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The Walking Dead: Internment – Hershel’s Heroics, Rick’s Sacrifice, and a Fence in Need of Therapy (Season 4, Episode 5)

Originally aired: November 10, 2013. 12.20 million viewers tuned in to see the prison community battle a deadly flu and a relentless horde of walkers. Written by Channing Powell and directed by David Boyd.

The Prison: From Safe Haven to Sick Bay:

“Internment” picks up with the prison in a state of emergency. The flu is spreading like wildfire, the walkers are banging on the fences, and tensions are running high. But amidst the chaos, there’s one man who’s holding it all together – Hershel Greene.

Key Plot Points:

• Hershel: The Saint of Cell Block A: Hershel, bless his selfless soul, is working tirelessly to care for the sick. He’s rationing medicine, comforting the dying, and trying to maintain some semblance of hope in the quarantine zone. He’s even removing the bodies and performing medical procedures out of sight to shield the others from the harsh realities of the situation. Hershel’s like a one-man medical army, fighting a losing battle against a zombie plague. Someone give this man a raise (and a nap)!
• The Flu: It’s Not Just a Cough Anymore: The flu is getting worse, and people are starting to turn into walkers. The quarantine block is turning into a zombie mosh pit, and Hershel and Sasha barely manage to fend off an attack. Glenn’s condition is deteriorating, and it’s clear that they need those antibiotics ASAP. This is not how I envisioned my flu season going.
• Rick and Maggie: Fence Fixers Extraordinaire: While Hershel is battling the flu inside the prison, Rick and Maggie are trying to hold the fort outside. The walkers are piling up at the fence, and it’s starting to buckle under the pressure. Rick, ever the quick thinker, decides to lure the walkers away with the remaining livestock. Sorry, pigs and chickens, but you’re going on a one-way trip to walker town.
• Daryl’s Return: The Cavalry Arrives (Just in Time): Daryl, Michonne, Tyreese, and Bob finally return from their supply run with the precious medicine. They arrive just in the nick of time to save Glenn and the other sick survivors. It’s a moment of relief, but it’s also a reminder of how close they came to losing everything. Daryl Dixon: the hero we need (and the one who always shows up with the goods).!
• Rick’s Confession: Carol’s Exile Revealed: Rick, feeling the weight of his decision to exile Carol, confides in Maggie. He explains his reasoning and the potential consequences of Carol’s actions. Maggie, showing her own leadership qualities, supports Rick’s decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and unity within the group. Rick and Maggie: the power couple of the apocalypse.

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice and Resilience: The Human Spirit Endures: Hershel’s unwavering dedication to saving lives, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He’s a beacon of hope in a dark time, and his actions inspire others to keep fighting. Hershel Greene: the heart and soul of the prison community.
• Safety: A Constant Struggle: The flu outbreak and the fence collapse highlight the precarious nature of safety in the apocalypse. Just when the survivors think they’ve found a secure haven, something comes along to threaten their stability. It’s like trying to build a sandcastle on a beach during a hurricane.
• Leadership: The Burden of Choice: Rick and Hershel’s actions in this episode show the challenges of leadership in a crisis. They have to make tough decisions, often with limited information and under immense pressure. It’s a heavy burden to bear, but they both rise to the occasion. Leadership: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (and definitely not in the apocalypse).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Hershel’s use of the Bible to comfort the sick is a reminder of his faith and his belief in the power of hope. Hershel’s got the Good Book and the good vibes.
• Rick leading the livestock to their deaths to lure the walkers away is a powerful image that symbolizes his internal conflict about sacrificing individuals for the greater good. Sometimes, you have to make tough choices to save the herd.
• Maggie’s calm support of Rick’s decision about Carol shows her growing maturity and her understanding of the complexities of leadership. Maggie’s not just Glenn’s girlfriend anymore; she’s a leader in her own right.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 40+ (it’s a walker-slaying frenzy!).
• Human Deaths: 5+ (the flu is a silent killer).
• Survivor Count: Still hanging in there, but the odds are stacked against them.

My Final Verdict:

“Internment” is a tense and emotional episode that showcases the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Hershel’s heroism is inspiring, Rick’s leadership is tested, and the flu outbreak continues to threaten the prison community. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is a constant battle for survival, and even the most secure sanctuaries can be breached. What did you think of the episode? Were you as impressed by Hershel’s dedication as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!