Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Strangers – Holy Moly, Cannibals, and a Supply Run Gone Wrong (Season 5, Episode 2)

Originally aired: October 19, 2014. 15.14 million viewers tuned in – the Terminus escape was just the beginning! Written by Robert Kirkman himself and directed by David Boyd.

On the Road Again (and Still Looking for Sanctuary):

“Strangers” picks up with Rick and the gang on the move again, trying to find a safe haven after their harrowing escape from Terminus. They’re a little worse for wear, but they’re still kicking (and killing walkers). But their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a mysterious priest who seems a little too good to be true.

Key Plot Points:

• Father Gabriel: The Holy Man with a Hidden Past: The group stumbles upon Father Gabriel, who’s surrounded by walkers and crying for help. They rescue him, because that’s what good guys do, but they’re immediately suspicious of him. He’s skittish, he’s evasive, and he seems a little too clean for someone who’s been surviving on his own in the apocalypse. He leads them to his church, which is surprisingly untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Father Gabriel: is he a saint or a sinner? Only time will tell.
• Rick’s Trust Issues: Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Rick, who’s been betrayed more times than he can count, is not about to trust Father Gabriel without a thorough background check. He questions Gabriel’s story, observes his behavior, and generally gives him the stink eye. Gabriel’s inability to look a walker in the eye (literally) doesn’t help his case. Rick Grimes: the leader who trusts no one (except maybe Daryl Dixon).!
• The Food Bank: Where Shopping for Supplies Can Get You Killed: Gabriel tells the group about a nearby food bank, and they decide to go on a supply run. But this is no ordinary grocery store. The basement is flooded, and it’s swarming with walkers. Bob, who’s been struggling with his demons (and his alcoholism), almost gets pulled under by a waterlogged walker. He survives, but his behavior afterwards suggests that he’s hiding something. Bob, honey, you’re giving me the creeps.
• Carol and Daryl: The Dynamic Duo (of Angst and Adventure): Carol is still dealing with the guilt of killing Karen and David, and she’s distancing herself from the group. Daryl, being the good friend that he is, tries to reach out to her and encourage her to stay. They discover a car that looks suspiciously like the one that took Beth, and they decide to follow the trail. Daryl and Carol: the Bonnie and Clyde of the apocalypse (except with less bank robbing and more walker slaying).!
• Bob’s BBQ: The Cannibals Are Back!: In a truly horrifying twist, the episode ends with Bob being captured by Gareth and the remaining Terminus survivors. They’re still hungry, and they’ve decided to turn Bob into their next meal. Gareth taunts Bob while eating his leg, and it’s a scene that will make you want to vomit (and never eat barbecue again). Gareth and the Terminus crew: the cannibals who just won’t quit.

Themes and Meanings:

• Trust: A Fragile Thing: The group’s reluctance to trust Father Gabriel highlights the lasting impact of their past betrayals. They’ve learned the hard way that in the apocalypse, trust can be a dangerous weakness. Trust: it’s like a fine china teacup – once it’s broken, it’s hard to put back together.
• Guilt: The Burden of Survival: Gabriel’s guilt over his past actions and Carol’s remorse for killing Karen and David show the emotional toll that survival takes on the human psyche. Even when you’re doing what you think is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones, the consequences can haunt you. Guilt: it’s the ghost that follows you even in the apocalypse.
• Humanity vs. Monstrosity: The Thin Line: The cannibals’ actions are a chilling reminder that the apocalypse can bring out the worst in people. When survival is the only goal, morality can easily be thrown out the window. The cannibals: a reminder that sometimes, the biggest monsters aren’t the walkers.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The biblical verses etched into the walls of Gabriel’s church hint at his internal struggle with faith and guilt. Father Gabriel: the man who’s searching for answers (and maybe redemption).!
• Bob’s upbeat demeanor early in the episode makes his capture and torture even more tragic. He was finally starting to find some peace and happiness, only to have it ripped away from him in the most brutal way possible. Bob Stookey: the optimist who met a cruel fate.
• Daryl’s quiet support for Carol shows the depth of their friendship and the importance of human connection in the apocalypse. Daryl Dixon: the friend who’s always there for you (even when you’re a homicidal maniac).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 20+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: None directly in the group (yet).
• Survivor Count: Stable (for now), but the cannibals are lurking.

My Final Verdict:

“Strangers” is a tense and emotional episode that explores the dark side of survival in the apocalypse. The introduction of Father Gabriel adds a new layer of mystery to the story, and the return of the cannibals is a chilling reminder that the survivors are never truly safe. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Bob’s capture? Let’s discuss in the comments!