And so we come to the final Walking Dead recap of the season. We’ve got a lot to get through – and most of it’s violent – so shall we begin? Obviously lots of spoilers from here on out.
The Claimers really were the Marauders
We called it last week and so it came to pass. One of the most brutal and iconic scenes from The Walking Dead comic was adapted for the season finale. The characters might have changed but the result was the same.
For the Marauders we instead got the Claimers; in Abraham’s place we got Michonne. What didn’t change was the controversial storyline: Carl almost got raped before Rick took swift and bloody revenge by first ripping out Joe’s throat and then savagely mutilating the monster who tried to assault his son.
Showrunner – and episode writer – Scott Gimple, revealed that the comic book was on set for the shooting of that scene and there were parts of it which were lifted directly from the page.
The setting was almost exactly the same: deserted road; abandoned car; nighttime; gun to the head.
There were even complete lines of dialogue which made it from page to screen, especially the final embrace between Rick and Joe:
“What you gonna do now?” the savage asks dumbly. Well, I think he’ll start by ripping your throat out thank you very much:
But it is the final panel of the scene that is my favorite and one the show directly adapted. It shows Carl, head cradled, starring impassively at his would-be rapist while his father eviscerates him.
The repercussions of this brutality will be felt far and wide…
Terminus is home to cannibals
We all suspected Terminus was home to some unsavory characters and our worst fears were confirmed when Rick and the gang were taken hostage after being led on a deadly dance through the charnel house.
The true motivations of the residence of Terminus were not revealed, but there were enough clues in the episode for us to be fairly certain Gareth and his buddies have a taste for human flesh.
Let’s look at the evidence:
- Gareth – the leader of Terminus – has more than a passing resemblance to Chris, the leader of the cannibalistic Hunters in the comic.
- When Alex was asked why they take people in, he responded:
…people become a part of us, we get stronger. It’s why we put up the signs, take people in. It’s how we survive.
- This cage of human remains is pretty conclusive evidence
- The cattle trucks full of screaming people. Keeping them alive ensures the meat stays fresh. Also, dead people turn into walkers, which in turn would result in tainted meat.
- The powdered milk used to fatten up the ‘livestock’.
Rick Grimes is the one who knocks
This is less something you might’ve missed but more something that’s so awesome it needs repeating.
Decisive, aggressive, dangerous: Rick is back and it looks like he’s here to stay. From farmhand to slayer, it’s good to see Rick re-embrace his darker side. Just a shame it took the almost-rape of his son for him to get there.
Still, better late than never and the ‘Termites’ will feel pretty stupid when they find out they’re screwing with the wrong group. (A variation on this line was delivered by Rick in the comics before engaging the Hunters in battle.)
Points for discussion
– The flashback scenes reminded me how much I liked Hershel, but also how relieved I am that we’re no longer at the prison.
– Carol, Tyreese and Judith are on the way to Terminus. Will they get caught in the trap?
– Seeing Daryl and Rick back together was a beautiful thing.