Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Inmates – Lost and Found (and Maybe a Little Crazy) (Season 4, Episode 10)

Originally aired: February 16, 2014. 13.34 million viewers tuned in to see where the survivors ended up after the prison’s destruction. Written by Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell, and directed by Tricia Brock.

The Scattered Flock: Where Did Everyone Go?:

“Inmates” picks up after the chaotic events of the midseason finale, with the prison group scattered and vulnerable. We follow different groups of survivors as they navigate the dangers of the outside world, each facing their own unique challenges and struggling to find their way back to each other.

Key Plot Points:

• Daryl and Beth: The Dynamic Duo (of Angst): Daryl and Beth are on the run, and they’re not exactly having a picnic. Daryl is riddled with guilt over the prison’s fall and Hershel’s death, while Beth is trying to maintain a sense of hope. They follow walker tracks, hoping to find other survivors, but their search leads them to a dead end (literally). Daryl, honey, you need a hug (and maybe a vacation).!
• Tyreese, Lizzie, Mika, and Judith: The Babysitting Squad (with a Side of Crazy): Tyreese is saddled with the responsibility of caring for Lizzie, Mika, and baby Judith (who, thankfully, survived the prison attack!). Lizzie’s behavior is becoming increasingly disturbing, as she struggles to understand the difference between the living and the dead. She even smothers Judith to keep her quiet, which is definitely not in the babysitting handbook. Lizzie, sweetie, you need a time out (and maybe a therapist).! Just when things seem hopeless, they’re rescued by Carol! Carol’s back! Hallelujah! Together, they decide to head towards a place called Terminus, which is rumored to be a safe haven. Fingers crossed it’s not another Woodbury.
• Maggie, Sasha, and Bob: The Search Party (with a Side of Sass): Maggie is determined to find Glenn, and she’s not taking no for an answer. She leads Sasha and Bob on a search, and they eventually come across the bus that fled the prison. After dispatching a few walkers (because that’s just a Tuesday in the apocalypse), Maggie realizes that Glenn isn’t on the bus. But she’s not giving up hope. Maggie Greene: the woman who never gives up.
• Glenn and Tara: The Odd Couple (of Survival): Glenn wakes up at the prison, surrounded by walkers and debris. He’s the only survivor from the bus, and he’s devastated. But then he meets Tara, a newcomer who was part of The Governor’s group. Glenn, being the good guy that he is, convinces Tara to help him find Maggie. They set off on their own adventure, and they eventually encounter a new group of survivors led by Abraham Ford, a military man with a mission. Glenn and Tara: the buddy comedy we didn’t know we needed.

Themes and Meanings:

• Hope vs. Despair: The Battle Within: “Inmates” explores the struggle between hope and despair that the survivors face in the aftermath of the prison’s fall. Some, like Beth and Maggie, cling to hope and refuse to give up. Others, like Daryl and Michonne, are consumed by grief and guilt. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can be a powerful motivator. Hope: it’s what keeps you going when the walkers are closing in.
• Survival and Morality: The Gray Areas: Lizzie’s disturbing behavior and Tyreese’s struggle to protect the children highlight the challenges of maintaining your humanity in a world where survival often means making tough choices. The apocalypse is a morality test, and not everyone passes.
• New Beginnings: The Road Ahead: The introduction of Abraham and his group suggests that there’s still hope for the survivors. They might have lost the prison, but they’re not alone. There are other people out there, and new alliances and communities might be formed. The apocalypse is a journey, not a destination.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Lizzie’s disturbing behavior foreshadows her tragic fate later in the season. She’s clearly not coping well with the trauma of the apocalypse, and her actions raise questions about the psychological impact of this world on children. Lizzie, sweetie, you need more than just a hug. You need a whole team of therapists.
• Glenn wearing the riot gear from the prison symbolizes his resilience and his determination to survive. He’s not going to let the fall of the prison break him. Glenn Rhee: the little engine that could (and will).!
• The mention of Terminus as a potential safe haven is intriguing, but it also raises questions about its true nature. Is it really a sanctuary, or is it something more sinister? Terminus: sounds cozy, but I’m not packing my bags just yet.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 25+ (the survivors are still keeping busy).
• Human Deaths: None (but the emotional toll is high).
• Survivor Count: Stable, with the promise of new connections on the horizon.

My Final Verdict:

“Inmates” is a character-driven episode that explores the different ways people cope with loss, trauma, and the challenges of survival in the apocalypse. It’s a poignant and hopeful episode, with moments of both heartbreak and resilience. The introduction of new characters and the mention of Terminus add a layer of intrigue and anticipation for what’s to come. What did you think of the episode? Were you as worried about Lizzie as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!