Toys R Us sets bad precedence with "Breaking Bad" figure removal #BreakingBad #ToysRUs
I’ve neglected to discuss the idiocy of this “Breaking Bad” action figure debacle.
For those of you who don’t know, a Florida (yes, Florida again) mother Susan Schrivjer going by the name of Susan Myers was stunned, shocked, appalled that Toys R Us was carrying Mezco’s 7″ “Breaking Bad” line — based on the AMC show about a high school teacher who becomes a meth dealer — and went to change.org to demand Toys R Us immediately remove the “offensive” figures saying the figures are a “dangerous deviation from their family friendly values.”
“While the show may be compelling viewing for adults, its violent content and celebration of the drug trade make this collection unsuitable to be sold alongside Barbie dolls and Disney characters,” Myers wrote.
TRU buckled and responded by pulling the figures from its store shelves and website. But last time I went by TRU though, I didn’t recall seeing Walter White and Jesse on the pegs next to Barbie and Mickey Mouse.
In stumbling around to seeing the “Breaking Bad” figures, Myers must have somehow missed this…
The collectible bank from the show about the flesh-eating zombies and human murderers is still available on the website if you’re so interested. A
s are these figures from “Game of Thrones,” a show that covers incest, rape, orgies and assassinations practically every episode.
Maybe Myers needs to watch more TV so she can really get her crusading cape on? But she doesn’t need to limit her attention to TV show figures as little Becky and Johnny could easily be corrupted by seeing “Grand Theft Auto 5” displayed in the video game aisle! (gasp)
This of course sets a dangerous precedence for any moronic crusader who doesn’t think a store should carry a certain product. What if someone decided Barbie should be removed from Toys R Us because it sets up an unrealistic portrayal of the perfect life for young girls? Or the skinhead group that doesn’t want to see a Falcon action figure on the shelves as it goes against the core of their beliefs? It’s too easy for more groups to be emboldened by TRU’s willingness to cave in to one focus group and demand the same treatment.
Daniel Pickett, a California-based collector, decided to counter Myers’ petition with one of his own calling for TRU to keep adult collectible figures in the stores. While Myers’ petition has reached over 8,000 signatures, Pickett’s effort has collected over 12,000 and has attracted the attention of “Breaking Bad” co-star Aaron Paul, who signed and tweeted the effort to his followers gaining the attention of the big guy himself:
“@BarackObama: Wait, are you serious about the whole @ToysRUs thing?!?” Yes I am Mr. President. Yes I am.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 23, 2014
And what about all of the violent video games you sell @ToysRUs ? Do you still sell those? Florida mom really messed it up for everyone.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 23, 2014
Star Bryan Cranston shared his own response on Twitter:
"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
If you’d like to sign Pickett’s petition, here’s the link. And if you’re still in the market for “Breaking Bad” figures, you can get them here.
Walter White (yellow hazmat suit): Order Breaking Bad Walter White Hazmat Suit 6-Inch Action Figure from Entertainment Earth!
Walter White as Heisenberg: Order Breaking Bad Walt as Heisenberg 6-Inch Action Figure from Entertainment Earth!
Walter White (green hazmat suit): Order Breaking Bad Walter White Hazmat Suit Action Figure from Entertainment Earth!
Jesse Pinkman: Order Breaking Bad Jesse Pinkman 6-Inch Action Figure from Entertainment Earth!
Jesse Pinkman (orange hazmat suit): Order Breaking Bad Jesse Pinkman Orange Hazmat Figure EE Exclusive from Entertainment Earth!
Gus Fring: Order Breaking Bad Gus Fring 6-Inch Action Figure from Entertainment Earth!
well this may help better call saul? im not for or against this. I understand the mom’s gripe as well BB is iconic, anywho like you mentioned its more on TRU. either take a stand on ALL of the violence and M rated themes or dont. The reason why im split.. i have seen stories and I believe some companies have agendas with the crap they are selling ( maybe this where I agree with that DC character the ?) But im not hating on you collection folk. I think TRU should start a segment for this open up a comics/collection/video game chain. I mean they left enough vacant buildings from their trim down. Im sure they could do it. I may name my wreslter TRU ( old master P group name as well lol) The corporate shill to take you down. ( please dont ban me bro lol)
My biggest gripe with this lady’s complaint is that TRU puts the more mature figures/collectibles on the back end of the aisle as far away from the Barbies as possible and at least 2-3 aisles away from the more kiddie boy’s toys.
No other shopper should be inconvenienced because she’s letting her kids run around the store. And honestly, as a little kid the “Breaking Bad” figures would be sooooo boring I’d never look twice at them!
Maybe she should be more concerned by all the toy guns and action figures that are actually targeted TOWARD children that promote violence without any kind of moral story.
And, like you said, kids don’t watch BB and they would be like “oh wow a figure of a guy in a weird hat…lame!” and go run and grab the nearest HALO figure.
Exactly and it’s such a lame crusade and laughable that the opposition to this ban has now quadrupled the supporters for it.