‘The Walking Dead’ Retro Recap: ‘Alone’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One thing that we can agree upon, is that humans are extremely social creatures. For we crave the comfort of company, so much in fact… that even when we wish to be alone, we sometimes immerse ourselves in places that boast a great deal of people. But why exactly are we so social? Well, it undoubtedly relates back to the fact that our passed down primal instincts, from other humans from ages ago, compel us to be together out of the understanding that there is strength and safety to be found in groups of our fellow man. It just so happens that we’ve figured out how to develop that feeling further, in new and healthy ways. Because these days, we’re not foraging for food or running for our lives from predators that roam the countryside. 

But our deep rooted and unspoken dependence upon one another, does leave one to wonder what would become of modern man if by chance our social structure was upended and/or… outright destroyed and while that seems to be a morbid thought, it has merit. Simply because our lives are based around interactions with other human beings, and well… this is a question that is pertinent enough that The Walking Dead took the time to explore such matters in its next episode, 'Alone'. And what this particular tale uncovered about what isolation stemming from a collapse of modern society could do to a person mentally, was fascinating to say the least. Because it postulated the possibility that we would do whatever it takes to reclaim that sense of collective comfort that others can provide.

A feat this story accomplished, by having us spend a great deal of time with Maggie, and Bob, and Sasha. For they were on the road and trying to figure out their next move and in Maggie’s mind, that involved finding Glenn by way of Terminus. For it promised community and it promised a chance at safety and everything that people need in a time of crisis and after some debate, the kind that was negative on Sasha’s end… Maggie decided to forge ahead without them, regardless of the cost and that led to a fascinating exploration of how much we need one another and why Maggie’s way was the right way after all. Since her push to bring people together in this instance brought about honesty and romantic unity between Sasha and Bob, and it was just wonderful to see the show explore the power and importance of community, and how quickly we might seek it out in a disaster scenario, in such an uplifting and compelling manner.

But while it was fascinating to see that trio explore the finer points of unity and community, this is a series that is always thinking ahead and setting the stage for something larger and that was handled by way of Daryl and Beth’s journey. For they found solid shelter at last, the kind complete with food and a clean place to sleep, and despite their new digs being a funeral home… they found comfort and calm at last… until the dead came knocking. Since a small group of them forced the duo to go on the run and well, that led to some painful moments for Daryl, the kind that set up a great deal for the future. Because Beth was kidnapped by someone in a car in a white cross, whose purpose and identity wouldn’t be revealed until well into season five. Plus, this breakdown of safety, brought Daryl to the Claimers. A move that set the stage for some brutal moments down the line.

However, while we wait to revisit those all-important sequences, we can bask in the wonder of a surprisingly uplifting tale. One that really did hammer home the importance of having people that matter around us and what those people can do for us on a fundamental level. Since the prospect of seeing Glenn again gave Maggie incredible drive, and just knowing he was surrounded by good people gave Bob a level of hope he seemingly hadn’t enjoyed in years and well, once again, the show knows how to time the good vibes. Because now that we’ve reached the end of this uplifting journey, some genuinely dark times are ahead. In fact, what comes next is widely regarded as one of if not THE, darkest episode that TWD ever aired and well, consider that a warning to steel your nerves. Because a moment involving a long look at the flowers... awaits us. Until next time.  

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