‘The Walking Dead’ Retro Recap: ‘Inmates’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One particular challenge that writers and creative minds will encounter when they work to create a television show with an ensemble cast, is giving all of the characters proper screen time. Because obviously, the main characters of the show are the focus, and they deserve their day in the sun. But often times, shows with a bevy of characters, give life to folks that are just as dynamic and engaging as the leads and fans want more of that person and their journey and well, therein lies the challenge. One that a great deal of shows has failed to resolve throughout the years. But one particular show has figured out how to master that age-old problem, and that’s another reason why The Walking Dead became such a hit, and this aspect of the show is top of mind today, because it was put on full display in the next episode.
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For ‘Inmates’ is a story that focuses on a bevy of different characters and actually manages to keep a few out of sight and mind. In fact, we don’t see a glimmer of Rick or Carl or Michonne here, and for that matter, Daryl and Beth pretty much have a cameo in this tale, but an important one, nonetheless. Since their journey allows for the pain and anguish that the audience experienced over ‘Too Far Gone’ to come to the surface and be dealt with so characters and viewers can find resolution and move on and with good reason. Because there were other characters we needed to check in on, and once this segment ended, we were able to catch up with Tyreese and the kids. Including Judith, who we learned survived after all, and their storyline not only brought us some comfort, but also informed us of how good a man Tyreese really is, all while reminding us that Lizzy is not well mentally. Since she damn near went full psycho here.

But since there are so many characters we care about in this story, complete with fates left unresolved at the end of that nightmarish fight at the prison, this episode made a point to check in with as many of them as possible. Since we did get to learn that Maggie, Sasha, and Bob were safe and sound after all. But sadly, Maggie needed some measure of resolution when it came to her one true love, especially after losing her father in a brutal manner. Which motivated her to track down the bus that Glenn was supposed to be on, and she did, only to find that it was filled to the brim with the living dead. Which then motivated her to empty that sucker out and kill every walker within its metal walls to get the answers she so desperately sought, and wouldn’t you know it? She did indeed get some resolution, in that Glenn wasn’t on the bus.

But his true fate, was left for the audience to enjoy. Since we discovered that Glenn Rhee was indeed alive and well. Because at some point he found his way back into the prison and in the process, was knocked unconscious during the assault. But when we catch up with him here, he’s awake and moving about and ready to get the hell out of dodge, but not before meeting up with Tara and learning that she wasn’t like the rest of the Governor’s crew and could in fact… be a genuine ally. Which brought forth some kind words from Glenn, the kind that did indeed get her on his side, and that allowed for us to learn the fate of Lily and for Glenn to learn about Hershel’s and well, while it was wonderful to know that Glenn was okay and, on the move, again, his return here was grossly overshadowed by an important arrival. Since the final moments of this episode introduced us to Rosita and Eugene and Sergeant Abraham Ford.

Giving us the first on-screen appearance of a trio of characters that would have a huge impact on the rest of the series, much like they did in the comics. But before we worry about their journey, it is best we give this one a round of applause. Since it flawlessly caught up with the other characters and informed us that everyone is okay at the moment, and it also set the stage for some big moments down the line that extend beyond Abraham and Eugene’s little secret. Since Lizzy’s behavior here truly lays down the foundation for one of the darkest episodes the series ever aired and of course… the mysterious Terminus is mentioned here for the first time and that too, would lead to some epic moments for certain and well… the only way to properly celebrate these moments, is to continue the dark journey that awaits us… post haste. Until next time.

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