Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: The Distance – Aaron’s Arrival, Rick’s Suspicion, and a Glimmer of Hope (Season 5, Episode 11)

Originally aired: February 22, 2015. 13.44 million viewers tuned in to see if this new community was the real deal. Written by Seth Hoffman and directed by Larysa Kondracki.

Alexandria: A New Beginning:

“The Distance” picks up with the group still reeling from the losses of Beth and Tyreese. They’re exhausted, wary, and desperately searching for a place to call home. Enter Aaron, a clean-cut stranger with a proposition that seems too good to be true.

Key Plot Points:

• Aaron’s Pitch: “Come Join Our Awesome Community!”: Aaron, with his friendly smile and his well-stocked backpack, approaches the group with an offer they can’t refuse (or can they?). He claims to be a recruiter for a safe community called Alexandria, and he’s got pictures to prove it. But Rick, who’s been burned before (literally and figuratively), is not buying it. He punches Aaron in the face and ties him up for questioning. Rick Grimes: the leader who trusts no one (except maybe his own gut).!
• The Road to Alexandria: Trust Issues and Walker Troubles: The group, after much debate and a healthy dose of paranoia, decides to check out Aaron’s claims. But they’re not taking any chances. They split into two teams, travel at night, and generally act like they’re expecting an ambush at every turn. Along the way, they encounter a herd of walkers, which tests their skills and their unity. Aaron, surprisingly, proves to be helpful during the fight, and he even saves Rick’s life. Aaron: the recruiter who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty (or bloody).!
• Eric: The Boyfriend Who Proves Aaron’s Not a Psychopath: Just when the group is starting to warm up to Aaron, they discover that he has a partner, Eric, who’s been injured and left behind. They find Eric, and their emotional reunion is a testament to their love and their humanity. It also helps to convince Rick and the others that Aaron might actually be telling the truth. Aaron and Eric: the couple who’s redefining “relationship goals” in the apocalypse.
• Welcome to Alexandria: Kids, Cookies, and Clean Clothes: After a long and tense journey, the group finally arrives at the gates of Alexandria. They’re greeted by friendly faces, clean clothes, and the sounds of children playing. It’s a stark contrast to the harsh world they’ve been living in, and it’s almost too good to be true. But for now, they’re willing to give Alexandria a chance. Alexandria: the community that’s giving the survivors hope (and maybe a hot shower).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Trust: The Ultimate Gamble: The group’s struggle with trusting Aaron highlights the psychological scars they carry from their past experiences. They’ve been betrayed and manipulated before, and they’re hesitant to let their guard down again. But they also realize that they can’t survive on their own forever, and they need to find a community where they can belong. Trust: it’s a risk, but sometimes it’s the only way to find a home.
• Hope: The Flicker in the Darkness: Aaron’s arrival and the promise of Alexandria offer a glimmer of hope for the survivors. They’ve been through so much darkness and despair, and the possibility of a safe and peaceful community is a welcome change. But they’re also cautious, knowing that hope can be fragile in the apocalypse. Hope: it’s a precious commodity, and it’s not always easy to find.
• Humanity: The Will to Rebuild: The episode’s focus on Aaron and Eric’s relationship and the glimpses of normalcy within Alexandria emphasize the enduring power of humanity. Even in the midst of chaos and destruction, people still crave connection, love, and a sense of community. Humanity: it’s what makes us human (even when we’re surrounded by walkers).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The absence of people in the photographs that Aaron shows the group is a reflection of Rick’s paranoia. He’s looking for any sign of danger, and he’s not willing to take anything at face value. Rick Grimes: the leader who sees the world through suspicious eyes.
• Rick’s initial distrust of Aaron contrasts with Michonne’s willingness to give him a chance. This highlights the different perspectives within the group and the challenges of making decisions when everyone’s been traumatized by their experiences. The group: a collection of individuals with different approaches to survival.
• The imposing gates of Alexandria symbolize both safety and isolation. The community is protected from the outside world, but it’s also cut off from it. This raises questions about the potential challenges and limitations of living within such a closed society. Alexandria: a safe haven or a gilded cage? Only time will tell.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 30+ (the survivors are still honing their zombie-slaying skills).
• Human Deaths: None (thankfully).
• Survivor Count: Stable, with the addition of Aaron and Eric.

My Final Verdict:

“The Distance” is a tense and hopeful episode that introduces a new chapter in the survivors’ journey. The arrival of Aaron and the promise of Alexandria offer a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, but the group’s past experiences and their well-founded paranoia make them cautious about trusting this new community. This episode is a reminder that even in the apocalypse, hope and humanity can endure, but survival often requires a delicate balance of trust and skepticism. What did you think of the episode? Do you trust Aaron and Alexandria? Let’s discuss in the comments!