I’m speechless…yet again! Last night’s episode of The Walking Dead was yet another mind-blowing display of exceptional writing delivered by excellent acting performances. Not only did Rick finally blow his top—which was quite a train wreck to watch—but we also saw the aftermath of last week’s deaths; all on The Walking Dead: Try. Spoiler alert!
Deanna and Family Mourn Aaron’s Death
Although both Aaron and Noah lost their lives last week, obviously Aaron’s death meant more to Deanna as he was her son. And while it was particularly captivating to watch as Deanna and her family sat together listening to a song that I can only assume was one of Aaron’s favorites—or at the very least reminded them of Aaron—it was also apparent that Deanna was becoming increasingly angrier presumably over the question of the surrounding circumstances in which Aaron died.
My assumption was then validated when Deanna ignored a casserole left on her porch for her and her family and then proceeded to burn the accompanying note of condolences. She knew who left the note and wasn’t particularly touched by the sentiment. This was the first real indication that she held members of “our group” responsible for her son’s untimely death.
Of course by the time Rick actually approached her with his condolences, it may have been too late; her mind may have already been made up about “our group.” Nevertheless, he couldn’t see it, or cared not to indulge her, as he was more concerned about protecting the object of his affection: Jessie. Little did we viewers know that this was only the tip of the iceberg; at least I certainly couldn’t have predicted what would ensue next.
The Return of Crazy Rick
For several weeks now, we have watched with speculation as Rick has grown increasingly jealous and homicidal towards Jessie’s husband, Pete. Now, last week I was concerned over why exactly Carol was so vested in Rick taking out Pete and now we all know why. It’s hard to remember that when we first met Carol she was the dutiful housewife to a batterer. You see, it was because of her own past experience that was precisely why she wanted Rick to kill Pete. She wanted to protect Jessie because she felt kindred to her and her experience as an abused woman. Her intentions were noble; although in hindsight, maybe Carol should have taken matters into her own hands after seeing how things went down between Rick and Pete by the end of the episode.
Speaking of that fight between Pete and Rick; to say that Pete was always so friendly towards Rick up until now, he sure did turn that like into hate rather quickly. I actually had flashbacks to some of the more gruesome altercations between Rick and the likes of The Governor during their brawl. It was intense, right?
While on the one hand Rick was completely justified in that he was defending himself against an aggressor, on the other hand you can’t ignore the fact that Rick came to that house looking for trouble; and boy did he find it. Unfortunately for him, it also cost him the last of his fragile sanity; which then led to a psychotic episode in front of the entire community of Alexandria. And though I didn’t like how Michonne handled things with Rick, clearly he was a serious threat to everyone…waiving that gun around and all.
The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00pm EST/8:00pm CST.