I’ve had my ups and downs regarding my feelings about Skyler. Well, mostly my downs. It’s about time I come to accept that that’s Skyler’s purpose on this show — to be another thing in the way of Walt’s business. Admittedly, she’s said a lot of things that have made sense as far as Walter making smarter decisions, but her manner of doing so is so incredibly grating and neutering that it’s tough to watch.
I really would rather not get into a snarky bitch-fest here about what I don’t like about Skyler, but it’s tough not to at this point. I think what bugs me the most in these four seasons is how she runs off or brings on the silent treatment whenever Walt does something she doesn’t like. Or maybe it’s how she mentions the police so often, whenever she thinks Walt’s life is in danger. I guess, in reality, my wife would rather me go to jail than be killed, but in this show it’s clearly a recipe for her doom — I mean, we know it’s not going to lead to Walt’s doom.
I’m not really sure what to make of the coin toss scene, either. Were we just meant to see that Skyler was contemplating leaving the family, right then and there, but chickened out? Or are we supposed to believe that she went all that way (a four-hour-plus drive from Albuquerque) just to flip a coin to make plans for later, presumably — based on the toss results — to head to Colorado? It seemed she changed her mind, sliding the coin back over to New Mexico. Just totally bizarre.
If I had to make a prediction — based on this episode — it’s that at least someone in Walt’s family is going to be killed before the season’s out. Firstly, next season is the show’s last. With something that drastic going on to conclude season four, we’re talking one hell of a crazy final season. Secondly, Walter keeps reiterating to Skyler that the family is absolutely, without-a-question safe from harm; to me that just spells out the complete opposite happening in the future, especially when it comes to Walter’s empty promises.
One last thing I want to mention is the relationship between Walter and Jesse. After last season’s finale, I would have thought the two of them would be tighter than ever. Jesse killed a guy to save them, for crying out loud! And then there was Walter running those guys down to save Jesse. What’s it going to take to bond these two guys together? Perhaps the point is that Walt and Jesse will never be best buds, will never sit and share a beer and laugh about good times past, but they do share a tight bond internally.
Clacked by Keith McDuffee 
on Aug 21, 2011 @ 23:39 EST5EDT
i like Skyler, she’s just about the only pretty woman on this show, and she provides a certain twist that this show needs. The nagging housewife plays a big role when the shows main character is a family man. Also if Walt’s life wasn’t complicated, it wouldn’t be the awesome show that it is…
I like Skyler’s role on the show.
Plus, she is smart, and is mostly rationale.
Walt’s decisions do affect his family at home, and Skyler does serve to remind that. She and Walt Jr. are affected by the lies, by Walt’s odd schedule, etc.
She and Walt are both strong people, and I like that dynamic.
I do think it’s odd that she brought Holly to work with her, at Beneke’s. And to the Four Corners.
I think the coin toss scene was that she was contemplating leaving Walt (and possibly Walt Jr.) to get away from the drug business that Walt brought on.
But she couldn’t do it.
Plus, with her carefulness, such as making Walt Jr. return the new car, I’m sure she thinks she can manage.
Season 3 made Skylar perhaps my most hated TV character of all time. Yeah. But I think it says a lot about how great this show is to say that she has almost completely redeemed herself to me this season. With Walt making one idiotic decision after another lately, I’m almost enjoying her trying to keep him straight, for what he is at least. But I’m gonna be really pissed if she makes junior give that sweeeeeeet ride back next week. So I guess my answer is that I’m glad she’s still on the show, for now at least :).
Great character for the show, and, a really good performance by Anna Gunn in portraying her.
Yes, she is a controlling, neutering female to a large degree, but that is the part that has been written for her, and the fact that people get so worked up about her character is a sign that she is pulling it off.
No, I would NEVER want to be in a relationship with someone like her, but she is a crucial part of the tension and vibe of this show.