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The Walking Dead: JSS – Just Survive Somehow (and Hope Carol’s Got Your Back) (Season 6, Episode 2)

Originally aired: October 18, 2015. 12.18 million viewers tuned in for this shocking and intense episode. Written by Seth Hoffman and directed by Jennifer Lynch.

Alexandria: Paradise Lost (Again?!):

“JSS” throws a major curveball at the survivors, just when they thought they’d found a safe haven in Alexandria. While Rick and most of the group are away dealing with that pesky walker herd, a new threat emerges – the Wolves, a group of brutal and unpredictable survivors who are about to turn Alexandria into their own personal playground of pain.

Key Plot Points:

• Enid’s Tragic Tale: JSS (Just Survive Somehow): We get some flashbacks that reveal Enid’s backstory. She’s a lone wolf (no pun intended) who’s been through a lot, losing her parents to walkers and having to fend for herself in the wilderness. Her mantra, “JSS” (Just Survive Somehow), becomes a symbol of the resilience and determination needed to survive in the apocalypse. Enid: the girl who learned to survive on her own (and maybe steal a few cars along the way).!
• The Wolves Attack: Surprise, Alexandrians!: While the residents of Alexandria are going about their daily routines, oblivious to the danger lurking outside their walls, the Wolves launch a surprise attack. They’re brutal, they’re efficient, and they’re not afraid to spill some blood (and guts). The Alexandrians, who are mostly unprepared for this kind of violence, are caught off guard and suffer heavy losses. Alexandria: the community that’s about to learn a harsh lesson about survival.
• Carol’s Stealth Mode: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (Literally): Carol, ever the resourceful one, quickly adapts to the situation. She disguises herself as one of the Wolves and uses her stealth skills to take them out one by one. She’s a killing machine, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty (or bloody). Her actions save countless lives, but they also raise questions about her own morality and the lengths she’s willing to go to protect her people. Carol Peletier: the ninja grandma who’s always one step ahead (and one knife away from ending you).!
• Morgan’s Dilemma: To Kill or Not to Kill: Morgan, with his pacifist philosophy, struggles to reconcile his beliefs with the brutal reality of the attack. He tries to subdue the Wolves without killing them, but his methods are not always effective. This causes friction with Carol, who believes that the only way to deal with a threat is to eliminate it completely. Morgan Jones: the pacifist who’s about to learn that sometimes, violence is the only answer.
• Alexandrians: From Wimps to Warriors (Sort Of): The Wolves’ attack forces the Alexandrians to step up and fight for their survival. Some, like Jessie, rise to the occasion, showing surprising courage and resourcefulness. Others, however, crumble under the pressure, proving that they’re not cut out for the harsh realities of the apocalypse. Alexandria: the community that’s learning to sink or swim (in a pool of walker blood).!
• The Wolves Retreat: The Battle’s Over (But the War’s Not Won): The Wolves eventually retreat, having suffered significant losses, but they leave behind a trail of destruction and a community in shock. One of the captured Wolves, when questioned by Morgan, hints at their motivations and their philosophy. They believe that the world belongs to the strong, and they’re not afraid to take what they want. The Wolves: the anarchists who want to tear down civilization (and maybe eat a few brains along the way).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Survival: Adapt or Die: The Wolves’ attack is a wake-up call for the Alexandrians. They’ve been living in a bubble, and they’re not prepared for the brutal realities of the apocalypse. This episode shows that in order to survive, you have to be willing to adapt, to fight, and to make tough choices. The apocalypse: it’s not a place for the weak or the unprepared.
• Morality: The Gray Areas: The conflict between Carol’s ruthless efficiency and Morgan’s pacifist philosophy highlights the moral dilemmas that the survivors face. Is it okay to kill to protect your people? Is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed, even in the apocalypse? These are questions that will continue to haunt the characters throughout the series. The Walking Dead: where the line between good and evil is as blurry as a walker’s vision.
• Unity: The Strength of a Community: The Wolves’ attack tests the cohesion of the Alexandrians. Some rise to the occasion, while others falter. This episode shows that a community is only as strong as its weakest link, and that unity and cooperation are essential for survival. The apocalypse: it’s a team sport, and you need everyone on board to win.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Enid’s “JSS” mantra is a reflection of the core survivalist mentality that’s necessary to make it in the apocalypse. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you have to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means compromising your morals or leaving others behind. Just Survive Somehow: the motto of the apocalypse.
• The Wolves’ brutal tactics and their disregard for human life mirror their philosophy of rejecting societal norms and embracing chaos. They’re a force of destruction, and they represent the dangers of unchecked anarchy. The Wolves: the embodiment of chaos and destruction.
• Carol’s transformation from a timid housewife to a ruthless warrior is symbolized by her cold efficiency in dispatching the Wolves. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and she’s not afraid to use violence to protect her people. Carol Peletier: the woman who can bake a cake and kill a Wolf with the same smile.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a backseat to the human drama this week).
• Human Deaths: Numerous (the Wolves’ attack takes a heavy toll on Alexandria).
• Survivor Count: Stable for Rick’s group, but Alexandria is reeling from the losses.

My Final Verdict:

“JSS” is a shocking and intense episode that throws the Alexandrians into the deep end of the apocalypse. The Wolves’ attack is brutal and unforgiving, and it forces the survivors to confront their own vulnerabilities and their capacity for violence. This episode is a reminder that in the world of “The Walking Dead,” danger can lurk around every corner, and even the safest of havens can be shattered in an instant. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Carol’s badassery? Let’s discuss in the comments!