Walter White from 'Breaking Bad' is a masterpiece of stubborn father figures. His transformation from meek chemistry teacher to ruthless drug lord is driven by an unyielding will to provide for his family, even as his methods spiral out of control.
What makes him fascinating is how his stubbornness manifests as both strength and fatal flaw - he refuses cancer treatment initially, rejects help from friends, and stubbornly pursues his criminal empire despite escalating dangers. The writing brilliantly shows how paternal love and toxic masculinity intertwine in his character.
Unlike typical 'gruff dad' tropes, Walter's stubbornness evolves throughout the series, becoming more dangerous yet somehow more understandable as we see his motivations.