They root for Walter, Rick and Tyler Durden, for the same reason: They do not have the maturity to understand that these characters are only externally or mechanically "badass", and that their badassry is incredibly destructive to everyone around them - and *not* the "big win" they're presenting it as.
As soon as Walter let a certain character die when he could have save that person, Walter became a full villain. So anyone that roots for Walter after that is insane in my eyes.
Of course, it's almost like a good little trap - it's excellently laid. Who in their right mind does NOT root for Walter - during the course of S1? Like - GO AWAY Hank, you're ruining our escapism!
I am 10 episodes into season 2, Walter isn't a villain just yet but I do think he is an absolutely miserable fuck and Jesse is the purest drug pusher in fiction, even with all the abuse Walter throws his way he is still happy for him going into remission, while he is just pissed off that his kid likes his uncle.
The thing with Walter I feel is that he is s stupid nerd who never got over his superiority inferiority complex phase into adulthood, even after he failed to live up to or commit to his grand expectations in life. Everything that went tits up in season 1 and 2 was literally caused by Walter's stupidity but he blames and gaslights Jesse because he feels he is scum for being a school drop out.
So Walter also shows he is kind of a bad teacher as well if his treatment of his kid and Jesse shows us how he feels about young people is any indication.
From what I recall there's a point in Season 1 where a much more successful former colleague offers to pay for all the treatment and Walt basically tells him to fuck off.
Walter's like the guy who just left the slot machine only for his 'friends' to hop on it and get the jackpot, now he's eternally seething and this cancer situation causes him to spiral.
Walter is one of the most unlikable pathetic characters I've ever seem put to screen. What's really baffling is how the fanbase likes to pretend hes smart. Lmao naw. Hes cant plan for shit and has no patience which is why hell never be as good as gus like he wants to be.
Walter is not badass hes pathetic. Just an old man loving out his fantasy to the detriment of everyone around him. Jesse sucks too. Only likable characters are mike and skyler.
Indeed, Walter pesters *everyone in the world* to give him solutions on a silver platter, and he gets more and more used to behaving this way as the show progresses