Breaking Bad: The Uncanny Parallels between Francesca and Hermione Granger

When we think of the character Francesca Liddy from the hit TV shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, certain traits and actions immediately come to mind. Her transformation from a loyal and hardworking assistant to a willing participant in Saul Goodman's unethical practices is both intriguing and disconcerting. It raises questions about the complex nature of her character and her motivations. Similarly, when we think of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, we see a young woman who starts off as a bookish know-it-all but evolves into a brave and resourceful ally. Surprisingly, there are some uncanny parallels between Francesca and Hermione that make for an interesting comparison.First and foremost, both Francesca and Hermione are portrayed as intelligent and capable women. Francesca's skills as a secretary are highly valued by both Jimmy (Saul Goodman) and Kim, and Hermione's vast knowledge and quick thinking are invaluable to Harry and Ron throughout their adventures. Both characters have a strong work ethic and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals. Francesca's involvement in Saul's illegal activities and Hermione's dedication to fighting against Lord Voldemort highlight their determination and loyalty.However, as the stories progress, both Francesca and Hermione become more entangled in the darker aspects of the worlds they inhabit. Francesca's initial dislike for Saul and her reluctance to participate in his shady practices eventually give way to her playing an active role in his criminal activities. Similarly, Hermione's initially rule-abiding nature becomes more flexible as she resorts to breaking rules and bending laws to help her friends and fight Voldemort. Both characters blur the lines between right and wrong as they become more deeply involved in their respective worlds.Additionally, both Francesca and Hermione possess a certain level of cunning and resourcefulness. Francesca's ability to impersonate a police officer and manipulate others to achieve her goals is reminiscent of Hermione's cleverness and ability to think on her feet. They both possess a knack for problem-solving and are not afraid to use their intelligence to their advantage, even in ethically questionable situations.Furthermore, both Francesca and Hermione experience a transformation in their relationships with the central characters of their respective stories. Francesca, despite her involvement in Saul's criminal activities, does not sympathize with him when his career comes to an end and hangs up on him without saying a proper goodbye. Similarly, Hermione, in the later books of the Harry Potter series, becomes more independent and assertive, sometimes disagreeing with Harry and Ron's decisions. This highlights their development as individual characters and their ability to distance themselves from those they once considered close allies.In conclusion, the parallels between Francesca and Hermione are fascinating to explore. Both characters start off as loyal assistants but become increasingly involved in their respective worlds' dark underbellies. Their intelligence, determination, and resourcefulness make them formidable characters, and their transformations highlight their complexity. Francesca's journey in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and Hermione's evolution in the Harry Potter series offer intriguing insights into the ethical dilemmas faced by characters who navigate morally ambiguous situations. Ultimately, these characters serve as reminders of the gray areas of our own lives and the choices we make when confronted with difficult circumstances.