How Did Walt Give Brock Lily of the Valley?

Walt did not directly give Brock Cantillo Lily of the Valley. Instead, he used the potent poison derived from the plant to indirectly manipulate Jesse Pinkman into believing Gus Fring had poisoned Brock. This deception was a key element in Walt’s plan to turn Jesse against Gus and ultimately eliminate him.

The Lily of the Valley Deception: A Calculated Move

The poisoning of Brock Cantillo with Lily of the Valley is arguably one of Walter White’s most manipulative and morally reprehensible acts in Breaking Bad. It wasn’t about directly harming Brock, but rather leveraging the situation to gain a strategic advantage over Gus Fring.

Understanding the Motives

Walt’s primary goal was to turn Jesse Pinkman against Gus Fring. Jesse was a powerful and unpredictable force, and Walt needed him on his side to successfully eliminate Gus, who posed a significant threat to Walt’s burgeoning drug empire. Walt knew that Jesse cared deeply for Brock, and he used this vulnerability to his advantage.

The Timeline of Events

Before the poisoning, tension between Walt and Jesse was escalating. Jesse felt increasingly conflicted about their partnership and Gus’s control. Walt saw this as an opportunity. The poisoning occurred while Jesse was increasingly suspicious of Gus’s involvement in Andrea’s previous boyfriend, Combo’s, death.

How the Poisoning Played Out

• Walt Acquires the Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley plant grew in Walt’s backyard. This seemingly innocent detail added another layer of chilling calculation to his actions. He intentionally chose a poison that was readily available to him, suggesting pre-meditation.
• Brock’s Illness: Brock suddenly falls ill, exhibiting symptoms consistent with Lily of the Valley poisoning. He is hospitalized, and his condition becomes critical.
• Jesse’s Suspicion of Gus: Walt expertly plants the seed of doubt in Jesse’s mind, suggesting that Gus might be responsible. He subtly reminds Jesse of Gus’s ruthlessness and his ability to manipulate situations. He points out the ricin cigarette Brock grabbed from Jesse’s pocket.
• The Ricin Red Herring: While Jesse initially suspects Walt poisoned Brock using the ricin cigarette, Walt vehemently denies it, and cleverly shifts the blame to Gus.
• Jesse Confronts Gus: Fueled by grief and anger, Jesse confronts Gus, leading to a dramatic showdown and forcing Walt to intervene to “save” Jesse. This act further solidifies Walt’s position as Jesse’s protector and ally.
• The Truth Revealed: Much later in the series, Walt confesses to Jesse that he was the one who poisoned Brock with Lily of the Valley, finally revealing the extent of his manipulative nature.

The Impact of the Deception

The poisoning of Brock had a profound impact on Jesse. It shattered his already fragile trust and pushed him further down a path of self-destruction. It also solidified Walt’s dominance over Jesse, ensuring his loyalty and cooperation, at least for a time. The revelation of Walt’s actions later becomes a crucial turning point in their relationship, leading to Jesse’s ultimate betrayal of Walt.

Why Lily of the Valley?

The choice of Lily of the Valley as the poison wasn’t arbitrary.

• Subtle Symptoms: Lily of the Valley poisoning produces symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses, making it harder to immediately pinpoint the cause. This gave Walt time to manipulate Jesse and direct his suspicion towards Gus.
• Availability: The fact that it grew in Walt’s backyard made it easily accessible and reduced the risk of him being connected to the poisoning.
• Symbolic Significance: Some interpretations suggest that the flower itself has symbolic meaning. Lily of the Valley is sometimes associated with purity and sweetness, juxtaposing ironically with the act of poisoning a child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Lily of the Valley incident in Breaking Bad:

1. Was Brock actually poisoned with Lily of the Valley? Yes, Brock was definitely poisoned with Lily of the Valley. The medical tests confirmed its presence in his system.

2. How did Walt get the Lily of the Valley to Brock? Walt did not directly administer the Lily of the Valley to Brock. The generally accepted theory is that Brock ingested it somehow, likely due to its appealing, berry-like appearance. Walt merely orchestrated the circumstances to make it appear as though Gus was responsible.

3. Did Jesse ever find out the truth about the Lily of the Valley? Yes, Walt confesses to Jesse about poisoning Brock in Season 5, Episode 14, “Ozymandias.” This revelation is a major turning point in their relationship.

4. Why didn’t the doctors immediately recognize the Lily of the Valley poisoning? The symptoms of Lily of the Valley poisoning can mimic other illnesses, such as a viral infection or heart problems. This delayed the diagnosis and gave Walt time to manipulate Jesse.

5. How much Lily of the Valley is needed to poison someone? Even a small amount of Lily of the Valley can be toxic, especially to children. The plant contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. The exact dosage required for a fatal or severe reaction varies depending on the individual and the amount ingested.

6. What are the symptoms of Lily of the Valley poisoning? Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, headache, slowed heart rate, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

7. Was Walt’s confession about the Lily of the Valley his worst act? Many fans consider the poisoning of Brock to be Walt’s most reprehensible act. It demonstrated a willingness to harm an innocent child to achieve his goals. While he performed other horrible acts, the innocence of the victim makes this a major turning point.

8. Did Walt ever express remorse for poisoning Brock? Walt shows moments of fleeting remorse for his actions throughout the series, but it is often overshadowed by his ego and desire for control. While he might acknowledge the wrongness of his actions, he rarely accepts full responsibility.

9. How did the Lily of the Valley plot device impact the overall story? The Lily of the Valley plot was crucial in demonstrating Walt’s descent into darkness and his willingness to cross any line to protect his empire. It also deepened the conflict between Walt and Jesse and ultimately led to their separation.

10. Was Gus Fring actually capable of poisoning Brock? Gus Fring was certainly ruthless and capable of extreme violence, but his methods were typically more direct and efficient. Poisoning a child seemed outside the scope of his usual behavior, which is why Jesse initially found it hard to believe.

11. What happened to Brock after he recovered? After recovering from the poisoning, Brock continued to live with his mother, Andrea. His fate after Andrea’s death is not explicitly shown in the series, but Jesse vows to care for him.

12. Did the writers of Breaking Bad face any criticism for the Lily of the Valley storyline? Yes, some viewers found the storyline disturbing and questioned whether it was necessary for the plot. However, others argued that it was a crucial turning point in Walt’s character development and highlighted the show’s willingness to explore dark themes.

13. Was there any symbolism associated with Walt using Lily of the Valley? The use of Lily of the Valley is rich with symbolic meaning. The flower itself represents purity and sweetness, creating a stark contrast with the act of poisoning. Some believe it also symbolizes Walt’s corrupted innocence and his descent into moral decay.

14. Could Jesse have been prosecuted for child endangerment, given the ricin cigarette? It’s possible Jesse could have faced charges. Leaving a potentially lethal substance within reach of a child could be considered child endangerment.

15. How did this storyline affect the relationship between the actors playing Walt and Jesse (Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul)? Both actors have spoken about how emotionally challenging the scene where Walt confesses to poisoning Brock was. They acknowledged the weight of the scene and the impact it had on their characters’ relationship. They have always maintained a strong friendship outside of the show.