel special and wanted. Hank is someone that Joan can trust and isn’t someone who would hurt her, as other characters do, which would make them a great pair together.
Wouldn’t Work: Walter White & Betty Draper
Two of the lead characters who are both really family-orientated people might seem like good fits on paper. However, Walter White and Betty Draper would be terrible together. Betty has real confidence issues, and she is someone who likes to feel special and protected, which is something that Walter wouldn’t be able to bring.
Walter prior to Breaking Bad might be an ideal partner for Betty, but the man who becomes Heisenberg wouldn’t be a good match for Betty. He brings lots of danger into his family’s life, which Betty isn’t strong enough to deal with, plus Walter is someone that Betty simply couldn’t trust, which is what ultimately brings an end to her relationship with Don.
