The Walking Dead Review: Episode 5×12 “Remember”

We’ll give The Walking Dead team credit. How do you frighten us after everything we’ve been through? Tempt us with normalcy. That’s scarier than anything we’ve seen in a while.

The Walking Dead — As Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the group are welcomed in to Alexandria, the sight is almost too much to take in and believe. Here, in a world that’s lost its mind, sits a relatively normal community that has become self-sufficient behind seemingly secure walls. Aaron (Ross Marquand) introduces Rick to Deanna Monroe (Tovah Feldshuh), the leader of the Alexandria community. A former congresswoman, Deanna has taken it upon herself to help rebuild society the best she can within the walls of this protected community. As Deanna films interviews with each member of the group, the mosaic of all the responses paints a desperate picture of the outside world with the exception of Carol (Melissa McBride) who portrays herself as far more naive and innocent than we know her to be. Rick warns Deanna that it’s all about survival at any cost in the world outside. The dangers are real and the unscrupulous will kill and take to survive, but Deanna sees Rick’s group as one that can add strength and protection to Alexandria in order to keep it safe for everyone. Despite reservations, the group submits their weapons for storage in order to stay within the community. As they settle in with food, fresh water, electricity and comforts that none have known in longer than they remember, the idea of hope emerges as they all remember a world they thought they’d never see again. But as each undergoes a transformation from desperate to clean, most notably Rick, the seeds of doubt and fear that this place could make them weak begin to grow.

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Rick, who looks the part of a new man after shaving his beard and a haircut from Jessie (Alexandra Breckenridge), explores beyond the walls only to find that the gun he’d hidden before they entered is gone. Joined by Carl (Chandler Riggs), who was following the gruff and quiet Enid (Katelyn Nacon) after she snuck outside, the father/son duo fend off a group of walkers together before returning. When Glenn (Steven Yeun), Tara (Alanna Masterson) and Noah (Tyler James Williams) accompany Deanna’s son, Aiden (Daniel Bonjour), and Nicolas (Michael Traynor) on a “trial” run outside the walls it becomes painfully clear that the group at Alexandria is playing a foolish game by not taking the dangers of the world seriously. When an unnecessary walker encounter nearly costs Tara dearly, Aiden takes offense to Glenn’s irritation. After dodging a swing, Glenn decks Aiden just inside the gates at Alexandria causing tensions to flair, but Deanna steps in and insists that the people in Rick’s group are now full members of the community. She then shocks everyone by offering Rick and Michonne (Danai Gurira) jobs as constables. Both accept the offer, setting up more intense tension between long-time Alexandria residents and the newcomers. As this latest episode of The Walking Dead comes to a close, Rick decides that if the current residents can’t make it in the new world, Rick’s group will simply take Alexandria from them thus setting up tons of questions on who the real enemy may be behind the walls of this seemingly serene community!

What we were, what we are and what we could be.

Is there anything scarier than dramatic change? What if that change is so drastic it feels like you are in a completely foreign place? As Rick and the group entered Alexandria, that must have been rattling around in their heads. They also clearly discussed a plan for how to play it safe. That was something not shown before they arrived, but was a smart move by the group. Deanna was smart as well. Interviewing each separately to get a sense for them as a whole is exactly what she should have done.

The interview between Rick and Deanna in particular was a beautifully intense moment. Its silence and the change between the actual Rick and his recorded voice gave it a sense of looking back. It had a small feeling of nostalgia to it. Almost as if the moment were captured well before now and though we don’t know it, we’re looking back on it at some time in the future after things have happened that these recordings somehow foreshadowed.

“You should keep your gates closed.” ~ Rick

“Why?” ~ Deanna

“Because it’s all about survival now. At any cost. People out there are always looking for an angle. Looking to play on your weakness. They measure you by what they can take from you. By how they can use you to live. So bringing people into a place like this now-.” ~ Rick

“Are you telling me not to bring your people in? Are you already looking after this place? Aaron says I can trust you.” ~ Deanna

“Aaron doesn’t know me. I’ve killed people. I don’t even know how many by now. But I know why they’re all dead. They’re dead so my family, all those people out there, can be alive. So I could be alive for them.” ~ Rick

“Sounds like I’d want to be part of your family.” ~ Deanna

Deanna was sharp in her questions and answers. Tovah Feldshuh played Deanna with caution, but with a touch of whimsical flare that made it impossible to tell if she’d be the person you’d love to talk to at parties or someone more sinister you would never want to cross. Deanna was keeping things close to the vest, but appeared honest in her answers. We believed her when she said she was extraordinarily good at reading people. In fact, we believed her so completely that we wondered if she saw past Rick’s guarded nature into the tortured soul that Rick had become. Perhaps she could read him so well she saw past even that and into who he used to be before the world went to hell.

