‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: ‘Splinter’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1020 of ‘The Walking Dead’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, the iconic horror series The Walking Dead, has done a phenomenal job of not only honoring the zombie sub-genre’s legacy of examining our modern world through the lens of social commentary, but it has also managed to take said commentary to a whole new level. For the past three extended season ten episodes from this series, have dug deep into some incredibly heavy concepts. Since we’ve been privy to tales that revolve around the need for us to confront the darkest parts our past, how sometimes isolation and like-minded individuals can help us to heal from traumatic events in our lives and of course, the show has also pondered upon the nature of faith and how we reclaim it when it slips from our fingertips. 
 
Which has allowed for some phenomenal storytelling to take place, the kind that has moved us and wowed us every single step of the way. Since it has helped an already talented to cast to shine on screen and it really has a struck a nerve with the audience, since these stories have tackled topics and situations that each and every one of us have dealt with or will deal with at some point in our lives. If anything, this sudden push to really examine how people respond emotionally and mentally after a harrowing crisis, is starting to make it seem as though these explorations are likely going to tie into the final season in some fashion. Especially when one considers the fact that this week’s tale, once again dove into some of our collective struggles, whilst also setting the stage for events to come in season eleven. All by taking the time to examine how trauma can impact our minds long-term, and motivate us to not trust other people.
 
A feat that ‘Splinter’ was able to accomplish, in the sneakiest and smoothest way imaginable. Because early on, it truly seemed as though this particular tale was going to be designed to teach the audience a great deal about the armored associates that Eugene, Princess and Yumiko and Ezekiel encountered in ‘A Certain Doom’, since this episode picked up shortly after that ambush. Wherein this hopeful group was quickly ushered into rail cars (the kind that brought forth some season five, cannibal vibes), and to hammer home the possibility that we were going to be learning a great deal about these aggressive soldiers; Princess was forced to listen, as her friends were taken one by one, for interrogation by these individuals. Meaning it was only a matter of time before she and in turn, the audience, would be able to see these folks in an up close and personal manner and well, what we were able to learn about these guys, when that moment arrived... was fascinating for certain.
 
Because her interrogation was grounded in utter fear. Because not only did these individuals take the time to subject her to an incredibly uncomfortable bite inspection, but once that indignity came to a close, she had to deal with an intense and fearful interrogation. One that was grounded in questions revolving around why she came to this place and how she even knew about this location. Alongside odd questions revolving around the names of her new friends and how long she’d known them. All of which gave off a vibe akin to a desperate search to root out an enemy that would use guile to try and harm this armed organization and well, while it was indeed fascinating to see a group exhibit such fear over a handful of strangers, any deeper dive into the why behind that, was put to the wayside.

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​For there was mention of the fact that this episode dug deep into some of the long-term effects of trauma and its impact upon our ability to trust others and once Princess was returned to her rail car, that exploration got underway. Because we quickly came to learn that Princess has endured a hell of a lot of abuse and trauma, the kind that has taught her to work a situation out in her mind by way of fantasy situations and imaginary friends. To the point where she experienced auditory and visual hallucinations of her new friends, the kind that helped to reinforce the negative thoughts that her pain has brought her throughout the years. In that, she thinks she is dumb, and that she’s worthless and she simply is in incapable of contributing anything positive to any situation. And that trusting these new friends, would only end in heartbreak for her and playing ball would only make her look weak, and that it was better for her to just move along, on her own, and avoid the potential of being hurt.
 
Which really did make for some powerful moments for certain, the kind that really did hammer home the episode's theme, whilst helping us to understand Princess’ plight and feel some measure of sadness for her, since it quickly became obvious that she was badly hurting from her past and was stuck on a path where fear and doubt reigned supreme. But rather than simply stew in that and leave us with the darkest and bleakest episode of this extended season to date, eventually Princess came to realize that this path was no longer sustainable and that her actions could in fact bring harm to her new friends. So, she returned to her rail car, and eventually opened up to her captors in order to engender trust and to understand for the first time in a long time, what trust and a sense of belonging actually feels like. But while that makes it seem as though this episode ends with warm fuzzies thanks to her epiphany; this is The Walking Dead we are talking about here. 
 
For in the closing moments of this tale, it was revealed that these soldiers have Eugene and Ezekiel and Yumiko in a position to potentially be executed and Princess might join them and well, that’s where we leave this tale, with dark clouds hanging over their fate. Which of course, genuinely brings forth a bevy of questions. Because we simply don’t know if this particularly mysterious and fearful group are friend or foe, and if they actually told our intrepid friends the truth, in regard to what their organization stands for. Which means that sadly, we will likely have to wait until the actual start of season eleven to learn more about this group and what will become of Eugene and Yumiko and Ezekiel and Princess. But while we do that, with bated breath no doubt, we can in fact… revel in what turned out to be one incredibly powerful and moving tale. 
 
One that held nothing back in regard to what the long-term effects of trauma can do to the human mind, and how it genuinely keeps us from making connections with our fellow man, and how much it tears us down and well… once again the series deserves serious credit for exploring parts of the human condition that we honestly don’t talk about enough. But we would be foolish to not make mention of the fact, that the only way this kind of examination works, is by way of some quality acting and that was present here too. For Khary Payton and Paola Lázaro offer up some amazing performances here, since Payton’s imaginary Ezekiel was fierce and frightening. But truly, it is Miss Lázaro that steals the show, since she offered up an acting clinic in this tale, one that truly sold the subject the matter and well, now that this particularly harrowing and stunning chapter has come to a close, it’s back to the waiting game… as we sit tight and count down the minutes until next week’s episode, to see what other fascinating examinations of the human condition The Walking Dead is going to send our way. Until next time.

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