"The Walking Dead" Breakdown: A New Beginning

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Despite the celebration that fans everywhere, myself included, enjoyed last night over the fact that Glenn did not die a horrible death at the hands of walkers; a few other surprises reared their head on The Walking Dead this week. In fact I would venture to say that last night was the culmination of something that's been brewing here and there over the last few weeks, something we have discussed on several occasions in this breakdown, the show's new found focus on hope and living. 

Last night we saw it everywhere, from Glenn, Rosita, Spencer and the people of Alexandria as a whole that they finally understand the opportunity being afforded to all of them, the fact that this tiny little town can serve as a new beginning, a chance to start over and that they can find a stable and secure life. Even the answers as to how to make all of this work came forth last night, by way of maintaining a sense of unity in this community, by keeping an open mind and protecting one another and stopping at nothing to make sure they survive and stay alive because at this point...life is a gift.

The latter of those points was perhaps best exhibited by Glenn since he went back to make sure that Enid was safe and that she returned with him to Alexandria despite her protests because of how important it was that they keep this community going and that being together like that and pushing forward was honoring the people that they lost, and that they were given a true gift by being able to live. You also saw Rosita teaching others how to be strong, Eugene specifically, as she also lectured him on the importance of living and fighting for every breath and well...it was simply wonderful to see this message finally taking front and center on the show. 

But perhaps the greatest example of all of this from last night, came from Spencer's stupidity. He's been a character struggling over the last couple of weeks. First he is noble, then he is a thief and this week he tried to be a hero. He wanted to move the herd, to get the dead away from his home and nearly lost his life in the process and well, while his plan was dumb he at least wanted to do something more for the greater good and that's something we really have not seen from the people of Alexandria at all until this point.  

I was also a big fan of the fact that the Alexandrians are calling out Rick now for NOT trusting them and not believing in them. Spencer was quick to do it after being saved, wondering if Rick would have listened to his plan and other people in the town asked for Rick to give them a chance because they truly are all in this together. Of course the end of the episode spells nothing but trouble for this city and its people, but despite what horrors happen on the mid season finale we know that these core ideals won't settle with the dust that follows, like the people of Alexandria I have a feeling they will survive and thrive and lay the foundation for the rebuilding of a shattered world.

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