If she could read Rick that well, did she also see past everyone in their interviews? Each had a different perspective. Rick’s was careful, Daryl’s was highly uncomfortable, Michonne’s was cautiously optimistic, Glenn’s felt desperate and Carol’s was a complete facade. Could Deanna piece together who was being genuine and who wasn’t? We’ll be interested to see how Deanna positions her pieces in the careful chess match she’s playing with Rick. Just how good she is at reading people will likely be determined by Carol.

“I did laundry, gardened, um always had dinner on the table for Ed when he came home. Um I miss that stupid, wonderful man every day. You know, I really didn’t have much to offer this group, so I think I just sort of became their den mother. And they’ve been nice enough to protect me.” ~ Carol

Melissa McBride’s innocent portrayal was brilliant. From the fumbling of her gun, to her gentle voice and even her humble smile, McBride transformed Carol into something we know she’s clearly not. She does have some of those qualities about her, but we know she is much, much more. Perhaps more than anyone, she knows what it takes to play an innocent and rather helpless role from her years of abuse by Ed. She covered that well for much of her life and those skills don’t seem to have faded.

Her innocent approach must have been the plan from the beginning. No one in the group seemed surprised at Carol’s nature. She could most easily become someone who could get close and learn. Others might feel more like a threat, but Carol could quietly put people at ease and slip behind their defenses to dig deeper. The question is if Deanna already knows this. The answer—will only come as the next few episodes play out

Is the wolf now guarding the hen-house?

Much will likely be made of Rick’s cutting of the beard. In many ways it was a symbol of returning to some sense of normalcy. He seemed to take the first step in that direction when he adjusted his watch to the correct time. A part of Rick must certainly want Alexandria to work out well, but like all of us he is unsure if it truly can. Everyone in this group has differing thoughts on the matter. They see the potential for a home, but they also see the potential danger. Alexandria’s false sense of security could be it’s most frightening element.

As a clean-shaven Rick goes about settling in, it’s clear he’s as uncomfortable as anyone, but there’s a quiet assuredness about him that is gently feeling things out. We saw glimpses of the Rick from the beginning of this series in Andrew Lincoln’s performance. Perhaps losing the beard helped make that throwback more real and genuine, but the wild, steely eyed Rick that walked into Alexandria slipped away a bit with the trim and shower. Lincoln was brilliant letting that transformation feel as natural as it did.

“Electricity, showers, haircuts—I never thought I’d see those again.” ~ Rick

“Come on. Haircuts were never going away. It’s okay if you’re not okay with this yet.” ~ Jessie

Jessie, like Aaron and Eric (Jordan Woods-Robinson), was a breath of fresh air. We have no idea what will become of Alexandria, but Jessie’s entrance isn’t by chance. Her rapport and temperament with Rick may not be a coincidence either. This show doesn’t do much without very distinct reasons and Jessie’s approachable nature and her husband’s small scene of uncomfortable welcoming are likely trouble brewing.

Alexandria represents a return to the way things were in both good ways and bad. Arrogance, foolishness, distractions and even rudeness are all uncomfortable flashbacks to a society that had no walkers to worry about every day. Small glimpses of those things were evident around the group as they became acclimated. As the group reflected upon who they used to be one element was largely absent—the grief of who they lost along the way. Carl did mention Lori, but for the most part no one took time to grieve or feel the loss of those that we all wish could have made it to Alexandria with them. Perhaps in time that will happen, but with an episode titled “Remember” we were expecting a bit more of that to bubble to the surface. If there’s a solid reason for it not taking place, it may be that this group is very much still in survival mode. The grieving may come later, if they have a quiet moment to remember who should have been sleeping on the floor with them the first night inside of safe walls.

As the group explores, it’s clear that they have a survival instinct that the people of Alexandria do not. We can’t help but think that Aaron and Deanna noticed that and see it as a valuable asset to the community if Alexandria’s intentions are legitimate. But we’d also have to give credit to Production Designer Grace Walker and his team for creating such a serene and quiet environment. Alexandria “feels” safe, but that’s exactly why it may not be. Is there ever real safety in the world of The Walking Dead? If there is, it’s likely a facade. The reality is that the world is brutal. Alexandria simply may have not have seen it yet.

