Toys ‘R’ Us Creates Controversy By Carrying ‘Breaking Bad’ Toys

Breaking Bad is one of the most successful and popular television shows in the history of TV, but the subject matter is not necessarily aimed at children.  Nevertheless, Toys “R” Us has begun carrying toys of the popular show, drawing the ire of parents, and one mother in particular.

Susan Schrivjer, a mother in Ft. Myers, Florda, has created a petition to have the Breaking Bad toys removed from Toys “R” Us stores.  As of Monday this week, the petition has generated over 2,000 e-signatures.

In the petition, Schrivjer, writing as “Susan Myers,” says “Toys R Us is well known around the world for their vast selection of toys for children of all ages; 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.”

In a television interview with a CNN affiliate, Schrivjner expanded on her disdain for the Toys “R” Us decision, claiming “Kids mimic their action figures, if you will… Do you want your child in an orange jumpsuit?”  Several people who signed the petition also voiced their displeasure, calling the decision “sick.”

In a response to the petition from Schrivjer, Toys “R” Us stated “The products you reference are carried in very limited quantities and the product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up. Items from this TV series are located in the adult action figure area of our stores.”

Bryan Cranston also made a joke of the petition on twitter, claiming he is going to “burn his Flordia mom action figures in protest.”

The Breaking Bad action figures in Toys “R” Us include Cranston’s Walter White, Aaron Paul’s character Jesse Pinkman, as well as Walter’s alter-ego, Heisenberg, who grew into a maniacal drug lord as the TV series evolved over the years.

[photo credit: InstantColor via photopin cc]