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The Walking Dead: First Time Again – Walkers, Walls, and What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (Season 6, Episode 1)

Originally aired: October 11, 2015. 14.63 million viewers tuned in for this explosive season premiere. Written by Scott M. Gimple & Matthew Negrete, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Alexandria: From Safe Haven to Potential Zombie Buffet:

“First Time Again” throws us right back into the action, with a massive herd of walkers threatening to overrun Alexandria. Rick, now the de facto leader of the community, has to rally the troops and come up with a plan to save the day (again). But with tensions brewing within the group and a mysterious new threat on the horizon, things are about to get complicated.

Key Plot Points:

• Operation Walker Herd: Rick’s Got a Plan (and a Quarry): Rick, ever the strategist, has devised a plan to lure the walker herd away from Alexandria. It’s a risky operation, involving a quarry, a lot of manpower, and a whole lot of walker guts. But Rick is confident that they can pull it off, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty (literally). Rick Grimes: the leader who’s always one step ahead (of the walkers, at least).!
• Flashback Friday: The Aftermath of Pete’s Demise: We get some flashbacks to the events following Pete’s execution, showing Rick consolidating his power and Deanna struggling to cope with the loss of her husband. Some of the Alexandrians, like Carter, are not happy with Rick’s new leadership style, and they’re starting to plot against him. Carter, honey, you might want to rethink that plan. Rick’s not exactly known for his forgiving nature.
• Morgan’s New Groove: The Pacifist Warrior: Morgan, who’s been MIA for a while, is back in the picture. But he’s not the same Morgan we remember. He’s adopted a pacifist philosophy, believing that all life is precious, even the undead. This creates some tension with Rick, who’s more of a “shoot first, ask questions later” kind of guy. Morgan Jones: the man who’s trying to find his zen (in the middle of a zombie apocalypse).!
• Carter’s Betrayal: The Plot That Fizzles: Carter, that whiny Alexandrian who’s been complaining about Rick’s leadership, tries to stage a coup. But his plan backfires spectacularly, and he ends up getting bitten by a walker during the herd operation. Rick, seeing an opportunity to eliminate a potential threat and prevent further chaos, puts Carter out of his misery. Carter, honey, you should have stuck to gardening.
• The Horn Blows: Uh Oh!: Just when it seems like the walker herd operation is going smoothly, a loud horn blares from Alexandria, drawing a chunk of the walkers back towards the community. The episode ends on this cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what’s going to happen next. Someone needs to find that horn and shut it off (or use it as a walker-attracting weapon)!

Themes and Meanings:

• Leadership: The Art of Control (and Compromise): Rick’s leadership style is evolving. He’s still decisive and pragmatic, but he’s also learning to listen to others and consider different perspectives. His conflict with Morgan highlights the tension between maintaining control and preserving humanity in the apocalypse. Leadership: it’s a balancing act, and Rick’s still trying to find his footing.
• Survival vs. Morality: The Eternal Struggle: Morgan’s pacifist philosophy challenges Rick’s worldview and forces him to confront his own moral code. Is it possible to survive in the apocalypse without compromising your humanity? It’s a question that the survivors will continue to grapple with throughout the series. The Walking Dead: where survival is a matter of life and death (and morality is a luxury you can’t always afford).!
• Unity: Strength in Numbers (or is it?): The walker herd operation shows the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of overwhelming odds. But the tensions within the group and the Alexandrians’ resistance to Rick’s leadership suggest that this unity is fragile and could easily shatter. The apocalypse: it’s a test of teamwork, and not everyone passes.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The black-and-white flashbacks emphasize the stark contrast between the past and the present, highlighting the group’s evolution and the weight of their decisions. The past: it’s a different world, but it’s still haunting them.
• The massive walker herd is a visual representation of the constant threat that looms over the survivors. It’s a reminder that they can never truly relax or let their guard down. The walkers: they’re always out there, waiting for you to make a mistake.
• Carter’s resistance to Rick’s leadership reflects the broader struggle of the Alexandrians to adapt to the harsh realities of the apocalypse. They’ve been living in a bubble, and they’re not prepared for the tough choices and sacrifices that survival requires. Alexandria: the community that’s about to get a reality check.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 50+ (the survivors are still racking up those kills).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Carter, the victim of his own stupidity).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the future is uncertain.

My Final Verdict:

“First Time Again” is an explosive and thought-provoking season premiere that sets the stage for a thrilling new chapter in “The Walking Dead.” The walker herd operation, the leadership struggles, and Morgan’s return all contribute to the tension and excitement of the episode. This premiere is a reminder that the apocalypse is a constantly evolving world, where the survivors are constantly faced with new challenges and forced to make difficult choices. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Carter’s betrayal? Let’s discuss in the comments!