"The Walking Dead" Breakdown: Unity at Last

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

It's funny when you think about how long Rick Grimes and his group have spent their time in Alexandria on screen versus real time. It's only been a short time on the show that they have lived within this sanctuary, but for us, the viewer, we have been on this journey with them for thirteen episodes now spanning back to spring earlier this year.

It's important we remember that, because it's been quite a wild ride since we arrived in this little oasis in a sea of the living dead and last night capped the end of an important set of storylines that have been brewing since that arrival, specifically whether or not the Alexandrians could ever do more than cower in fear and if Rick and his group would ever fit in with this place.

Turns out the answers to these questions came in the most horrific fashion, with the walls being breached by the living dead and I'm pleased to say the end result...was that of unity. Yes for once we finally saw a fight from the good people of Alexandria like we have never seen before. It wasn't a huge number of them taking up arms and battling the dead because hey, it was a wall of walkers coming into their town, but Jessie and Deanna showed promise as they took out quite a few walkers without a shred of fear and of all the Alexandrians we have seen grow, Deanna's story closed out the strongest. This former United States Senator, once a person who was happy to dish out the orders and never get her hands dirty...finally found her peace and her legacy once she was faced with her unfortunate end. She was able to inspire Michonne like never before and went out on her own terms rather than simply hiding in the dark.

She symbolized the growth of the entire town and her final discussion with Rick cemented a few things. For one, it was a fine goodbye, one filled with mutual admiration and respect between two characters who truly did not trust one another that long ago and it was indeed the passing of the torch from Deanna to Rick in regards to leadership and responsibility for this burgeoning community. There was no more question now if Rick and his people would ever fit in. They were home, they were part of this place now and there was no going back. Once the dust settles on this latest scare, it is up to Rick to lead these people, strong ones at that, into a new future.

It was truly a wonderful sight to see all of this come together quite frankly. To see the urgency in everyone's eyes, to know there wasn't going to be any active choice to be afraid and hide. This was a time to shine really, one where everyone came together and stood tall and while this episode left us with quite a few unresolved issues at the end of that hour, because hey, what's an episode of The Walking Dead without a cliffhanger, it was good to finally see that everyone in this community was acting as one. It's something that will serve all of them well. Because once this mess is finally sorted out, it will take everyone to help rebuild the walls and keep this place going and more importantly...they will need to rely upon one another because their greatest challenge...is on its way... 

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