Hank Schrader's wife, Marie, from the hit series Breaking Bad, was known for her love of all things purple. But this wasn't just a random fashion choice. It was a carefully crafted detail by series creator Vince Gilligan, reflecting Marie's personality and journey throughout the show. 

Marie's Purple Reign: A Symbol of Power and Delusion

For most of the series, Marie is seen draped in various shades of purple, from blouses and sweaters to her home decor.

It's so prominent that even Hank acknowledges it, often gifting her purple items. But what does this obsession with purple say about Marie?

Gilligan explained that purple is traditionally associated with royalty, nobility, power, and luxury. Marie, despite her flaws, craved these things. She often put herself on a pedestal, judging others while ignoring her own issues, especially when comparing herself to her sister, Skyler.

Purple Haze: Pride, Wisdom, and Self-Deception

Purple also represents pride, loyalty, and wisdom – traits Marie displayed despite her flaws.  But it's also linked to self-deception and being misled, which is fitting considering how deeply Skyler and Walt lied to her about Walt's meth empire. Marie, blinded by her desire for a perfect life, remained oblivious for a long time.

The Color Wheel of Crime: Decoding Breaking Bad's Hues

Marie's purple wardrobe wasn't just a standalone symbol. It played into a larger color theory throughout Breaking Bad.  Characters associated with the meth trade often wore yellow (Walt, Jesse, Gus).  Purple, being opposite yellow on the color wheel, signified Marie's distance from the meth world, despite ultimately becoming a victim of it.

Other colors also held meaning: green represented envy, money, and greed; red symbolized anger and aggression; and blue represented loyalty. This clever use of color added another layer of depth to the characters and their relationships.

Black and White: Mourning Marie's Loss

Following Hank's tragic death, Marie's world is turned upside down. The vibrant purple disappears from her wardrobe, replaced by stark black and white.

This shift reflects her grief and the loss of her sense of power and nobility. Her world is now devoid of color, reflecting her immense sorrow.

Monochrome Memories: Marie's Return in Better Call Saul

Marie makes a poignant cameo appearance in the Better Call Saul finale, confronting Saul Goodman about his role in Hank's death.  Notably, she's not wearing purple. The scene, framed in stark black and white, visually represents her lingering grief, forever trapped in the shadow of her loss.

Actress Betsy Brandt, who plays Marie, confirmed this conscious choice. In her view, Marie had moved on from her purple obsession. "After she experienced the trauma of losing Hank, she had to let go of a lot of her bull," she said.  The Marie in Better Call Saul is different. She's lost her self-importance and gained a quiet strength, symbolized by the absence of her beloved purple.

The Purple Legacy: More Than Just a Color

Marie's journey through the world of Breaking Bad is a testament to the power of color symbolism.  Her obsession with purple, initially representing her desire for a perfect life, ultimately became a symbol of her grief and transformation. While the vibrant purple may be gone, it left an indelible mark on her character and the show's legacy.