‘The Walking Dead’ Retro Recap: ‘Nebraska’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say, that our modern world affords us some measure of luxury when we experience the loss of a loved one. Because we are surrounded by family and friends when that happens, allowing for us to receive the support and care we need when the pain of losing that important person reaches a crescendo. And if by chance we don’t have that kind of support network, we can reach out to a medical professional and receive the care we need so we can resolve our pain and move forward in life and this particular support system works so well… that you rarely hear about people being permanently impacted by the negative mental state that grief can sometimes bring forth. Which is wonderful to say the least.
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But while it is nice to know that we will likely have people to call when that dark day in our lives arrives, it doesn’t stop our brains from worrying over the possibility that we might not get the support we need. Which is a downright terrifying worry, since we’ve all seen or will see how low people can get when the pain takes hold and the thought of struggling with that fight on our own is scary for certain, and well, it just so happens that fiction, specifically horror, has no qualms with exploring that chilling realm of possibility. Because the horrifically impossible is where the genre thrives, and it just so happens that the next episode of The Walking Dead takes the time to examine how people would respond if by chance the support network we enjoy now wasn’t present and it turns out… it would likely be both messy and beautiful.

For ‘Nebraska’ picks up mere moments after the massacre at the barn and well… there’s a lot of emotional and psychological fallout that accompanies that horrendous moment. The kind that quite frankly, devastates Beth. To the point where she becomes catatonic in nature over the realization that world has indeed come to an end, and that there is little hope for the survival of humanity at the hands of the living dead and well… that’s a logical outcome. Because how does one process and rationalize the confusing emotional rollercoaster she’s been through without professional help? And the dark side of this examination doesn’t end there. Because this story also took the time to point out that trying to forge ahead and push people through their pain likely wouldn’t fly at the end of the world either, as evidenced by how quickly the group soured on Shane for the insensitivity of his actions. Even though some understood what he was trying to do. 

But there was mention of beauty to be found in this tale and that came about when the story posed the theory that the end of the world wouldn’t bring about a complete collapse of the system we enjoy now. As evidenced by the fact that several people in the group, even Shane… did their best to try and support Carol as she grieved the loss of her daughter, giving her some semblance of the support system that was once was, despite the fact those who propped her up were also struggling. Plus, seeing Rick drive into town and talk Hershel down from drinking himself into an angry, grief filled stupor… spoke volumes to how the best parts of the human condition endures regardless of the circumstances and there was something quite hopeful and powerful about seeing genuine support and care pop up amid all this mess. It is just a shame that we couldn’t savor it in this particular tale.

Since the closing moments of this episode gave life to a new kind of villain in this story, one that is ten times more frightening than the living dead. Specifically, man. Since a pair of drifters tried to grift and punish Rick and Glenn and Hershel for not sharing the location of the farm or their supplies and well, it’s obvious that the next episode will undoubtedly bring forth more confrontation with desperate human beings. But while we wait to see where that adventure takes us, we can bask in the majesty of one powerful tale. One that basically inferred that new support strategies would need to be implemented at the end of the world for those who cannot handle the carnage and well, that’s just another reason to continue to love this dynamic series. Because that’s the kind of stuff that no other zombie story has taken the time to explore, and it will be quite interesting to see what other unique explorations await us as we inch toward the end of season two. Until next time.  

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