Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Prey – Andrea’s on the Run (and The Governor’s on the Hunt) (Season 3, Episode 14)

Originally aired: March 17, 2013. 10.99 million viewers tuned in to see if Andrea could outsmart the Governor. Written by Glen Mazzara and Evan Reilly, and directed by Stefan Schwartz.

Woodbury: No Place for a Hero:

“Prey” shifts the focus back to Woodbury, where Andrea is finally starting to see The Governor for the monster he truly is. She’s ready to make a run for it, but escaping The Governor’s grasp is no easy feat.

Key Plot Points:

• Andrea’s Wake-Up Call: The Governor’s True Colors: Milton, The Governor’s right-hand man (and resident nerd), spills the beans about The Governor’s plan to capture, torture, and kill Michonne. Andrea, horrified by this revelation, realizes that she’s been backing the wrong horse. She decides to make a break for it and warn Rick’s group about The Governor’s evil plans.
• Milton: The Reluctant Rebel: Milton, bless his conflicted soul, is torn between his loyalty to The Governor and his growing discomfort with his tyrannical rule. He secretly helps Andrea escape, but he’s not willing to fully defy The Governor. This is a classic case of “too little, too late,” and it’s going to have consequences.
• The Governor: He’s Got a Thing for Chasing People: The Governor, being the control freak that he is, is not happy about Andrea’s escape. He sets off on a relentless pursuit, chasing her through the woods and into an abandoned factory. It’s a tense and suspenseful sequence, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering if Andrea can outsmart this madman.
• The Walker Factory: Hide-and-Seek with the Undead: The abandoned factory becomes a playground for Andrea and The Governor’s deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Andrea uses her survival skills and the environment to her advantage, hiding among the walkers and using them as shields. But The Governor is relentless, and he eventually catches her.
• Andrea’s Capture: Uh Oh: The episode ends with Andrea bound and gagged in The Governor’s torture chamber. It’s a chilling moment, and it foreshadows the horrors that await her. The Governor is clearly not going to let her go easily, and Andrea’s fate is uncertain.

Themes and Meanings:

• Freedom vs. Oppression: The Fight for Autonomy: Andrea’s escape attempt represents her desire for freedom and her rejection of The Governor’s oppressive rule. She’s finally realizing that Woodbury is not the safe haven she thought it was, and she’s willing to risk everything to escape its clutches.
• Betrayal and Loyalty: The Price of Dissent: Milton’s internal conflict highlights the difficulty of standing up to a tyrant. He wants to do the right thing, but he’s also afraid of the consequences. Andrea’s actions, on the other hand, show the power of loyalty and the willingness to fight for what you believe in.
• Survival: The Harsh Reality: “Prey” is a reminder that the apocalypse is a brutal and unforgiving place. Survival often requires making difficult choices and facing dangerous situations. Andrea’s capture is a harsh reality check, and it shows that even the most resourceful survivors can be vulnerable.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Milton’s hesitation to fully oppose The Governor foreshadows his tragic fate. He’s a good man caught in a bad situation, and his inability to take decisive action ultimately leads to his downfall.
• Andrea’s determination to escape, even when the odds are stacked against her, shows her strength and resilience. She’s a fighter, and she’s not giving up without a fight.
• The Governor’s manipulative charm is on full display in this episode. He’s able to convince others to do his bidding, even when they know he’s dangerous.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills (Andrea): 10+ (she’s a walker-slaying ninja).
• Human Deaths: None (but Andrea’s capture is a major blow).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the tension is building.

My Final Verdict:

“Prey” is a suspenseful and thrilling episode that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Andrea’s escape attempt is a nail-biting adventure, and The Governor’s relentless pursuit is chilling. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is a dangerous and unpredictable place, and even the most resourceful survivors can fall victim to its harsh realities. What did you think of the episode? Were you rooting for Andrea to escape? Let’s discuss in the comments!