'Breaking Bad' Online News 2014: Toys Based on Show Cause A Stir Among Parents
A Florida woman raised concern recently over the hottest new item on Toys R Us shelves: action figures based on characters from hit-TV series "Breaking Bad." Susan Schrivjer, a concerned mother, voiced her opinion on NBC's "Today" show that the anti-heroes of the show are not suitable for children.
"I was very shocked and appalled," Schrivjer told the morning news program. "Anything to do with drugs is not doing the right thing. I just think they need to look at their vision and values, as they call them."
The two figurines are scaled-down versions of Bryan Cranston's Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul. White's doll is packaged with a gun, duffel bag stuffed with cash and small baggie of fake crystal meth. The Pinkman action figure includes an accessory as well, a rubber gas mask.
Schrivjer began an online petition demanding the toy retail giant pull the products from its stores. Within one week, the petition listed more than 1,000 signatures. It now boasts more than 2,000 names.
"The show centers on the story of a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin in order to make ends meet," Schrivjer states on her petition. "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."
Toys R US responded by releasing a statement, saying that the product packaging labels show the "items are intended for ages 15 and up" and are placed in "the adult action figure area of our stores." It did not appear the chain was considering pulling the toys from its website or retailers.
Guardian writer Luke Holland joked that there are no signs of an "easy bake meth oven" or "tiny barrels of hydrofluoric acid with rubbery dissolving corpses inside" to go along with the "Breaking Bad" figurines.
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