Aaron however, seems different. He understands that people are too important to lose. And in his brief appearances, he also seemed unsure of himself. He’s vouched for Rick’s group and brought them in, but something tells me that there are elements to Alexandria that he knows won’t feel right to Rick. And he’d be right. Anything that puts Rick’s family in harm’s way is a threat and beard or not, he’s not changed enough on the inside to forget it.

“We won’t get weak. That’s not in us anymore. We’ll make it work. And if they can’t make it, then we’ll just take this place.” ~ Rick

So the question becomes—who is the real enemy inside of Alexandria? The domesticated and soft residents or the hungry pack that has been invited in to stay?

Everyone has something to hide. How will all those things affect each other when they are all out in the open?

We’ll be interested to see if darker and less favorable elements of Alexandria present themselves as time passes. We’ll also be watching to see if there are any chinks in the solidarity of the group as they settle in and are around new faces. We think there’s a certain part of this group that will always feel the bond of family toward each other and, when the chips are down, will protect each other to the end. But desperation, hope and something to lose, once they are real, might be enough to create a small divide.

The wild card could be Michonne. She, of all the group, has been petitioning for a chance at a normal life again the most. And if things within this group threaten that normal life, will she stand by and let it happen? Rick, Carol, Daryl and Carl seem to be in sync. They see the potential for threats at every corner. But when asked by Deanna, Michonne’s words and her face were at odds. She believes this is what they all need, but by the look on her face not everyone may be ready.

“If this is how you’re saying it is then this is what we wanted. We’re ready for this.” ~ Michonne

“All of you?” ~ Deanna

“All of us.” ~ Michonne

Alexandria has things to hide. Of this we’re certain. Perhaps they aren’t all of evil intent, but Deanna isn’t showing all her cards just yet. There are likely good and bad things we’ve yet to learn. Aiden and Nicholas are clearly playing with fire in their trips outside the walls. And Enid (Katelyn Nacon) is very much a mystery. Her sneaking out and leading Carl to the very house Rick hid the gun, that’s now missing, doesn’t seem to be a coincidence.

Was Enid somehow associated with the three men that were exiled? Is that why she seems so quiet and mistrusting? Is there a larger plan in play? She did demonstrate one thing. Aaron had told the group that no one came in or out without them knowing. If that’s true, Enid is leaving with permission for some reason that could be dangerous to Rick his family. If that’s not true, she’s leaving for reasons no one knows about and that could be dangerous for everyone.

For all its good things, something about Alexandria doesn’t add up. It’s both too good to be true and its sense of normalcy is perhaps the most frightening thing we’ve seen on The Walking Dead in some time. It all feels out of place and built upon a false hope that nothing can jeopardize it. Time will tell, but we believe that much larger dominoes are soon to fall.

FINAL VERDICT: The Walking Dead took bold new steps into a very different world as the group walked into Alexandria. For the first time, we see normalcy and something to lose. Those may be the most frightening things we’ve encountered in a while.

Alexandria seems at first glance to be sheltered in more ways than one. They seem to have lived behind walls for long enough that they have lost touch with the reality around them. Aaron certainly must have shared stories, but some at Alexandria seem naive to the dangers of the new world. Deanna seemed to understand that and though Rick and this group could have posed a threat, they also could provide protection if they came to care about Alexandria as home.

The reverse is true of Rick and his family. They have lived outside for so long that they all must be asking themselves if they can ever fully adjust to electricity, showers and haircuts again. Rick has very much lived in the now to survive. The past and all the things that have haunted him must have come flooding back as he cleaned up and Jessie cut his hair. This stoic and solid man let slip one small tear. He stopped for a moment and let himself remember.

The writing and the simple moments of this episode were exemplary. Our utmost praise goes to Writer Channing Powell for taking the breakdown of this episode and cutting straight to the gritty marrow of its essence. This group has largely forgotten the world they’ve left. And this episode served as a stark reminder of what once was. Likewise, the residents of Alexandria have seemingly forgotten that the world has devolved into a cruel and horrid place. Rick and his group serve as a vivid wake up call that the new world is brutal, but some thread of humanity can survive.

