Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Indifference – Rick’s Choice, Carol’s Exile, and Daryl’s Drugstore Run (Season 4, Episode 4)

Originally aired: November 3, 2013. 13.31 million viewers tuned in to see the consequences of Carol’s actions. Written by Matt Negrete and directed by Tricia Brock.

The Prison: Where Trust Goes to Die (Part 2):

“Indifference” picks up with the prison community still reeling from the flu outbreak and the revelation of Carol’s role in the deaths of Karen and David. Rick is struggling with what to do, and the group is divided on whether Carol should be punished for her actions.

Key Plot Points:

• Rick and Carol’s Road Trip: Awkward!: Rick takes Carol on a supply run, but it’s clear that he’s got more on his mind than just gathering supplies. He’s trying to figure out what to do about Carol’s confession, and he’s using this time to evaluate her character and her motivations. They encounter two new survivors, Ana and Sam, and despite Carol’s warnings about the dangers of trusting strangers, Rick insists on helping them. Rick, honey, you’re being a bit naive, aren’t you?
• Clash of the Titans: Rick vs. Carol: Throughout the supply run, Rick and Carol clash over her decision to kill Karen and David. Carol defends her actions as necessary to protect the group, while Rick questions her authority to make such a drastic decision without consulting anyone. Their philosophical divide is becoming more and more apparent, and it’s clear that their relationship is on the rocks. It’s like a morality play, but with more walkers and less Shakespeare.
• Daryl’s Drugstore Cowboys: The Search for Medicine Continues: Daryl, Michonne, Tyreese, and Bob continue their quest to find medicine for the sick. They encounter more walker trouble (because of course they do), and Bob reveals his struggle with alcoholism. He confesses that he prioritized finding alcohol over supplies on a previous mission, which led to the deaths of some of their group. Daryl is not impressed. Bob, honey, you need a 12-step program, not a six-pack.
• Rick’s Verdict: Carol’s Exile: At the end of the supply run, Rick makes a difficult decision. He tells Carol that she can no longer stay at the prison. He explains that the group can’t trust her after what she did, and he’s worried that she might take matters into her own hands again. Carol, ever the stoic survivor, accepts his decision without a fight. She gathers her things and drives off into the unknown. Carol’s going rogue! Who knows what she’ll get up to now?

Themes and Meanings:

• Morality vs. Pragmatism: The Eternal Struggle: Rick and Carol’s conflict represents the ongoing battle between morality and pragmatism in the apocalypse. Carol believes that doing whatever it takes to survive is justified, while Rick still clings to the hope of maintaining some semblance of humanity. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers. Sometimes, the right thing to do feels wrong, and the wrong thing to do feels right.
• Trust: The Foundation of Community (That’s Crumbling): The fractures within the group highlight the importance of trust in a community. Carol’s actions have eroded that trust, and it’s not clear if the group can recover. Trust is like a vase – once it’s broken, it’s hard to put back together.
• Redemption: The Long Road Back: Bob’s confession about his alcoholism and his guilt over past mistakes shows that even in the apocalypse, people can seek redemption. He’s trying to make amends for his actions, and it’s a reminder that there’s always hope for change. It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf (even if that leaf is covered in walker guts).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Carol’s calm acceptance of Rick’s decision shows her strength and her willingness to put the group’s needs above her own. Carol’s a survivor, through and through. She’s not going to let a little thing like exile get her down.
• Michonne’s continued search for The Governor shows her determination to get revenge for what he did to her and her friends. Michonne’s on a mission, and she’s not stopping until she gets her man.
• The abandoned knife that Rick gave to Sam is a symbol of the futility of hope in a world where trust is often misplaced. Sometimes, the kindest gestures are met with the cruelest fates.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 15+ (the survivors are still racking up those kills).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Ana, the unlucky survivor).
• Survivor Count: Down one, and the group is feeling the loss.

My Final Verdict:

“Indifference” is a thought-provoking and emotional episode that explores the complexities of morality, trust, and survival in the apocalypse. Rick’s decision to exile Carol is a controversial one, and it’s sure to have lasting consequences for the group. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is not just about fighting walkers; it’s also about navigating the challenges of human relationships and making difficult choices that can change the course of your life. What did you think of the episode? Do you agree with Rick’s decision? Let’s discuss in the comments!