I think a lot of people believe we are all either wolves or sheep. Sheep buy into the rules of society and count on a group defense. Wolves take what they want when they want it. And … there are no other choices BUT wolves or sheep, no middle way, so they figure it’s better to be a wolf.
Tony saw himself as a businessman and basically a good guy who sometimes had to make difficult decisions because of the nature of his trade. If someone got in trouble because of their gambling debts, that was their problem because of their own moral failings. If he had to whack another Mafia member, that was OK because they were all soldiers. He avoided whacking “civilians” (although that was partly because it would bring unwanted attention. And of course, if you were an informant all bets were off).
Walt of course sees himself as a good guy who is only in drugs because it’s the best way to provide for his family. Like Tony, he’s a businessman who does what he does out of necessity.
I think when a character is framed as the bad guy, it’s easier to disassociate yourself from him. Kind of like how we can drive pass a car that’s been pulled over by a police officer and thirty seconds later be speeding on the expressway. We can tell ourselves that it’s okay when we do it because we’re otherwise law-abiding. That other guy was probably drunk or driving without a license, etc.
Well I guess they resent the outcome TV and movies, since “the good guys always win”.
Maybe they take notes…
“95. When cleaning fingerprints, ensure to wipe with a wet wipes to remove DNA too !”
Perhaps Italian Job is their favourite… (because the villains win? Or something)
But I guess they really like the scenes when they get to see the dasturdly work being done…
"Cool work… I’d spend longer doing that… "