Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Still – Daryl’s Tears, Beth’s Optimism, and a Cabin on Fire (Season 4, Episode 12)

Originally aired: March 2, 2014. 12.61 million viewers tuned in for this character-driven episode. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Julius Ramsay.

Daryl and Beth: The Odd Couple of the Apocalypse:

“Still” takes a break from the larger group and focuses solely on Daryl and Beth as they navigate the aftermath of the prison’s fall. They’re alone, lost, and struggling to come to terms with the chaos that surrounds them.

Key Plot Points:

• Daryl and Beth: The Road Trip of Feels: Daryl and Beth are wandering through the woods, trying to survive and avoid becoming walker chow. Beth, bless her optimistic heart, is determined to find a drink, something that reminds her of the world before the apocalypse. Daryl, on the other hand, is wallowing in guilt and despair. He blames himself for the prison’s fall and the group’s fragmentation. Daryl, honey, don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not like you single-handedly caused the zombie apocalypse.
• The Country Club: Where the Rich Went to Die (and Rot): They stumble upon a country club, which is basically a graveyard for the rich and privileged. They find evidence of suicides, desperation, and the realization that money can’t buy you happiness (or survival) in the apocalypse. Beth finds a bottle of wine, but it’s ruined, symbolizing the futility of her quest for normalcy. Well, that’s just depressing.
• The Cabin in the Woods: Moonshine and Memories: Daryl takes Beth to an abandoned cabin, where he finds some moonshine. They get drunk (because why not?), and Beth uses the opportunity to get Daryl to open up about his past. They play a game of “Never Have I Ever,” which leads to some emotional revelations about Daryl’s childhood and his insecurities. Daryl Dixon: the tough guy with a soft heart (and a troubled past).!
• Daryl’s Breakdown: The Weight of the World: Daryl finally breaks down and admits that he feels responsible for everything that’s happened. Beth, being the awesome friend that she is, reassures him that he’s not to blame and that he’s a valuable member of the group. Daryl, you big softie! We all love you (even when you’re grumpy).!
• Burning Down the House (Literally): Daryl and Beth decide to burn down the cabin, symbolizing their desire to let go of the past and move forward. It’s a cathartic moment, and it shows their growing bond and their determination to survive. Burning down the house: the ultimate form of therapy (and pest control).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Grief and Acceptance: Different Paths to Healing: “Still” explores the different ways people cope with grief and loss. Beth is trying to find hope and normalcy in the midst of chaos, while Daryl is struggling with guilt and self-blame. Their journey together shows that there’s no one right way to grieve, and that healing takes time and support. Grief is a journey, not a destination.
• Connection: The Power of Human Bonds: Beth’s persistence in getting Daryl to open up highlights the importance of human connection in the apocalypse. It’s easy to isolate yourself and succumb to despair, but having someone to talk to, someone to share your burdens with, can make all the difference. Sometimes, all you need is a friend and a bottle of moonshine (or maybe just the friend).!
• Letting Go: The Freedom of Forgiveness: The burning of the cabin symbolizes Daryl and Beth’s decision to let go of the past and embrace the future. They’re leaving behind their emotional baggage and focusing on what’s ahead. Burning down the past: the ultimate way to declutter your mind (and your surroundings).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The decaying country club is a metaphor for the collapse of society and the futility of material possessions in the apocalypse. Money can’t buy you love (or survival) in the zombie apocalypse.
• Daryl’s initial hesitation to drink the moonshine shows his reluctance to let go of his control and his fear of vulnerability. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s afraid of his own feelings (and maybe a little bit of moonshine).!
• Beth’s singing throughout the episode is a symbol of her hope and her determination to maintain her humanity in the face of darkness. Beth Greene: the songbird of the apocalypse.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 10+ (Daryl and Beth are a force to be reckoned with).
• Human Deaths: None (thankfully).
• Survivor Count: Two, but their bond is stronger than ever.

My Final Verdict:

“Still” is a quiet but powerful episode that delves deep into the emotional journeys of Daryl and Beth. It’s a character-driven story that explores themes of grief, identity, and the search for hope in a world gone mad. What did you think of the episode? Were you moved by Daryl’s vulnerability? Let’s discuss in the comments!