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The Walking Dead: Remember – Welcome to Alexandria, Where the Living is Easy (or Is It?) (Season 5, Episode 12)

Originally aired: March 1, 2015. 14.43 million viewers tuned in to see if this new community was all it was cracked up to be. Written by Corey Reed and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Alexandria: Suburbia with a Side of Suspicion:

“Remember” is a bit of a breather episode after the intensity of the first half of the season. The survivors have finally found a place that seems safe, secure, and surprisingly normal. But after everything they’ve been through, can they really let their guard down and trust these strangers?

Key Plot Points:

• Deanna Monroe: The Politician of the Apocalypse: The group meets Deanna Monroe, the leader of Alexandria. She’s a former congresswoman (because apparently, political experience comes in handy even when the world’s gone to hell), and she’s got a calm and collected demeanor that’s a stark contrast to Rick’s hardened exterior. She interviews each member of the group, recording their stories and assessing their skills. Deanna Monroe: the woman who’s trying to bring order to the chaos.
• Civilization: It’s a Whole New World: The survivors are given houses, clothes, and even jobs! They’re trying to adjust to this new way of life, but it’s not easy. Rick, Carol, and Daryl, in particular, are suspicious of everything and everyone. They’re still in survival mode, and they’re not about to let their guard down just yet. Rick Grimes: the man who sleeps with one eye open (and a machete under his pillow).!
• Michonne’s Transformation: The Warrior Who Laid Down Her Sword: Michonne, who’s always been a fierce and independent warrior, starts to embrace the peace and stability of Alexandria. She even hangs up her katana, symbolizing her willingness to let go of the past and embrace a new way of life. Michonne: the woman who’s ready to trade her sword for a gardening trowel.
• Rick’s New Job: Constable Grimes is Back on the Beat: Deanna, recognizing Rick’s leadership qualities (and his impressive zombie-slaying skills), offers him the job of constable. Rick, after some initial hesitation, accepts the offer. He puts on a police uniform for the first time in years, and it’s a symbolic moment that shows his willingness to try and rebuild a sense of order and justice in this new world. Rick Grimes: the cop who never gave up on the law (even when the law is “don’t get eaten”).!
• Daryl’s Discomfort: The Outsider: Daryl, who’s always been more comfortable in the wilderness than in civilization, struggles to fit in at Alexandria. He rejects offers of friendship and prefers to spend his time alone, scavenging for food and keeping to himself. His discomfort highlights the challenges of adapting to a new way of life after years of survival on the road. Daryl Dixon: the lone wolf who’s not ready to join the pack.
• Rick’s Observation: These People Are Soft!: Rick, ever the pragmatist, notices that the residents of Alexandria are naive and unprepared for the dangers of the outside world. They’ve been living in a bubble, and they don’t have the skills or the experience to survive if things go south. Rick warns Carol and Daryl to stay vigilant, hinting that he might have to take matters into his own hands if necessary. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s always ready for the worst (and usually right).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Survival vs. Civilization: The Clash of Worlds: The group’s struggle to adapt to Alexandria’s structured and peaceful environment reflects the challenges of transitioning from a life of constant survival to one of rebuilding and community. They’ve been living in a world where every day is a fight for survival, and it’s not easy to let go of those instincts and embrace a more civilized way of life. The apocalypse: it changes you, and sometimes, those changes are hard to undo.
• Trust vs. Caution: The Scars of Betrayal: Rick’s skepticism and the group’s overall wariness highlight the lasting impact of their past experiences. They’ve been betrayed and hurt before, and they’re not about to let their guard down again, even in a seemingly safe haven like Alexandria. Trust: it’s a precious commodity in the apocalypse, and it’s hard to earn.
• Leadership: The Different Styles of Power: Deanna and Rick’s contrasting leadership styles underscore the tension between diplomacy and pragmatism. Deanna believes in building a community through cooperation and trust, while Rick is more focused on security and survival. It’s a clash of ideologies that’s sure to create conflict in the future. Leadership: there’s more than one way to skin a walker (or govern a community).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Carol’s adoption of a sweet and naive persona is a clever tactic to avoid suspicion from the Alexandria residents. She’s playing the role of the harmless housewife, but underneath it all, she’s still the cunning and resourceful survivor we all know and love. Carol Peletier: the master of disguise (and deception).!
• Rick shaving his beard is a symbolic act. It shows that he’s willing to let go of some of his survival persona and try to fit in at Alexandria. But his wary eyes and his constant vigilance reveal that he’s not completely letting his guard down. Rick Grimes: the man who’s always one step ahead (and one eye on the exit).!
• Deanna’s interviews with the survivors provide valuable insights into their personalities, their backstories, and their emotional states. They’re a reminder that even in the apocalypse, people are complex and multi-layered, and their experiences have shaped them in profound ways. The survivors: they’re not just fighting walkers; they’re fighting their own inner demons.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a break this week).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is simmering).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the group’s integration into Alexandria is fragile.

My Final Verdict:

“Remember” is a thought-provoking and introspective episode that explores the challenges of adapting to a new way of life after years of survival in the apocalypse. The introduction of Alexandria and its seemingly idyllic community offers a glimmer of hope, but the survivors’ past experiences and their inherent mistrust make them wary of this new sanctuary. This episode is a reminder that even in the safest of havens, the scars of the past can linger, and the fight for survival is never truly over. What did you think of the episode? Do you trust Alexandria? Let’s discuss in the comments!