Why Vince Gilligan’s Anti-Trump Rant Got One Thing Right

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It’s awards season and Donald Trump calls The White House home.

The math practically does itself.

Awards show after awards show is smiting President Trump this time of year.

Last weekend’s event was the Writers Guild of America (WGA) awards ceremony held in Los Angeles on Saturday evening. This glamorous event saw numerous artists poking fun at President Trump.

In accepting the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement that evening, Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad”, chose to deliver a speech mirroring the acclaim and recognition he was receiving.

Additionally, he broadened the discussion to scrutinize thoroughly the content produced by Hollywood. Moreover, it’s a perspective worth considering, regardless of one’s political beliefs.

Wanted. On-screen heroes.

It appears that, despite the deep divisions in our nation, there’s a consensus on one point: far too many individuals are causing harm in reality. However, due to differences in perspectives, we each have our unique list of who these ‘bad guys’ are.

He made it clear that the current President is one of said bad guys. He didn’t stop there.

Addressing fellow writers in a gathering, I’d like to present an idea; it might not solve all problems, but I believe it’s a step in the right direction. Let’s create more heroic characters, for far too long we’ve made our villains too appealing. Characters like Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter serve as examples of this trend. Listen up, viewers everywhere, near and far. When people admire these characters, they often think, “I want to be that cool.” This is a problem because instead of serving as cautionary tales, these fictional bad guys have become role models. Heaven forbid, they’ve become aspirational.

He’s right.

For a kickoff, you could mention characters like Walter White from “Breaking Bad,” Tony Soprano, Ray Donovan, Dexter, Don Draper, or Jax Teller. Lastly, there’s Vic Mackey. These are some notable characters from popular TV shows.

Let’s also avoid discussing the frequent portrayal of hitmen in Hollywood films, where they are often depicted as protagonists we’re supposed to support.

Too many.

Gilligan also shared a note of caution. The task at hand won’t be easy.

“Made-up bad guys are fun and they’re easier to write well.”

Indeed, it can be harder to create Boy Scout-like characters, and this is one reason why the latest portrayal of Superman hasn’t quite hit the mark. The ’70s version, however, managed to find that ideal balance, with Christopher Reeve embodying the humble, DC Comics hero perfectly.

In a different rendition, it can be said that Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman was characterized by a deeper, more troubled side. This is a common approach among contemporary writers when creating characters. It could be one reason why director James Gunn plans to reintroduce the character later this year with a fresh take on the iconic figure.

There’s a strong desire for more real-life heroes to be portrayed on both big and small screens. However, there seems to be an inherent obstacle. Recall the harsh criticism faced by the factual account “Sound of Freedom,” which highlighted the heroic actions of Tim Ballard?

We really want more true-life hero stories like “Sound of Freedom” on our screens, but they often receive negative attention.

We live in a deeply cynical age where heroes are often treated shabbily or framed as corny or fake.

Exceptional authors often challenge such a perspective. It might be fascinating to see Vince Gilligan, renowned for “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” take the helm as an example.

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2025-02-17 08:03