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The Walking Dead: Twice as Far – Supply Runs, Savior Ambushes, and a Shocking Loss (Season 6, Episode 14)

Originally aired: March 20, 2016. 12.38 million viewers tuned in for this intense and emotional episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and directed by Alrick Riley.

Alexandria: Expanding Horizons:

“Twice as Far” splits its focus between two groups venturing out from Alexandria on supply runs.¹ Denise, the community’s new doctor, wants to prove her worth by finding medicine, while Eugene and Abraham are on a mission to find a machine shop to manufacture bullets. But their journeys are fraught with danger, and not everyone will make it back alive.

Key Plot Points:

• Denise’s Big Adventure: The Doctor is Out (and About to be Out of Luck): Denise, who’s been struggling with her insecurities and her fear of the outside world, finally decides to step up. She convinces Daryl and Rosita to accompany her on a supply run to a nearby pharmacy.² She’s determined to find medicine for the community and prove that she’s more than just a scared doctor. Denise Cloyd: the woman who’s not afraid to face her fears (or a pharmacy full of walkers).!
• Eugene’s Independence Day: The Mullet Takes Charge: Eugene, who’s often been seen as the cowardly and unreliable member of the group, is also on a mission to prove himself. He and Abraham head out to find a machine shop, and Eugene insists on taking the lead. He’s got a plan, and he’s not afraid to assert his independence, even if it means clashing with Abraham. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s finally found his mojo.
• Denise’s Brave Moment: Facing Fear Head-On: At the pharmacy, Denise encounters a walker trapped in a bathroom. Instead of running away or relying on Daryl and Rosita to save her, she confronts her fear and kills the walker herself.³ It’s a small but significant victory for Denise, and it shows her growing courage and resilience. Denise Cloyd: the doctor who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty (or bloody).!
• Abraham and Eugene: The Odd Couple (and Their Explosive Argument): Eugene’s newfound assertiveness leads to a heated argument with Abraham.⁴ They clash over their different approaches to survival and leadership, and it seems like their partnership might be on the verge of collapse. But when Eugene is attacked by a walker, Abraham comes to his rescue, reminding us that even the most mismatched pairs can find common ground (and save each other’s butts). Abraham and Eugene: the buddy comedy we didn’t know we needed.
• The Saviors Strike Back: Dwight’s Revenge: Just when it seems like the supply runs are going smoothly, disaster strikes. Dwight, one of the Saviors who Daryl encountered earlier in the season, ambushes the group. In a shocking and brutal moment, he shoots Denise through the eye with Daryl’s own crossbow. Her death is sudden and unexpected, and it leaves the group reeling. Denise! Noooooo! (And Dwight, you jerk!)
• The Aftermath: Grief, Guilt, and a Bite of Redemption: Daryl and Rosita are devastated by Denise’s death, and they’re both struggling with guilt and anger. Eugene, however, proves his resourcefulness once again. He bites Dwight’s crotch (ouch!), distracting him long enough for Daryl and Rosita to fight back and escape.⁵ Abraham, witnessing Eugene’s bravery and quick thinking, finally reconciles with him, recognizing his growth and his value to the group. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s not afraid to bite back.

Themes and Meanings:

• Growth: The Courage to Change: Denise and Eugene’s journeys in this episode highlight the importance of growth and self-discovery in the apocalypse. They both step outside their comfort zones and face their fears, proving that even in the darkest of times, people can still evolve and find new strengths within themselves. The apocalypse: it’s a crucible, forging new versions of ourselves.
• Violence: The Unpredictable Enemy: Denise’s sudden and brutal death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence in the apocalypse. Even when you think you’re safe, danger can strike at any moment, and no one is truly immune to the harsh realities of this world. The Walking Dead: where death is always lurking around the corner.
• Trust and Redemption: The Power of Forgiveness: Eugene and Abraham’s reconciliation shows the importance of trust and forgiveness in maintaining relationships in the apocalypse. They’ve had their differences, but they ultimately recognize each other’s value and come together to face their challenges. The apocalypse: it’s a test of friendship, and true friends stick together (even when one of them bites the other one’s crotch).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Denise’s speech about courage and taking risks is tragically ironic, as her bravery ultimately leads to her demise. It’s a reminder that even the most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences in the apocalypse. Denise Cloyd: the doctor who dared to dream (and paid the ultimate price).!
• Dwight’s burn scars hint at his backstory and the brutal nature of Negan’s rule.⁶ He’s clearly been through a lot, and his actions suggest that he’s a complex and dangerous character. Dwight: the Savior with a score to settle.
• Eugene’s unconventional tactic of biting Dwight in the crotch shows his growing resourcefulness and his willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. He’s not just a nerd anymore; he’s a survivor who’s learning to fight back. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s not afraid to get his teeth dirty.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 15+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Denise, the beloved doctor).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the stakes are rising.

My Final Verdict:

“Twice as Far” is a powerful and emotional episode that explores the themes of growth, loss, and the unpredictable nature of the apocalypse. Denise’s death is a shocking and heartbreaking moment, but it also serves as a catalyst for Eugene’s development and Abraham’s reconciliation with him. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for hope, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Denise’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!