It has been more than a year since “Breaking Bad” ended its run on television, but Walter White has now taken up residence on the shelves within Toys “R” Us stores — a decision that prompted a Florida parent to take action against the chain.
Susan Schrivjer of Fort Myers, Florida, says that while “Breaking Bad” — a five-season television series depicting the journey of a high school chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin — is “compelling viewing for adults,” she believes Toys “R” Us’ decision to stock action figures based on the series — complete with weapons and drug-related accessories — is against the store’s “family focused atmosphere.”
“Toys ‘R’ Us is well known around the world for their vast selection of toys for children of all ages,” Schrivjer, wrote on a petition page on Change.org under the name Susan Myers. “However their decision to sell a Breaking Bad doll, complete with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth, alongside children’s toys is a dangerous deviation from their family friendly values.”
The petition, to date, has more than 8,000 supporters.
Toys “R” Us, in a statement to a Florida Fox affiliate, responded to the petition, saying the action figures “are carried in very limited quantities and the product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up.” They added that “items from this TV series are located in the adult action figure area” of the stores.
Actor Bryan Cranston, who portrayed meth cook Walter White in the series, tweeted Monday in reply to the controversy.
"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
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