Is there such a thing as civility in the land of the dead? Will there ever be such a thing as civility and kindness and consideration? Do you really have to become a savage and evade all sense of morality to survive? Was Shane right? Was Shane prophetic? Would Shane have become Rick’s mentor in the apocalypse, eventually? One thing I loved about “A” beyond answering all questions, while still keeping us in the dark is that Rick finally comes to fruition as his comic book counterpart. One thing about Rick that’s always rung true in the comics is that Rick knows he’s a warrior, he knows he can survive if he thinks on his feet. What we see at the final scene of “A,” is that Rick finally knows the type of man he is. He knows he’s a warrior and he shalt not be fucked with. Most of all, don’t ever lay a hand on Carl.
As we saw with Shane in season two, there is no such thing as law, procedure, or morality in this new world. It’s not like before and it never will be. Unlike Shane though, Rick has a base of love and support, and that’s what’s kept him from completely transforming in to a chest thumping monster. The opening scenes and the random flashbacks showed how Hershel was the heart of the group. He was the glue. And once the governor murdered him in cold blood, Rick finally realized that there is no longer such a concept as humanity. There’s only the law of the land, as Hershel proclaimed, and surviving. Can you ever come back from the person you once were? “A” really does manage to bring audiences through the ringer by promising to slowly veer us in to where the comics are. Not to mention it consciously or sub-consciously addresses much of the complaints of moaning viewers of “The Walking Dead” from the start. Why did Rick become a farmer? Because Hershel simply wanted to tame the man and give him hope for a new tomorrow.
Why did Rick stop using his gun? Hershel wanted to give Rick a sense of comfort. Where did they get all the farming equipment? On the runs. Once upon a time there was hope. And a one eyed man chopped it down once and for all. The roads all converge in to “A” as I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised and shocked, suffice it to say. The writers really don’t draw out the confrontation with the nomads, as Rick and his troop find themselves cornered by walkers, and running out of food and water. Carl and Michonne are especially starving, but that comes to a halt when they see zombies creeping in from all corners of the woods and feeding on random unfortunate travelers. The truck that they found seemed to be there on the road to snare them, and though I’m not certain, it seemed like a smart idea. Rick and Michonne are confronted by the band of nomads Daryl rolled with, and the clashing is unbelievable.
There’s never been a moment of such clarity in the series where Rick finally stops becoming a man and finally delves in to pure savagery that he’s seen Shane and Morgan drop in to. For years since awakening from his coma, Rick has fought to stay Rick. And here, watching Michonne at gun point, Daryl being beaten to death, and Carl about to be gang raped, Rick reaches a new state of barbarism and ravages the nomads without fail. The final straw for Rick is brilliantly directed and edited, reminiscent of the finale of “28 Days Later.” Much like Jim, Rick has to become a monster to survive, and he does so with his teeth, a gun, and a very well placed knife.
The most touching moment is during Daryl’s somewhat subtle apology to Rick upon learning the nomads were hunting Rick and his group all along. Rick’s acceptance of his apology and declaration of brotherhood signals a man who is still there, and believes Daryl to be family. Through and through, we accept family in spite of their flaws and their mistakes. It doesn’t matter that Daryl was with the group, what matters is that Daryl was prepared to die for Rick, Carl, and Michonne. The entrance in to Terminus is still rather incredible and yet so harrowing. Being a long time reader of the comic books, I still think I know where we’re headed, but I’m not too certain yet.
One thing the writers have done well is peaking the interest of the loyal readers, many of whom, like me, know what happens, but only in the comics. The fact remains is that Rick and his company of survivors have come full circle and transformed in to different people in season four. The original cast of Rick, Carl, Glenn, Carol, and Daryl have transformed in to individuals that they can never revert back from. Much like the walkers that dominate the land. I look forward to seeing how Rick stages the getaway in season five. If the absolutely stellar finale to such an incredible fourth season of the series is any indication, we are in for many more shocks and stunning acts of retaliation.