Skip to main content

Does a new playset allowing children to construct the meth lab from the cable series Breaking Bad push ethical boundaries too far?

Kids can now build their own little drug dens with a new kit called "SuperLab Playset," which is inspired by the gritty AMC drama.

Already sold out, the set allows klds to recreate a crystal meth manufacturing lab right down to the most minute detail. The SuperLab kit comes complete with drug paraphernalia and protective masks for the tiny figurines, one of whom is a dead ringer for central Bad character Walter White.

In fact, SuperLab looks virtually identical to a classic Lego playset, but it isn't. The Lego Group refused to sanction the spinoff kit, citing its "adult content." Instead, the kit is being distributed online by a Dutch company called Citizen Brick.

No question the set is intended for adult collectors and not kids, though you wouldn't know it from the promotional copy on the Citizen Brick website, which reads, "Who knows what fun you'll cook up with this deluxe set, chock full of realistic details and three exclusive minifigs! Over 500 parts!"

Currently winding down its fifth and final season, Breaking Bad stars Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston as Walter White, an Arizona chemistry teacher who starts making methamphetamine in order to provide for his family after he's diagnosed with cancer.

Since being made available to consumers last week, the unauthorized Breaking Bad playset has generated a steady volume of feedback on Twitter, most of it negative.

"Definitely not for kiddies!" tweeted Jacques Gonzales. "Made for children raised by parents who should know better," said Jeff Myers.

But should young children ever be exposed to topics like meth and drug addiction in the first place?

Many people are still steamed over the creation of the recent YouTube parody video called Breaking Bad Jr., in which an enterprising middle-schooler attempts to get rich by making and manufacturing jelly beans instead of meth.

Parents, teach your children.

Interact with The Globe