‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ Recap – ‘Madman Across the Water’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.

​Of all the emotions we express and carry, there is only one that we truly lament and that would be; fear. Because that particular emotion is one that tends to create a great many problems for each and every one of us. After all, this is a feeling that keeps us from living life to the fullest from time to time. For it can motivate us to not ask out the person that we truly believe might be the one for us, out of a fear that we aren’t good enough. Or it can keep us from applying for a job we know we would love, simply because we fear we aren’t qualified for the gig, and the regret we feel from letting it take hold, if only for a moment; is why we despise fear through and through. Because we know we are better than it and that we shouldn’t listen to it. 
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But while it is easy to hate fear and wish for its absence, this is an emotion that quite frankly, gets a bad rap. For the fact of the matter is… fear is something that can actually be quite useful and healthy. For it can keep us out of ugly and dangerous situations when it takes hold, and it can be used as a learning tool as well, since it teaches us to not do stupid or silly things ever again. But perhaps the most important positive aspect when it comes to fear, is the sheer fact that it can actually push us to be better people and to grow, since its paralyzing power motivates us to overcome it. And all of this is relevant to today’s discussion… simply because fear, and all the good and that bad that comes with it, was put on full display during this week’s episode of The Walking Dead: World Beyond.

For ‘Madman Across the River’ saw this rag tag group of Campus Colony survivors, arrive at an important point in their journey; the Mississippi River. A waypoint that Felix believed would be the point of no return for their voyage and that motivated him to push harder to turn this group around, which was no easy task. Because despite all of the bridges being destroyed by the U.S. Military during Operation: Cobalt, the group was fired up that they made it this far, and that prompted them to continue to make miracles happen by building a boat that could ferry them across the river. Which meant that the plan to turn them around, and Elton’s involvement in it, finally came to life in a sour and rushed manner and having the plan put on display, is what brought about this grand exploration of fear.

For we came to learn that Elton has actually seen some horrible moments firsthand when it comes to the nature of this new world. Because on the night that everything fell to pieces, Elton was left alone while his father went for help, and when he finally emerged from his hiding space… he found the mutilated remains of his reanimated father. And knowing what this world is capable of and knowing how badly people can die in the open, gives him great worry for the safety of the people that he cares about and values and that’s why he agreed to the plan in the first place. Because if things started to fall apart, he could provide his new friends/surrogate family with solid and logical reasoning as to why they should turn around and retreat to their homes.  

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Which is a noble line of thinking for certain, but at the same time, it doesn’t explain why he’s out here in the open, if he’s that afraid of his friends being hurt and that storytelling conundrum is what allowed for us to explore the positive side of fear. Because in essence Elton wanted nothing more than to be free of his terror and coming out here and facing it in person, was a healthy thing to do, as was harnessing his darkest fears to drive him forward. Since having their lives on the line when the dead arrived, prompted Elton to face them all head on and overcome them in a brave and bold manner and for his efforts and his bravery, he saved his friends and allowed for them to see another day and this was just… a brilliant exploration when all is said and done.
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For Elton’s journey really did offer upon an honest exploration of fear and how it can help us and hinder us, and it was nice to see the series look at both sides of the proverbial coin in a frank and non-judgmental manner. Because going that route allows for the viewer to view an emotion we think of as an enemy in a new light, and that perhaps it can serve us far better than we give it credit and the wonder of this tale didn’t end there. Because this story also deserves some serious kudos for having Huck and Felix finally get on board with the search for Joe. For such a move reinforces the overall message that this series seems to be working toward, in that… putting it on the line for our fellow man is about the most noble thing we can do and it is nice to see that this back and forth will no longer be an issue, so the story can focus on other elements of the human condition, and the other twist introduced in this tale. 

Because once the danger had passed and once Hope had forgiven both Felix and Elton, something quite dire happened in the closing moments of this tale. In that, Hope saw a wonderful bonding moment between she and Elton ruined by a picture. For it turns out that a portrait of Elton’s mom is included with her manuscript, and Hope got a good look at that photograph and came to realize… that she shot Elton’s mom on that fateful night. Which means it is only a matter of time before that particular and unfortunate truth comes to light, and who knows how Elton is going to respond to that. Because that’s just devastating to learn and it will be interesting to see if Elton can forgive her for what happened that night, or if their friendship will be irrevocably damaged from the truth.

In the end however, this was quite the magnificent episode when all is said and done. In large part because it offered up one incredibly comprehensive examination of fear and how it impacts our lives. But also, because, the series may have tipped its hand as to why these explorations are happening now instead of later. For the dead are starting to become a more common problem for this group, and the challenges are getting bigger both emotionally and physically. Which means that the horror aspect of this series is likely about to take hold. So, now is the time to really come to understand what these characters are all about and what makes them tick. So that we understand their decisions and their thought processes when the CRM and hordes of the walking dead, challenge them like never before. Until next time.   

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