We loved the tension and fear pulled into the quiet moments. We’ve gotten so used to walkers at every turn that they no longer scare us, but Director Greg Nicotero helped construct a quietly unsettling episode with raw emotion captured in the handheld cameras. How could The Walking Dead scare us after all this time? The tease of normalcy and something real to lose again. Those are things we haven’t had and it was refreshing to feel scared again for this group as they adjust and wonder if the other shoe is about to drop.

The interview between Deanna and Rick was a perfect example of the quiet tension. It was a complex dance between two leaders. Each unsure of the other. Each feeling each other out. Both Andrew Lincoln and Tovah Feldshuh played so well off of each other. Their two perspectives collided, but something clicked it as well. They understood one another in a way that everyone else couldn’t. Both have accepted the responsibility of the lives they look after. And both have made the hard choices because no one else will. They each understand the burden of leadership and responsibility of those they care about. Despite their differences, their leadership is common ground upon which something new can be built.

As the episode progressed and each person revealed a small bit of themselves to the camera, we see them struggle to adjust to their new surroundings. Each person giving a different perspective of where this group is and what it needs was an interesting blended opinion and we’ll be curious to see what Deanna’s composite view of this group ultimately becomes. She’s a sharp individual and putting the pieces together correctly doesn’t seem beyond her. We enjoyed the gravity and playfulness that Feldshuh brought to the role and we hope she will be around for a while. She injects a fresh new perspective into this show that could have a profound affect on this group before it’s all said and done.

Despite the lack of understanding by the people of Alexandria, the dangers are real. A society that operates on rules bordering on normal may not be well prepared to handle a group that’s had to fight relentlessly and kill just to survive. Deanna might have seen that well before they arrived. As Aiden showed when he took Glenn, Tara and Noah out on a test run, it’s very clear that some have let the false sense of security of this place go to their heads. Some have no idea the real dangers to a family and a community. The people of Alexandria may have lost, but they haven’t been scraping the bottom of the barrel as Rick’s family has been.

For so long there has been no hope and no real chance to stop and grieve all those they’ve lost. This group needs the moment to remember in order to move forward and we hope to see it. In a sense, they must find Alexandria both refreshing and frightening. The world has proven time and time again to be self serving. Deanna knows this. Rick certainly knows it all too well. People are the most dangerous element in the new world and The Walking Dead has taught us that new people are not to be trusted until blood, sweat and tears spilled together prove they can be. We will be rooting for Alexandria to be the sanctuary it seems to be, but we also know that nothing lasts on The Walking Dead. Sooner or later, everything ends, and we’ll be watching when it happens!

Questions, Comments, Concerns and My reaction on Twitter…

• Pffft. One shot. To the head. Just in case anyone had any doubts we mean business. ~ Sasha
• Wow. How do I sit in a clean room. Man. This is going to harder than it looks.
• “Who he was. Mattered quite a bit.” ~ Deanna
• They measure you, by what they can take from you.
• They’re dead so my family, all those people are alive. Sounds like I’d want to be part of your family. Me too. Wow.
• I should have brought another bin. And that was just the guns.
• Uh oh. Rick is going incognito. Who is that guy in the mirror?
• Come on. Haircuts were never going away. I kinda like her. I hope I can trust her.
• Aaaand all the ladies are wondering when Daryl gets his shower and cut. lol
• Rick I .. Wow. I didn’t know what was under there. Haha! We’re all thinking that.
• Who’s got money on Rick’s beard being in the memoriam on @AMCTalkingDead? #DeadBuzz
• Wanna play some video games? Or pool? This is .. new. Can they come back?
• “They’re weak. I don’t want us to get weak too.” ~ Carl. I think this group will always have their eye on the ball.
• Looks like everyone [Jessie’s husband] isn’t so chummy. That was creepy.
• Den mother. Until it’s time for flowers…
• I’m gonna hose you down in your sleep. #LadiesAreNoddingHeads
• These are not OUR guns. Where are OUR guns please..
• Empty blender. Uh oh. And jet what does that mean Rick?
• Walls don’t necessarily make you safe in the zombie apocalypse.
• Is it just me or should the angled supports on the OUTSIDE of the walls be on the INSIDE? When push comes to shove.
• Okay. The douche bag needs to be the first to go when the shit hits the fan.
• You wanna end up on your ass again? Do not MESS with my family!
• That Maggie smile. That’s MY man that knocked him on his ass.
• I’ll give #TheWalkingDead credit. How do you scare us anymore? Tempt us with normalcy. That’s scarier than anything we’ve seen in a while