Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Walk with Me – Woodbury, Welcome to the Weird (Season 3, Episode 3)

Originally aired: October 28, 2012. 10.51 million viewers tuned in – the Governor’s arrival was a big deal! Written by Evan Reilly and directed by Guy Ferland.

New Faces, New Freaks:

“Walk with Me” shifts the focus away from Rick’s group and introduces us to a whole new cast of characters, including the enigmatic and oh-so-charming Governor. But don’t let that smile fool you; this guy’s got a dark side.

Key Plot Points:

• Chopper Down: Andrea and Michonne’s Excellent Adventure: Andrea and Michonne, who’ve been traveling together since the farm went kaboom, stumble upon a helicopter crash. Because, you know, what’s a zombie apocalypse without a little aviation disaster thrown in? They investigate the site and end up getting captured by a group led by none other than Merle Dixon. Remember that redneck who got left handcuffed on a roof back in Season 1? Yeah, he’s back, and he’s got a shiny new prosthetic arm (and a serious grudge against Rick’s group).
• Woodbury: The Town That’s Too Good to be True: Merle takes Andrea and Michonne to Woodbury, a seemingly idyllic town with walls, houses, and even a functioning barber shop. It’s like a little slice of pre-apocalypse heaven. The Governor, the town’s charismatic leader, welcomes them with open arms and promises them safety and security. Andrea, who’s been through a lot lately, is immediately drawn to the idea of settling down in Woodbury. Michonne, however, is suspicious. She’s got a good sense of when things are too good to be true, and she’s not buying The Governor’s act.
• The Governor: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The Governor, in a moment of pure evil, executes the surviving soldiers from the helicopter crash and loots their supplies. He then proceeds to lie to the townspeople about what happened. This is our first glimpse of The Governor’s true nature – he’s a manipulative, power-hungry tyrant who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
• Michonne: The Voice of Reason (and Suspicion): Michonne tries to convince Andrea to leave Woodbury. She doesn’t trust The Governor, and she’s worried about what he’s capable of. But Andrea is reluctant to give up the comfort and security of Woodbury. This is the beginning of a major conflict between the two friends.
• The Aquarium Room: Creepy!: The episode ends with a chilling scene of The Governor in his private quarters. He’s staring at a wall of aquariums filled with walker heads. Yeah, you read that right. Walker heads. It’s creepy, it’s disturbing, and it’s a clear sign that this guy is not right in the head.

Themes and Meanings:

• Safety vs. Freedom: The Price of Security: Woodbury represents the illusion of safety and security. But it comes at a cost – freedom and individuality. The Governor’s authoritarian rule is a reminder that sometimes, the most dangerous threats come from within.
• Trust vs. Paranoia: The Survivor’s Dilemma: Andrea and Michonne’s contrasting reactions to Woodbury highlight the different ways people cope with the apocalypse. Andrea is willing to trust and hope for the best, while Michonne is more cautious and skeptical. Both approaches have their merits, but it’s clear that trust is a rare commodity in this world.
• Leadership: The Two Faces of Power: The Governor’s duality – his charm and his ruthlessness – is a reminder that leadership is a complex and often contradictory thing. In the apocalypse, the line between good and evil can be blurry, and even the most charismatic leaders can have dark secrets.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Merle’s weaponized prosthetic arm is a symbol of his resourcefulness and his willingness to do whatever it takes to survive.
• The Governor’s polished demeanor during the tour of Woodbury is a stark contrast to his private actions, highlighting his manipulative nature.
• Michonne’s reluctance to explain her pet walkers shows her guarded nature and her unwillingness to reveal her secrets.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills (Michonne): 3 (she’s still got it).
• Human Deaths: 5 (courtesy of The Governor).
• New Characters: The Governor, Merle (welcome back!), Milton, and a whole bunch of Woodbury residents.

My Final Verdict:

“Walk with Me” is a fantastic episode that introduces us to a whole new world and a whole new villain. The Governor is a complex and fascinating character, and his presence is sure to shake things up for Rick’s group. What did you think of the episode? Were you as creeped out by The Governor as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!