So many questions! I don’t know about you, but the latest episode of The Walking Dead (The Distance) had me on pins and needles with anticipation that something terrible was about to happen. Maybe I’m just a trained skeptic as a result of watching four and a half seasons of intense drama and heartbreak, but every time something seemingly good appears for “our group,” I get butterflies in my stomach as I wait for the proverbial ball to drop.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not pessimistic; it’s just that the reality of the situation is that “our group” is living in a post apocalyptic world, so genuine good news doesn’t come around very often. As we have witnessed time and time again, when good news does come around, it’s usually wrapped up in a really horrible, psychotic package. Hello? Let us not forgot Woodbury led by the Governor and the cannibals of Terminus led by Gareth?
The modus operandi then has to be proceeding with caution, if at all. That’s why I can’t help but feel the trepidation that Rick had throughout much of the episode; although, by the end he did appear to have a split second change of heart to let his guard down. Let’s hope that he has truly learned from his past mistakes in that regard.
There’s No Place Like Home
Since the first season of The Walking Dead, “our group” has been in a constant search for a place to call home. With the constant additions and subtractions in the group, it’s no wonder that everyone just wants a sense of stability and normalcy. But to what end?
Now, they find themselves about to enter into yet another unknown situation that will undoubtedly change the group forever. And the worst part is that the episode concluded before anyone even set foot behind the gates of Alexandria; leaving us viewers with nothing but speculation on our part as to what “our group” might possibly encounter upon entering this new community.
There’s also something just a wee bit off about Aaron and I for one have a feeling that the writers are withholding a good secret about him. Maybe that’s what Rick and Daryl were picking up on when they first laid eyes on the seemingly friendly recruiter. He also has a tendency to avoid answering questions directly. Remember the exchange between him and Michonne in the back of the car while driving down Route 23? He’s either hiding something terrible or planning something terrible. I personally think Aaron is a pawn for an even bigger threat than “our group” has ever encountered before.
Michonne Steps Up
We’ve all known for quite some time that Michonne is fearless and capable, but as of late, and particularly in the latest episode of The Walking Dead, she has proven to be more. With Rick consumed with paranoia and distrust of anyone outside of “our group,” Michonne stepped up and decidedly made the call that the entire group would join Aaron—and Eric—in their allegedly safe and plentiful community. The tired and hungry group fell in line, ultimately leaving Rick no choice but to agree. Will he regret his decision? Probably. One thing you have to keep in mind about Rick is that while he may be forever changed since Laurie’s death, but his number one concern is always the safety of his family aka “our group.” So, come what may, because he’s ready!
The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00pm EST.