The World According to LaTaeya

Walking Dead Rant
I know every one was tuned into watching the midseason premier of AMC’s The Walking Dead. I along with everyone else have been itching to find out what would happen to the Dixon brothers. About to battle to the death as they both take blows from each other two walkers enter the ring, suddenly shots fire and the crowd seperates like ants running from a foot that’s about to stomp on them. Rick’s group is weaker than ever and they all are struggling with their own demons, which are many. Glen can’t get past the sexual harassment and beating that he and girlfriend Maggie endured while in custody in Woodbury. As the group recoups briefly, Daryl decides that if Rick will not accept his brother then he will leave the group. Rick does not feel safe with bringing Merl back to the prison. So the brothers set off on their own. Rick takes Michone in temporarily and heads back to the prison. A new problem arises which is the new group of people that seek refuge. A war has broken out between Rick’s group and Woodbury. ANDREA finally learns that her old group made contact with the Woodbury group. She should leave considering all the weird things she has witnessed. The people of Woodbury are afraid and want to leave. The Governor has lost control and wants revenge against Ricks group. Towards the end of the episode Rick seeks Hershal’s council as he tries to make a decision on whether to accept the new people. Pondering over what to do, Rick sees a ghostly apparition that remembles Lori. At this point he blacks out loosing his mind. Everyone gets nervous and gives Rick some space. Considering that it has only been a week since Lori gave birth, Rick has not had the chance to mourn her absence. We never really saw Carl shoot Lori. I’m waiting to see her surface again as a walker. I don’t believe Carl killed her. The role of being the groups leader has taken a toll on Rick on a level that is and can be internally damaging. The future of the post apocalyptic survivors is uncertain but their struggle to endure and stay strong remains prevalent.
From a writers perspective I would have killed off Merl. He is untrusting and unpredictable. He is nothing like his brother and does not deserve a chance. But I understand his role to stir up conflict and action. If I did decide to go with keeping Merl alive my second option would have been to just let the brothers go their separate ways. Daryl makes the choice to stay with Rick. Daryl completes Rick’s group. The unspoken love that he shares with Carol is almost painful to watch. Just to know that they love each other and do not express it is hurtful. I would have spent time developing their love story. Just taking the time to be human beings is something that Rick’s group must do. The people of Woodbury had their time now it is Rick’s group’s turn. The last time the group had some real time to relax was the time they briefly spent at the CDC. I am looking forward to seeing what the next episode reveals.
Embracing Something New
L.L