Throughout the entire run of The Walking Dead thus far, we’ve been conditioned to think that threats to our survivors were destined to come from an outside source. We wanted them to discover a place where they could protect themselves from the nightmarish reality that surrounded them. Now that they finally have that sanctuary, the growing threat from within their ranks is taking this season into a different direction. Though that direction potentially has less zombie invasions, it gives us a chance to really dig into the surviving characters. Courage in the face of outside circumstances is one thing, but courage in the face of paranoia and dissension from within the ranks is something else entirely.
“We’re On the Same Side, Man.”
Last week’s episode closed with the disturbing revelation that one of the survivors had murdered two potential hosts for the lethal superflu. One of these dearly departed happened to be Tyreese’s main squeeze, which meant he was pretty hell bent on finding out who was responsible. By “pretty hell bent” I of course mean that Rick’s attempts to placate him were met by repeated blows to Rick’s pretty face.
This scene brutally captures what our survivors are up against. When we first meet Tyreese, he appears to have his emotions under control—let’s not forget how peacefully he reacted when Rick decided to send his small group to the hills. Turns out, when Tyreese falls for someone and that someone is murdered and subsequently incinerated, he’s anything but in control of his emotions. Tyreese’s violent outburst towards Rick unleashes an equally violent retaliation, giving Rick an opportunity to unleash a few demons of his own. Though this could be just a couple of dudes letting off steam, it paints a pretty strong picture of how internal conflict could potentially turn the group against each other.
“We Could Be Facing An Outbreak.”
At this point, anyone with a sniffle has been put under quarantine. Once Sasha realizes that she too has been overcome with fits of coughing, she becomes our eyes for the fresh hell that awaits those unlucky enough to be rounded up. As Sasha shambles through the quarantine area, people are coughing up blood and shuddering in corners. Oh, and there are also cells that house those who have died and returned as walkers. Fear is rampant through this scene as folks under quarantine are operating under the assumption that they’ll either die from the superflu or die from a risen comrade.
The group has also taken the precaution of keeping the children in a separate area, as they’re most likely at-risk for infection. Carl takes the responsibility of protecting the other kids while they’re separated, and it’s definitely given him a chance to show how he’s come a long way from that little boy who wouldn’t just stay in the damn house.
Things are starting to look pretty hopeless until Hershel hatches a plan to raid a veterinary college for medical supplies. At this point, if he can control the symptoms that are killing people, they might have a chance at prolonging the lives of the sick. It’s risky, but given the fact that the infection has spread to some major cast members like Glenn and Beth, we’re hoping for a breakthrough.
The superflu storyarc has really put Hershel at the forefront of the action. With Dr. S. already infected and Bob the Medic headed out on the supply run, he’s become the primary caretaker among the sick—even though it puts himself at risk.
“We Don’t Get to Be Upset. We All Have Jobs To Do.”
While Rick is searching for the murderer and Hershel is maintaining the quarantined survivors, Daryl, Michonne, Bob, and Tyreese set out for the veterinary college. It’s a long drive, and since these supply runs don’t have great track records, we know this is where the zombie action is going to drop.
And drop it does.
While distracted by a possible radio communication, Daryl runs over a few walkers only to see that a gajillion zombies stand between them and their destination. As the herd closes in, they’re forced to ditch the car and book into the wilderness. The most memorable zombie killing happens as Daryl attempts to back their Dodge Charger through a group of walkers only to get the car high centered on a pile of their corpses. The rear tires grind through rotten flesh, spraying blood and black stuff all over the place.
Tyreese once again lets his rage demons free, engaging the whole herd while the other three take off into the woods. As Tyreese has recently suffered a crippling emotional loss, it looks as if he’s planning on going down in a blaze of zombie guts and glory—either way, his friends get away.
According to Daryl, the veterinary college is about fifty miles from the prison. I predict that this away team will be out in the woods for a while before they actually accomplish their mission—which means I don’t give Bob the Medic very good odds of survival. Every away team has its redshirt.
Verdict
This episode definitely feels like it was designed to set up some deeper plot conflicts for later on. Rick’s investigation into the murder revealed a surprising and somewhat tragic suspect—I’m not saying who, though. Other than that bomb drop, the episode was heavy on exposition and the development of Tyreese’s character, but fairly light on the zombie terror. I’m hoping that the series continues to focus on the potential deterioration of the group from within. They’ve demonstrated that they can rally against an outside enemy, but can they hold together when they’re essentially fighting amongst themselves?