Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Forget – Welcome to the Suburbs, Where the Drama Never Dies (Season 5, Episode 13)

Originally aired: March 8, 2015. 13.44 million viewers tuned in to see if Rick and the gang could handle a little bit of normalcy. Written by Corey Reed and directed by David Boyd.

Alexandria: It’s a Whole New World (of Social Anxiety):

“Forget” explores the challenges of adapting to a new community after years of survival on the road. The survivors are trying to fit in, but their instincts and their past experiences make it hard to let their guard down.

Key Plot Points:

• The Welcome Wagon (aka The Awkward Party): Deanna throws a welcome party for the new arrivals, hoping to integrate them into the community. It’s a classic suburban gathering, with food, drinks, and awkward small talk. Rick, Michonne, and Sasha try to make an effort, but they’re clearly out of their element. Carol, on the other hand, is in her element. She’s playing the role of the sweet and harmless housewife, but we all know she’s got a hidden agenda. Carol Peletier: the master of disguise (and cookie baking).!
• Carol’s Secret Mission: The Armory Heist: While everyone else is busy making small talk and trying not to spill punch on their clean clothes, Carol sneaks off to the armory. She’s not about to trust these Alexandrians with their safety, so she decides to take matters into her own hands (literally). She steals a bunch of guns, just in case things go south. Carol Peletier: the grandma who’s always prepared (for a zombie apocalypse or a PTA meeting).!
• Sasha’s Meltdown: PTSD Ain’t Pretty: Sasha, who’s still grieving the losses of Bob and Tyreese, is having a hard time adjusting to Alexandria’s peaceful atmosphere. She’s overwhelmed by the trivial concerns of the residents, and she eventually snaps at the party. It’s a reminder that the apocalypse leaves scars, both physical and emotional, and not everyone heals at the same pace. Sasha: the warrior who’s fighting a battle within.
• Daryl and Aaron: The Bromance is Blooming: Daryl, who’s always been a bit of a loner, starts to form a bond with Aaron, the recruiter who brought them to Alexandria. Aaron invites Daryl to dinner and shows him a motorcycle he’s been fixing up. He even offers Daryl a job as a recruiter, recognizing his skills and his ability to connect with people (and maybe his love of motorcycles). Daryl Dixon: the redneck who’s found a friend (and maybe a new hobby).!
• Rick’s Suspicions: Something’s Not Right: Rick, ever the cautious leader, is still not convinced that Alexandria is as safe as it seems. He’s observing the residents, noticing their weaknesses and their lack of preparedness for the dangers of the outside world. He’s also starting to develop feelings for Jessie, a married woman with a troubled family. This adds another layer of complexity to his already complicated situation. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s always looking for the cracks in the facade.

Themes and Meanings:

• Survival vs. Normalcy: The Struggle to Adapt: The survivors’ struggle to integrate into Alexandria’s seemingly normal community highlights the challenges of adapting to a new way of life after years of survival on the road. They’ve been living in a world where every day is a fight for survival, and it’s not easy to switch gears and embrace a more peaceful and structured existence. The apocalypse: it changes you, and sometimes, it’s hard to go back.
• Trust and Control: The Need for Security: Carol’s theft of the guns and Rick’s suspicions about Alexandria’s defenses show the group’s deep-seated need for control and security. 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 luxury the survivors can’t always afford.
• Grief and Healing: The Long Road to Recovery: Sasha’s outburst at the party is a reminder that the emotional scars of the apocalypse can be just as deep and painful as the physical ones. She’s still grieving the loss of her loved ones, and she’s struggling to find her place in this new world. Daryl’s growing bond with Aaron, on the other hand, offers a glimmer of hope. It shows that even in the darkest of times, human connection and friendship can help to heal those wounds. The apocalypse: it’s a test of resilience, and not everyone passes with flying colors.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Rick’s removal of his wedding ring is a subtle hint at his growing attraction to Jessie and his internal conflict about his feelings for her. Rick Grimes: the widower who’s trying to move on (but the apocalypse keeps getting in the way).!
• Carol’s cheerful demeanor while baking cookies for the Alexandria kids is a stark contrast to her calculated theft of the guns. It shows her ability to play the role of the harmless housewife while secretly plotting and scheming. Carol Peletier: the woman who can bake a cake and kill a walker with the same smile.
• Sasha’s pointed question, “That’s what you worry about?” to one of the Alexandria residents highlights the disconnect between the survivors who have experienced the horrors of the outside world and those who have been sheltered within the walls of Alexandria. The apocalypse: it creates a divide between those who have seen too much and those who haven’t seen enough.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a break this week, but don’t worry, they’ll be back).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is building).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the group’s place in Alexandria is still uncertain.

My Final Verdict:

“Forget” is a thought-provoking and character-driven episode that explores the challenges of adapting to a new community and the lingering trauma of the apocalypse. The survivors are trying to find their place in Alexandria, but their past experiences and their survival instincts make it difficult to fully trust and integrate. 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 think the group will be able to stay in Alexandria? Let’s discuss in the comments!