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The Walking Dead: Try – Rick vs. Pete, Sasha’s Spiral, and Alexandria’s Wake-Up Call (Season 5, Episode 15)

Originally aired: March 22, 2015. 13.76 million viewers tuned in to see the drama unfold in Alexandria. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

Alexandria: Paradise Lost (for Real This Time):

“Try” picks up with the aftermath of the disastrous supply run and the deaths of Aiden and Noah. The Alexandrians are starting to question Rick’s group’s influence, and Rick himself is becoming increasingly frustrated with their naivety and complacency. This episode is all about the clash between Rick’s pragmatic approach to survival and Alexandria’s idealistic worldview.

Key Plot Points:

• Deanna’s Doubt: Rick’s Group is Trouble: Deanna, the leader of Alexandria, is starting to have second thoughts about welcoming Rick and his crew into the community. She’s grieving the loss of her son, Aiden, and she’s been reading Father Gabriel’s warnings about Rick’s group being dangerous. Deanna, honey, you might want to trust your gut (and maybe Rick’s track record).!
• Rick vs. Pete: The Showdown: Carol, being the protective mama bear that she is, tells Rick about Pete’s abuse of Jessie and Sam. Rick, who’s already on edge and has a bit of a hero complex, decides to take matters into his own hands. He confronts Deanna about Pete, but she refuses to intervene, citing Alexandria’s policy of nonviolence. Rick, being Rick, decides to take a more direct approach. He confronts Pete, and a brutal fight ensues. The brawl spills out into the streets of Alexandria, and it’s a chaotic mess of punches, blood, and shouting. Rick Grimes: the man who solves problems with his fists (and sometimes a gun).!
• Rick’s Rant: “You’re Not Ready!”: Covered in blood and holding a gun, Rick delivers a passionate (and slightly unhinged) speech to the stunned Alexandrians. He tells them that they’re not prepared for the dangers of the outside world, and they need to toughen up if they want to survive. His words are harsh, but they’re also a wake-up call for the community. Some residents are alienated by Rick’s aggression, while others, like Michonne, start to question his judgment. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s not afraid to tell it like it is (even if it means scaring the pants off everyone).!
• Daryl and Aaron: The Mystery of the “W” Walkers: Daryl and Aaron, who are out scouting the area, stumble upon a gruesome scene. They find a group of walkers that have been mutilated and marked with a “W” on their foreheads. It’s a chilling discovery, and it hints at a new and dangerous threat lurking outside the walls of Alexandria. The “W” walkers: a mystery wrapped in an enigma (and covered in walker guts).!
• Sasha’s Spiral: Grief and Guns: Sasha, still reeling from the losses of Bob and Tyreese, is isolating herself and channeling her pain into killing walkers. She spends her days in the watchtower, taking out walkers one by one. Michonne and Rosita try to reach out to her, but she’s not ready to let anyone in. Sasha: the warrior who’s lost her way (and maybe her mind).!
• Nicholas: The Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire: Nicholas, the cowardly Alexandrian who abandoned Noah to die, tries to cover his tracks. He lies to Deanna about what happened during the supply run, blaming Glenn for Aiden’s death and painting himself as the hero. Nicholas: the weasel who’s not fooling anyone.

Themes and Meanings:

• Morality vs. Control: The Clash of Ideals: The conflict between Rick’s pragmatic approach to survival and Alexandria’s idealistic worldview is a central theme of the episode. Rick believes that the Alexandrians are too soft and naive to survive in the apocalypse, while Deanna still clings to the hope of maintaining a civilized society. It’s a clash of values that’s sure to have explosive consequences. The apocalypse: it’s not a place for idealism.
• Leadership: The Burden of Responsibility: Deanna and Rick’s contrasting leadership styles highlight the challenges of maintaining order and protecting a community in the apocalypse. Deanna’s diplomatic approach is failing to address the growing threats, while Rick’s aggressive tactics are alienating some members of the group. Leadership: it’s a balancing act, and it’s not always easy to find the right path.
• Grief and Isolation: The Scars That Remain: Sasha’s struggles with grief and isolation show the emotional toll that the apocalypse takes on the survivors. She’s lost so much, and she’s finding it hard to cope with the pain and the loss. Rick’s escalating actions also reflect his own grief and the burden of leadership. The apocalypse: it leaves scars, both visible and invisible.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Pete’s abusive behavior and his unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions symbolize the complacency and denial that exist within Alexandria. He’s a microcosm of the community’s larger problems, and his conflict with Rick is a foreshadowing of the inevitable clash between the survivors and the Alexandrians. Pete: the bully who’s about to get a taste of Rick Grimes’ justice.
• The bloodied gun in Rick’s hand during his speech is a powerful visual metaphor for the fine line between protection and domination. Rick is trying to protect the community, but his methods are becoming increasingly violent and authoritarian. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s walking a dangerous path.
• The “W” carved into the walkers foreshadows the arrival of the Wolves, a new and dangerous group of survivors who will threaten Alexandria’s existence. The Wolves: the next big bad on the horizon.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 15+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is reaching a boiling point).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but Alexandria is on the verge of imploding.

My Final Verdict:

“Try” is a tense and emotional episode that sets the stage for an explosive season finale. Rick’s confrontation with Pete, his passionate speech, and the discovery of the “W” walkers all contribute to the growing sense of dread and anticipation. This episode is a reminder that even in the safest of havens, conflict and danger are never far away, and the survivors will have to fight to protect themselves and the community they’ve found. What did you think of the episode? Were you on Rick’s side or Deanna’s side? Let’s discuss in the comments!