Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Triggerfinger – Bang Bang, You’re Dead (and So Are We, Probably) (Season 2, Episode 9)

Originally aired: February 19, 2012. 6.89 million viewers tuned in – the tension was thicker than walker guts! Written by David Leslie Johnson and directed by Billy Gierhart.

The Bar Fight Continues (Because Why Not?):

“Triggerfinger” picks up right where “Nebraska” left off – with a whole lot of bullets flying and Rick Grimes channeling his inner Clint Eastwood. Remember those two guys Rick killed in the bar? Yeah, their friends aren’t too happy about it.

Key Plot Points:

• The Shootout: Rick Grimes, Action Hero: The bar fight escalates into a full-blown shootout. Rick, Glenn, and Hershel (yes, Hershel!) find themselves in the middle of a Wild West showdown. They manage to take out their attackers, but it’s a close call. Glenn, bless his heart, freezes under pressure. But Hershel, surprisingly, steps up and takes out a sniper with a single shot. Talk about a badass grandpa!
• Lori’s Wild Ride: Car Crash and Walker Wrangling: Lori, who’s still MIA after her car accident, finds herself surrounded by walkers. But don’t worry, she’s not going down without a fight. She manages to fend them off, showing that she’s more than just a damsel in distress. Shane eventually finds her and brings her back to the farm, but not without using the opportunity to plant some seeds of doubt about Rick’s leadership.
• Shane: Master Manipulator: Shane, being the snake that he is, lies to Lori about Rick’s safety. He’s trying to undermine Rick’s authority and make himself look like the hero. Dale, meanwhile, is getting more and more suspicious of Shane. He sees right through his act and tries to warn the others, but no one seems to be listening.
• Moral Dilemmas: To Kill or Not to Kill: The group is grappling with the morality of killing other survivors. Rick defends his actions, arguing that it was necessary for the group’s survival. But the others aren’t so sure. This is a question that will continue to haunt them throughout the series.

Themes and Meanings:

• Leadership: A Heavy Burden: Rick’s actions at the bar and his defense of them show the difficult choices leaders have to make in the apocalypse. Sometimes, you have to do bad things to protect the people you care about.
• Morality: A Gray Area: The episode explores the ethical dilemmas of survival. Is it ever okay to kill another human being, even if it means protecting your own group? There are no easy answers in the zombie apocalypse.
• Manipulation: The Art of Deception: Shane’s manipulative behavior is a reminder that not everyone can be trusted. He’s playing a dangerous game, and it’s only a matter of time before it blows up in his face.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Hershel’s sniper moment shows his growing acceptance of the harsh realities of survival. He’s not the pacifist he used to be.
• Glenn’s hesitation during the shootout foreshadows his struggles with confidence and the trauma he’s experiencing.
• Shane’s insistence on bringing Lori back himself is another example of his manipulative tactics.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 5 (Lori and the gang are getting good at this).
• Human Kills: 3 (Rick, Hershel, and Glenn – the bar fight trio).
• Survivor Count: No change, but the group is hanging by a thread.

My Final Verdict:

“Triggerfinger” is a thrilling and dramatic episode that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The bar shootout is intense, Lori’s fight against the walkers is suspenseful, and Shane’s manipulative behavior is downright chilling. This episode sets the stage for even more conflict and heartbreak to come. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Hershel’s sniper skills? Let’s discuss in the comments!