While other characters take center stage in both Breaking Bad and its predecessor Better Call Saul, Gustavo “Gus” Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) plays a pivotal role in both shows. He is the owner of the successful Los Pollos Hermanos chain of fried chicken restaurants. He transports cocaine from Mexico to the United States while working undercover for the cartel. Later in Breaking Bad, he kills his Mexican cartel bosses, ostensibly to avenge the death of his comrade Max Arciniega (James Martinez). There were rumors that Gus and Max had a love affair. What you need to know about it is listed below. spoilers to follow.
Gus Fring is he gay?
Ever since the airing of Breaking Bad’s Hermanos (Season 4, Episode 8), fans have been curious about Gus’ sexuality. In the 1980s, after they began giving away free samples of the pure meth Max made to cartel members, Gus and Max encountered Don Eladio, the cartel’s leader, in the book. Gus thought of this strategy because he thought it would be the easiest way to get Eladio’s attention. Although not in the desired way, their antics did catch Eladio’s attention. He was angry with them for selling within his jurisdiction without his consent. While trying to defend Gu’s behavior, Max gave the order to Hector Salamanca to kill Max. Eladio then informs Juan Bolsa that Gus was only alive because of his past in Chile, as Juan Bolsa continues to hold Gus.
Both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” make it increasingly clear how Max’s death has shaped Gus’ behavior ever since. Max came from the Chilean slums of Santiago. Eventually he met Gus. Max’s chemistry studies at the Universidad of Santiago de Chile were also financed by the latter. Together they created Los Pollos Hermanos. Gus is often unflappable and stoic. Still, his absolute fear, pain, and vulnerability after Max’s death spoke volumes about their bond.
But like most things in this make-believe world, these references to Gus and Max’s friendship were understated by Season 6 Episode 9, “Fun and Games.” Gus visits a restaurant after seeing Eladio, Bolsa, and Hector and escaping Hector’s accusations that he killed Lalo. There he quickly notices the sommelier David (Reed Diamond). The familiarity of the two men quickly becomes apparent. Surprisingly lively, their conversation revolves around wine and European travel. There is enough evidence in the scene to convince the viewer that Gus is not acting kindly and cordially towards his cartel subordinates or associates in this situation. Really happy to be here and chatting with David about wine and travel.
This is probably the last confirmation of Gus’ sexuality we’ll hear as Better Call draws to a close. While it may not be much, it is sufficient. Both the end of the scene and its sparseness suit the character beautifully. David almost accepts Gus’ invitation to share a $5,000 bottle of wine with him, but Gus quickly remembers who he is. The evil crime boss reappears in Gus while David has gone to get a bottle of Guigal to show him, dashed all hopes. Gus then turns and walks away, realizing once again who he has become.