Few television shows have seen the kind of success that AMC’s Breaking Bad experienced over the last few years. The rise and fall of teacher turned crystal meth kingpin Walter White became nothing short of cultural phenomenon across the country. It became so popular in fact, someone decided to make Breaking Bad action figures.
There’s certainly enough adult collectors and fans to pick up a Walter White or a Jesse to liven up an office or two but did Toys ‘R Us need to carry the items? A Florida mom says NO! It probably didn’t help that the toys came with bags of play crystal meth!
Some Breaking Bad action figures complete with bags of meth
Susan Schrivjer, a Fort Myers mom, started a petition in early October to have Breaking Bad action figures off the shelves from Toys R Us. The petition is off to a quick start with more than 2,000 signatures.
“Toys R Us is well known around the world for their vast selection of toys for children of all ages,” she wrote. “However their decision to sell a Breaking Bad doll, complete with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth, alongside children’s toys is a dangerous deviation from their family friendly values.”
In general kids are overprotected from adult situations in television and movies, but they can handle a lot more than people think. In this instance though, it’s not so much kids can’t handle of the concept of a drug dealer toy, but is it really a good idea from the Toys ‘R Us standpoint?
During an interview by the store in question in Florida, bystander Monica Tessmer hit it right on the head,
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“While I support free enterprise and there may be a market for these figures, this is a children’s toy store. It shouldn’t even be a question that this is inappropriate. Not a smart move Toys R Us.”
Needless to more parents than not are outraged about the Breaking Bad toys being on the shelves. One commenter wrote:
“It’s sick that a company would design kid’s toys that glorify the making of meth. It’s just as sick to sell them,” wrote Jaime Keasler.
Toys R Us responded to the local TV station, “The products you reference are carried in very limited quantities and the product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up. Items from this TV series are located in the adult action figure area of our stores.”
Walther White himself Bryan Cranston has had the last laugh though so far as he tweeted this response:
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“Florida mom petitions against Toys ‘R Us over Breaking Bad action figures.” I’m so mad, I’m burning my Florida Mom action figure in protest
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) October 20, 2014
Ok Toys ‘R Us, they are designed for adults so don’t carry them in your children’s store. With everything else going on the world has bigger problems. As of Monday evening, the Breaking Bad action figure collection did not turn up in a search of the Toys “R” Us website.
