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Reemergence and the Evolution of Rick. Review: Season 4 Finale of The Walking Dead – “A”

  • By

  • March 31, 2014

  • 8 mins to read

Season 4, Episode 16

Air Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 9/8c on AMC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Today’s the day of reckoning, sir; the day of restitution.” – Joe

No truer words have ever been spoken during an episode of The Walking Dead. Not only are Joe’s (Jeff Kober) words spot on, they come to fruition in a way he doesn’t see coming. But “A” is not about the rules of survival; it’s more about the significance of finding one’s self when you don’t even know who you are. The Walking Dead hits hard and fast with its season four finale. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve missed an amazing hour of television. I’m so pumped up for season five now. It has the potential to supersede every season thus far and I cannot wait.

Who’s Eating Whom?

If you didn’t know who Rick was before, you know now.

The flashback dreamscape is useful for getting inside Rick’s (Andrew Lincoln) head. The poor guy can’t catch a break. He unwittingly puts those he is responsible for in a horrible situation, bringing about the reemergence of Leadership Rick. Makes you wonder if all it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time to find out what you’re made of. Rick’s reflections illustrate the man he was prior to slipping into his new role. It’s not the responsibility of a leader but the function of a man who does whatever he needs to in order to survive. Rick progresses into take charge mode because he’s seen how the world can go to shit in a second. He’s forced to return to the brutality he’s been denying for a while now. Lincoln knocks it out of the park with Rick’s unflinching resolve. He gives Rick the detachment necessary to slip into a dark place and pull himself back before succumbing to that brutality. Hershel (Scott Wilson) was, and apparently still is, Rick’s guide. Hershel was a voice that hearkened to be heard. It’s part of what makes me so sad that Hershel is no longer around. Rick needs him to sustain and maintain a sense of humanity. Slipping into that dark place can cause him to go feral on a mofo. Just ask Joe.

Random Thoughts:

You have to wonder if there’s a time for killing the living. I’d like to believe everyone who’s managed to survive the zombie apocalypse should consider themselves lucky and worthy of the life they’ve been given. Well, “A” shows you just how wrong I am. The writers make sure to show all facets of a world overrun by the walking dead. The term doesn’t just represent the zombies; oh no, it lays claim to the human beings who are a lot less human when it suits them. I am so beyond shocked at the events featured in the first 20 minutes of “A,” I can’t even talk about it. If you thought The Walking Dead was falling off, you were wrong.

“I didn’t know what they were.” Daryl (Norman Reedus) speaks the truth without knowing how profound his statement is. How do you ever know people when you don’t know what you’re capable of?

Beth (Emily Kinney) has turned into Sophia (Madison Lintz). Remember when she went missing and Daryl was the only one out looking for her? Full circle, baby. I think the next time we see Beth won’t be the way we’re expecting to see her return. I hope I’m wrong.

I’m curious to find out where Michonne’s storyline will lead now that she’s opening up more.

“They hid me; the walkers didn’t see me anymore. I was just another monster.” Michonne (Danai Gurira) opens up even more during “A.” Each piece Michonne reveals about herself makes me love her more. She’s haunted, yet finding her way out from under her demons. Gurira gives Michonne a tender heart under her tough outer shell. She knows when to show Michonne’s nurturing side and when to dish out tough love.

I love how Rick enters Terminus. Unlike the others who just walk in like all is well and good, Rick goes in with guns at the ready, in full out commando mode. I like his style. You can’t be too careful when encountering new people, as they soon discover. Especially new people who seem extremely nice and too good to be true. I don’t trust it and I’m getting a Lost vibe. If you were a fan of the hit ABC series, you’ll know exactly what I mean. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, just know those who seem friendly are usually not. I don’t trust anyone in Terminus.

Let me just say this: you roll up into someone’s camp where they’re grilling ribs and there are no animals to be found, you turn your ass right around and run—don’t walk—as fast as you can to the nearest exit. I didn’t notice the ribs last week during “Us” but you best believe I clocked them this time while watching “A.” I’m so creeped out. Things are seriously taking a turn for the worse.

Memorable lines:

Daryl offers himself up to Joe for the sake of his friends: “You want blood, I get it. Take it from me, man.”

**

Joe to Rick: “First, we’ll beat Daryl to death, then we’ll have the girl, then the boy.”

**

Rick to Daryl: “It’s not on you, Daryl. Hey, it’s not on you. You’re back with us now. You’re my brother.”

**

Rick: “I’m OK.”

Michonne: “I know.”

Rick: “How?”

Michonne: “Because I’m OK too.”

**

This moment caused me serious anxiety. The writers know how to create nail biting suspense.

The writers of The Walking Dead never cease to amaze me. If I thought I knew who the survivors were before, I’m reminded now that I know nothing. The final scene of “A” solidifies the badassery of the group of people I’ve come to know and love in this world ridden with zombies and despair. I can’t imagine where season five will take us as we’ve gone from the most devastating to the surreal. Cannibals? Yeah, I’m really interested in what you thought of “A” and would love to hear from you. Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe. It’s gonna be a long year.

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Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC © 2010-2014 American Movie Classics Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!