Giancarlo Esposito, who plays fast food mogul and crystal meth mastermind Gustavo "Gus" Fring on AMC's "Breaking Bad," told producers who kept inviting him back for guest appearances that he wasn't interested: He wanted a regular role on the series, one that would let him explore all of his character's many secrets.
The decision to make him the show's central villain has resulted in its most tense, jittery, and brilliant storylines. This season, it divided longtime partners Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). If Emmy voters have been paying attention to the drama, Esposito should join Cranston and Paul in putting a gold statue on his mantel.
Also read: Bryan Cranston on 'Breaking Bad' Season Finale: 'There Is an Oh... My... GOD Moment'
Among the discoveries about Gus this season: He's driven in part by trying to avenge the death of his former partner, Max. We talked to him about Sunday's season finale for television's best show, how he expanded the character, and whether Gus's relationship with Max went beyond business and friendship.
The episode "Hermanos," where we finally got a glimpse into Gus' background and what motivates him, is one of the series' best. It also left some viewers wondering about the nature of Gus's relationship with Max, the man Tio murdered right in front him. "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan says it's up to viewers to decide, but what's your take? Were Gus and Max friends so close that they were like brothers, hermanos? Were they lovers?
I think the magic of really good television is to allow the audience to draw their own conclusion. Certainly, there is a deep and abiding love between Gus and Max. Was it romantic? I don't know. You've got to make up your own mind to see if it was.
Read more: Bryan Cranston on 'Breaking Bad' Season Finale: 'There Is an Oh... My... GOD Moment'
I know, for me, I'm European. I was born in Copenhagen, raised in Italy. My father's Italian, my mother's black. My father kissed me on the lips my whole life, or cheek to cheek. We held hands. Is that looked at oddly in America? Of course it is. I would think that Gus has those same sensibilities. I would go for the professional aspect of it, to be honest with you, that he really cares about another human being.
Being that this is a guy he took off the street, put through school and trained him to be a chemist, to have his life dream come true, even though it played into what Gus wanted, is more important than whether they were lovers or not. Could they very possibly have been sleeping together? Of course they could have. I mean, James Martinez (the actor who played Max) is a beautiful man. (Laughing) He plays the role so beautifully and seamlessly that it allowed all of those thoughts to happen.
