‘Ride with Norman Reedus’ Recap: ‘Journey Down Norman’s Memory Lane’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

The general belief when it comes to road trips, is that they are nothing more an opportunity to see another part of the world and gain a little insight into the local culture there, whether it is in your backyard or halfway across the world. And while all of that is true, since you do indeed immerse yourself within your destination, and learn a great deal about it, what we don’t talk about enough… is the sheer fact that road trips represent and provide us with so much more. Because not only do you get to see a place you’ve never seen before, but you also get to forge memories and bonds on your adventure, the kind that will last a lifetime. Plus, sometimes getting away from it all helps you find perspective on life or a tough situation that you’re dealing with, making the road trip a supremely powerful and special experience.

If anything, all of this is relevant to our discussion today… simply because all of these aspects of the road trip were featured in this week’s episode of Ride with Norman Reedus. For ‘Journey Down Norman’s Memory Lane’ was a different kind of adventure with Mister Reedus, one that lives up to the episode’s namesake. Because it was revealed in the early moments of this episode, that shortly after Norman completed his ride around New Zealand, that the pandemic took hold around the world. Forcing the show to quit filming for a little while and well, that more or less brought about the perfect opportunity for Norman to reflect upon this incredible journey, with the loyal fans that have followed it for so long, and it must have been quite difficult for him to select some ‘top’ moments from prior seasons.

After all, Norman has been able to ride with some incredible individuals, the kind that passionately love bikes in the same manner that he does, and that’s allowed for him to connect with some of his guests and some of the groups they’ve encountered on a fundamental level. Something that you just don’t see happen on road trip shows all that often, since so many focus upon the journey and the location, and not the people. Plus, we were able to look back at many of the big-name celebrities that Norman has hit the road with, such as his own cast-mates from The Walking Dead, which has allowed for viewers to come to understand that the cast isn’t joking when they talk about the bond, they share from filming TWD. Since it was obvious during these segments that they really do treat one another as family… to the point where Norman considers Michael Rooker to be his brother from another mother.

In fact, his time with Michael is worth nothing, simply because it helped to explore the perspective theme present in this episode. Since we were able to revisit the fact that their trip took them to Mister Rooker’s hometown, where he was able to reflect upon his own journey from everyday kid to a star of the small and silver screen before the duo arrived back in Atlanta, where they met on the set of TWD. And really, how that explores perspective is simple. Because it’s just you and your companion and the pavement and the world when you take a road trip and being surrounded by the enormity of the road, and someone that means the world to you, really does humble a person and help them to understand where they’ve been and where they are going in life.

But most important of all, Michael’s time with Norman truly hammered home the fact that hitting the road with those we care about and love, really does strengthen bonds. Because it really does afford the time for you to live in the moment with your travel companion and share what’s on your mind and what you’re feeling and of course, you get to take part in things you both enjoy and sharing in happiness like that is paramount to strengthening a bond and well, all of these elements made this quite the uplifting episode when all is said and done. One that reminded us that Norman’s decision to let us into his world and venture alongside him, really is special, since it is rare for a celebrity to give people that kind of access into their lives, and hopefully Norman can once again hit the highways, soon. So, we can all enjoy in the wonder and the majesty and the healing power of the open road. Until next time.   

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