This episode was slow at first - as some have been quick to point out and criticise - however, this gradual buildup was absolutely fundamental in making the action at the end of the episode significant.
From the beginning of the episode, we are able to get a sense of our survivors being on the edge: Michonne and Rick both are sitting on the fence, unsure which side to jump over to, knowing that once they make their leap of faith there is no turning back.
For Michonne, we see this as she's struggling in her bedroom to deal with the loss of yet another member of their group - Noah. She lays her clothes on the bed (old clothes and new uniform), and she chooses to leave her uniform behind when Tara tells her of Sasha's disappearance. This symbolises her prioritising Sasha and their old group over Alexandria and her new duties that come with it; however, no sooner do we begin drawing conclusions about this decision of Michonnes does Tara point out when they are looking for Sasha that she left her Katana behind - something she's never done before. This is our indication that Michonne has not yet made her decision, and that she is not completely committed to the old group as we may have initially believed her to be.
For Rick, we see him, too, struggling with his instincts against his responsibilities which he has in Alexandria. His gut is telling him to go and kill Pete, because we all know it's for the best because he's going to continue to beat his wife. But he cannot allow his gut instinct to take over because of his role in Alexandria of authority and responsibility. He has to set an example and be mindful of the law - whatever that may be in this apocalyptic world... Alas, it is no surprise to us when at the end of the episode he is pushed by Pete to his breaking point, at which point he makes his decision and fights back, intending to kill Pete.
Their fight is interrupted three times: by Jessie, Carl, and Deanna. Jessie is swatted away by Pete - no surprise there. But what does surprise us is that Rick similarly swats away Carl. This highlights to us just how similar these two characters are, thus painting Rick in a much harsher and more unforgiving light. It makes it hard for us to sympathise with Rick when he's making his pleading to Deanna - and the gun in his hand, wild look in his eyes and blood smeared over his face obviously don't help very much either.
In the end, it is Michonne who finally shuts Rick up. She, too, makes her decision when she whacks him on the back of the head, knocking him out cold. And we see her wearing her Alexandria uniform, symbolising that she's decided to embrace her role at Alexandria and has done what Deanna wanted.
It is clear that the gradual development is essential to the climax of the episode. There would have been no breaking point for Rick had things not escalated steadily. Just as a roller-coaster does not immediately drop, this episode does not immediately immerse us in action.
Thus our two leading characters from our old group are juxtaposed: one seems to have committed to their new home, and one is still unable to accept the new place for what is is and intends to change things - with or without consent. This leaves us in an interesting situation which will surely delight us with a fantastic season finale.
Will Rick be exiled? Will there be a revolution in Alexandria? Or worse: will we see a repeat of Woodbury?
From the beginning of the episode, we are able to get a sense of our survivors being on the edge: Michonne and Rick both are sitting on the fence, unsure which side to jump over to, knowing that once they make their leap of faith there is no turning back.
For Michonne, we see this as she's struggling in her bedroom to deal with the loss of yet another member of their group - Noah. She lays her clothes on the bed (old clothes and new uniform), and she chooses to leave her uniform behind when Tara tells her of Sasha's disappearance. This symbolises her prioritising Sasha and their old group over Alexandria and her new duties that come with it; however, no sooner do we begin drawing conclusions about this decision of Michonnes does Tara point out when they are looking for Sasha that she left her Katana behind - something she's never done before. This is our indication that Michonne has not yet made her decision, and that she is not completely committed to the old group as we may have initially believed her to be.
For Rick, we see him, too, struggling with his instincts against his responsibilities which he has in Alexandria. His gut is telling him to go and kill Pete, because we all know it's for the best because he's going to continue to beat his wife. But he cannot allow his gut instinct to take over because of his role in Alexandria of authority and responsibility. He has to set an example and be mindful of the law - whatever that may be in this apocalyptic world... Alas, it is no surprise to us when at the end of the episode he is pushed by Pete to his breaking point, at which point he makes his decision and fights back, intending to kill Pete.
Their fight is interrupted three times: by Jessie, Carl, and Deanna. Jessie is swatted away by Pete - no surprise there. But what does surprise us is that Rick similarly swats away Carl. This highlights to us just how similar these two characters are, thus painting Rick in a much harsher and more unforgiving light. It makes it hard for us to sympathise with Rick when he's making his pleading to Deanna - and the gun in his hand, wild look in his eyes and blood smeared over his face obviously don't help very much either.
In the end, it is Michonne who finally shuts Rick up. She, too, makes her decision when she whacks him on the back of the head, knocking him out cold. And we see her wearing her Alexandria uniform, symbolising that she's decided to embrace her role at Alexandria and has done what Deanna wanted.
It is clear that the gradual development is essential to the climax of the episode. There would have been no breaking point for Rick had things not escalated steadily. Just as a roller-coaster does not immediately drop, this episode does not immediately immerse us in action.
Thus our two leading characters from our old group are juxtaposed: one seems to have committed to their new home, and one is still unable to accept the new place for what is is and intends to change things - with or without consent. This leaves us in an interesting situation which will surely delight us with a fantastic season finale.
Will Rick be exiled? Will there be a revolution in Alexandria? Or worse: will we see a repeat of Woodbury?