The Walking Dead – Episode 4.15 – ‘Us’ Review & Discussion

I know I’m getting close to the end of the TV season when I start cheering at my TV. This week’s The Walking Dead episode was an emotional, feel good episode – no, feel great episode. It’s the calm before the storm probably, but after last week’s heartbreaker, we needed a release. I’ll deal with whatever comes next week next week.

We’ve been waiting for the reunion between Maggie and Glenn for five weeks now, since Inmates. I first let out a yelp when Glenn saw Maggie’s note. I’d been waiting for that since we saw Maggie writing them a couple of episodes back. And then there was the reunion. I was certain Tara was gone, and then when I saw the lights I thought it would be a group from Terminus. I was squealing when it turned out be Maggie with Abraham’s group.

So for this week’s review, I’m just going to talk about a few of my favorite scenes and interactions. Nothing too deep for now. Pipe in with your own reactions in the comments.

The World According to Eugene

Eugene is quickly becoming a favorite of mine in that he adds some comic relief, in a believable way. He’s the socially awkward geek who credits his navigation skills – because it’s really hard to drive in a square – to virtual reality games. He has an audience now because his group believes he has answers, so he’s just continues to talk, whether what he’s saying makes any sense or not. I loved that he has a theory that walkers might have been behind the extinction of the dinosaurs. I would have loved to have heard more elaboration on that one.

His interactions with Rosita were great. They’re opposite personalities.  Whereas she is direct, with common sense, he withholds information to get what he wants, and he lords his power over Abraham to see his objectives fulfilled. The best Eugene moment of the night was his demonstration of how he smoothly handled the news that Tara prefers girls. “I’m well aware of that,” he responded without pause.

Dad with His Two Kids

Another great moment was when Rick – every worrying and planning – turned around to see Carl and Michonne both lagging behind because they’re competing in not falling off the train tracks. This was such a great moment because it was a minute or two of levity – of normalcy – made perfect by the smile that crept up on Rick’s face. The bonding between Carl and Michonne wasn’t complete though, until Carl gave back half of his candybar to Michonne. “Come on, we always share.”

Cats and Bunnies

We all know not to mess with Daryl, but poor Len had to learn the hard way. He really should have done what Carl did and shared, and forgotten about the rabbit.

Daryl is adjusting to his new group – one that differs from his old in that it’s more about a rudimentary form of government (rules and consequences) rather than friendship or family. Does this suit Daryl? Yes. Is it good for Daryl? No. Daryl has a tendency to withdraw when hurt, and he needs the friendship of Rick and his group to keep him emotionally open.

But the temptation of Joe’s group – what it offers, and that is companionship without the complications – is strong for Daryl. “Ain’t nothing sadder than an outdoor cat thinks he’s an indoor cat,” Joe tells Daryl. The question remains though whether Daryl is really an outdoor cat, as Joe thinks, or whether he’s better off indoors. Interestingly enough, the “cat” theme was present in Carl and Michonne’s candy bar choice and the “Big Cat” wrappers they left behind.

Tunnel of Nightmares

A dark, deserted tunnel under normal conditions is scary enough. One that is packed the undead clawing out from the rocks, like an illustration from Dante’s Inferno, is an inspiration for nightmares. The show and special effects team did a great job at making the scene of Glenn and Tara making their way through the tunnel super creepy. I really thought Tara wasn’t going to make it through.

Glenn and Maggie’s Reunion

You knew one of them was going to end up rescuing the other when they were finally brought back together.  I had pegged it as Glenn rescuing Maggie in Alone, but this worked out too. Not that their relationship needed to be tested, but it was refreshing to see how neither waivered in their resolve to find each, and never doubted the other’s resolve in doing the same. Maggie’s assertion that Glenn will never need her picture again was a testament of how strong of a couple they are.

Vacation in Terminus

Terminus really looked like somewhere I would want to vacation at, and that might be the most frightening point of all, because to paraphrase what Sasha said a few weeks ago, if it seems to good to be true …

So what did you think about this week’s episode? Was it what you expected? Do you have any special viewing plans for the season finale?