Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Them – Tears, Trials, and a Mysterious Stranger (Season 5, Episode 10)

Originally aired: February 15, 2015. 13.44 million viewers tuned in to see how the group was coping with their recent tragedies. Written by Heather Bellson and directed by Julius Ramsay.

The Road to… Where?:

“Them” picks up with the group wandering aimlessly through the wilderness, still reeling from the deaths of Beth and Tyreese. They’re exhausted, hungry, and emotionally drained. This episode is all about their struggle to survive, both physically and emotionally, and the glimmer of hope that appears when they least expect it.

Key Plot Points:

• The Walking Wounded: Grief is a Heavy Burden: The group is a mess. They’re physically and emotionally exhausted, and they’re barely holding it together. Rick is trying to keep them focused on survival, but it’s clear that they’re all struggling to cope with their recent losses. Someone needs a group hug (and maybe a therapist).!
• Daryl’s Gone Rogue (Again): Daryl, who’s always been a bit of a lone wolf, isolates himself from the group. He’s mourning Beth in his own way, and he’s not ready to talk about his feelings (or anything else, for that matter). He spends most of the episode scavenging for supplies and brooding in the woods. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s more comfortable with walkers than with his own emotions.
• Walker Bowling: Strike!: The group encounters a herd of walkers on the road, but they’re too exhausted to fight. Instead, they form a line and push the walkers off a bridge, sending them tumbling to their deaths. It’s a symbolic moment, showing that even in their weakened state, they can still find strength in unity. Teamwork makes the dream work (even when that dream is just surviving another day).!
• The Storm: Weathering the Apocalypse (Literally): The group finds shelter in a barn just as a massive storm hits. The wind howls, the rain pours, and the walkers outside are banging on the doors. It’s a tense and claustrophobic scene, but it also shows the group’s resilience and their ability to weather any storm (literally and figuratively). The apocalypse: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (but hey, at least they’ve got a roof over their heads).!
• Aaron’s Arrival: A Friend in Need (or a Foe in Disguise?): Just when things seem hopeless, a mysterious stranger named Aaron appears. He’s clean, he’s well-spoken, and he claims to be a friend. He offers the group help and a chance to join a safe community. But Rick and the others are suspicious. They’ve been betrayed before, and they’re not about to trust a stranger without a thorough interrogation. Aaron: is he a savior or a snake? Only time will tell.

Themes and Meanings:

• Resilience: The Will to Survive: The group’s ability to keep going, even in the face of overwhelming grief and exhaustion, is a testament to their resilience. They’ve lost so much, but they refuse to give up. They’re survivors, and they’ll find a way to make it through, even if it’s just one step at a time. Resilience: it’s what separates the living from the dead (and the survivors from the victims).!
• Grief: The Healing Power of Connection: “Them” explores the different ways people cope with grief. Daryl isolates himself, Sasha lashes out, and Rick tries to keep everyone focused on the future. But ultimately, it’s their connection to each other that helps them to heal and move forward. Grief: it’s a journey, and it’s easier to travel with friends.
• Hope: The Light in the Darkness: Aaron’s arrival offers a glimmer of hope for the group. They’ve been through so much darkness and despair, and the possibility of a safe haven is a welcome change. But they’re also cautious, knowing that trust can be a dangerous thing in the apocalypse. Hope: it’s a fragile thing, but it’s worth fighting for.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Sasha’s reckless behavior and her anger towards the walkers reflect her grief over the loss of Tyreese and Bob. She’s trying to channel her pain into something productive, but it’s clear that she’s still struggling. Sasha: the warrior who’s fighting her own demons.
• The mysterious water bottles that appear on the road foreshadow Aaron’s arrival and hint at the existence of a larger community nearby. Someone’s looking out for them (or maybe just messing with them).!
• Daryl’s tears while smoking outside the barn show his vulnerability and his deep sense of loss. He’s not just a tough guy; he’s a human being who’s hurting. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s not afraid to cry (when no one’s looking).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 20+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: None (thank goodness!).
• Survivor Count: Stable, with the addition of Aaron (who might be a friend or a foe).

My Final Verdict:

“Them” is a somber and reflective episode that explores the emotional and physical toll of the apocalypse. The group’s struggle with grief, hunger, and exhaustion is palpable, but their resilience and their bond with each other keep them going. Aaron’s arrival offers a glimmer of hope, but it also raises questions about trust and the true nature of this new community. What did you think of the episode? Do you trust Aaron? Let’s discuss in the comments!