‘The Walking Dead’ Retro Recap: ‘Still’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a great many benefits to re-watching our favorite shows. For instance, it allows for us to enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane, wherein we can experience emotions we thought were long gone once again or at the very least be reminded of them. Plus, a second viewing allows for us to pick up on moments and surprises that we might have missed the first time around and it could give us new perspective on the story, courtesy of big moments that happened after a particular episode or because of how the show ended. And in some cases, going back through and watching a beloved show once again, allows for us to find a newfound appreciation for episodes that quite frankly, we didn’t care for the first time around.

It is that latter element that is the focus of today’s Retro Recap because we’ve come to an episode in our re-watch of The Walking Dead, that this writer wasn’t fond of initially. Because, at the time… it really did seem to be a waste of an episode. Mainly because it initially seemed out of place for ‘Still’ to revolve around what appeared to be a downright foolish and dangerous quest. Because when we catch up with Beth and Daryl in this particular tale, they’re lost and drifting without the group and while they’re trying to survive and see another day… Beth declares she is in need of something that takes one off guard. In that, she’s eager for her first alcoholic beverage and at first glance, that does seem quite silly.

After all, this is the end of the freakin’ world and going out and risking life and limb for a drink just seemed immature at the time. But time and perspective and overall life experiences, allow for one to go back and see what this episode was really trying to accomplish and a second viewing, genuinely allows for one to truly appreciate the messages here and the depth of the story. Because at its core, this is a story about the past and how it haunts us, and how hard it is to reconcile it when we’re mired in chaos and pain, with an exploration on living life to the fullest thrown in, and that core message definitely leads to some powerful moments for certain. For instance, Daryl’s admission about the hurt in his heart over ‘letting down’ his friends in a time of need, not only breaks our hearts… but shows us a side of Daryl we’ve never seen before, one that is expanded upon as the episode rolls along.

Since he completely and utterly opens up to Beth and the audience once they get properly sauced, and it was quite incredible to learn how much pain he carries and how much he wants to do good in a world full of ugly and how much his past haunts him. Not to mention, there was beauty to be found in hearing Beth talk about a hopeful future for her and her friends and family and well, it turns out that a quest for a drink wasn’t some stupid foolhardy search. It was to hammer home message number two, by way a genuine attempt to just live a little and enjoy life in the midst of a world ruled by living death and really, all of those elements added newfound perspective and wonder for this viewer… as did the ending of this particular tale. Because having them both confront their pain and resolve it and move on, is an incredible way to engender hope during such a dark period in the show’s history.

If anything, this really was quite the magnificent story when all is said and done, because it made the characters and their development the focus and that’s always a delightful way to tell a story. Plus, the depth present here and the powerful message present within the framework of this journey, is true to what this series stands for. Since the human condition and its glow and its horrors have always permeated the fabric of The Walking Dead, and it is wonderful to finally see that on display and it only adds to the rich tapestry of terror and wonder that is the back half of season four and well, now that this writer has obtained a newfound appreciation for this episode, the time has come to step away from positive messages, and return to the horrors of the land of the dead. Until next time.

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