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The Walking Dead: Now – Alexandria’s Angst, Maggie’s Mission, and Rick’s Return (Season 6, Episode 5)

Originally aired: November 8, 2015. 12.44 million viewers tuned in to see how Alexandria would cope with the aftermath of the Wolves’ attack. Written by Corey Reed and directed by Avi Youabian.

Alexandria: From Paradise Lost to… Panic Mode?:

“Now” takes us back to Alexandria, where the residents are reeling from the recent attack. The Wolves’ brutality has shattered their sense of security, and the walker herd that’s now surrounding the community is a constant reminder of the dangers lurking outside their walls. But amidst the fear and despair, there are also glimmers of hope and resilience.

Key Plot Points:

• Deanna’s Doubt: The Leader Who Lost Her Way: Deanna, the former congresswoman who’s been trying to build a civilized community in the apocalypse, is having a crisis of faith (in herself and in her leadership). She’s questioning her decisions, her ability to protect the community, and whether Alexandria can even survive. Deanna, honey, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, the weight of the world (and the walkers) is just too much to bear.
• Rick’s Return: The Hero We Need (But Don’t Always Deserve): Rick, after his harrowing escape from the walker herd, finally makes it back to Alexandria. His arrival is a much-needed boost of morale for the community, and he immediately takes charge, rallying the residents and organizing their defenses. Rick Grimes: the leader who always shows up when you need him most (even if he’s a little bit grumpy).!
• Maggie’s on a Mission: Finding Glenn (and Maybe a Pickle): Maggie, bless her pregnant heart, is not giving up on Glenn. She’s convinced that he’s still alive, and she’s determined to find him, even if it means venturing into the walker-infested sewers. Aaron, feeling guilty about his role in the Wolves’ attack, joins her on her quest. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s not afraid to go down into the sewers (or face her fears) to find the man she loves.
• Jessie’s Transformation: From Housewife to Warrior: Jessie, the woman Rick has been crushing on (and who’s also married to the abusive Pete), shows her strength in this episode. When a walker breaches the walls of Alexandria, she doesn’t hesitate to kill it, and she delivers a rousing speech to the community, urging them to face the reality of their situation and fight for their survival. Jessie Anderson: the woman who’s finally found her inner badass.
• Community Tensions: Every Man for Himself?: As food supplies dwindle and fear takes hold, some of the Alexandrians start to panic. They consider abandoning the community, believing that it’s no longer safe. Spencer, Deanna’s son, tries to rally them with a speech about solidarity, but his actions later reveal his own selfishness, as he hoards food for himself. Spencer Monroe: the guy who talks a good game but can’t walk the walk.

Themes and Meanings:

• Leadership: The Burden of Responsibility: Deanna’s struggles with leadership and Rick’s return highlight the challenges of guiding a community in the apocalypse. It’s a heavy burden, and it requires strength, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire hope in others. Leadership: it’s not about power; it’s about service.
• Hope vs. Despair: The Battle Within: Maggie’s unwavering hope that Glenn is still alive contrasts with the growing despair and fear among the Alexandrians. This episode shows the importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity, even when it seems like all is lost. Hope: it’s the light that guides you through the darkness.
• Unity: The Strength of a Community: The episode emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges. The survivors have learned that they’re stronger together than they are alone, and they need to rely on each other to survive. But the emergence of selfish behavior, like Spencer’s hoarding of food, threatens to undermine their unity and put the community at risk. Unity: it’s the foundation of survival, but it’s also fragile.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Deanna adding the word “future” to her map of Alexandria is a symbolic gesture. It shows that despite her doubts and her grief, she still believes in the possibility of a better tomorrow. Deanna Monroe: the woman who’s not giving up on her dream.
• Jessie’s decisive killing of the walker and her speech to the community mirror Rick’s pragmatic approach to survival. She’s starting to see the world through his eyes, and it’s changing her. Jessie Anderson: the woman who’s finding her inner Rick Grimes.
• Maggie’s decision to reveal her pregnancy to Aaron is a sign of her hope and her commitment to building a future, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Maggie Greene: the mother-to-be who’s carrying the torch of hope.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 10+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: None (but the emotional toll is high).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the community is fragile.

My Final Verdict:

“Now” is a somber but ultimately hopeful episode that explores the emotional aftermath of the Wolves’ attack and the challenges of rebuilding a community in the apocalypse. The characters’ struggles with grief, fear, and doubt are palpable, but their resilience and their determination to survive shine through. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure, and human connection can be a source of strength. What did you think of the episode? Were you inspired by Maggie’s determination? Let’s discuss in the comments!