The Walking Dead Series 5 Blog: Four Walls and a Roof

The Walking Dead continued from the events of last week’s episode as Gareth’s crew learnt that the meal they made of Bob was in fact “tainted meat”. As if they weren’t irate enough, the “Hunters” stepped up their quest to track down and eliminate the survivors who destroyed their home (or more accurately, butchery). Of course, this didn’t work out too well for them. “Four Walls and a Roof” was an entertaining episode that highlighted just how far some characters have come, and how far they are willing to go in order to survive.

Upon discovery that Bob was indeed bitten, the cannibals chose not to finish their meal and instead to use Bob’s body as a message to Rick’s group by leaving him outside the church. Ironically, the “Hunters” themselves became the hunted thanks to Rick’s carefully executed plan that lured them into the church and to their demise. It was  actually refreshing to see Rick’s group with the upper hand, which hasn’t happened for quite a while. As menacing as they were, the cannibals simply weren’t as threatening as last series antagonist the Governor, so it’s also a positive that their story ended here and won’t be dragged out over the course of the season. This also poses the question as to what the next big threat will be, which may be answered in next week’s episode. Rick’s brutal execution of Gareth exemplified his “no-nonsense” attitude and was particularly awesome because he promised Gareth that he was going to kill him using a machete in “No Sanctuary” at the start of the season.

The Walking Dead makes a pretty big deal about the fact that other humans are the most dangerous and unpredictable part of this new world but since the show is based on a zombie apocalypse you would expect some characters to die from being bitten once in a while. That’s why Bob’s death served a poignant reminder that while everyone should be wary of other groups, there are still plenty of walkers out there, and it only takes one bite for the game to be over. Bob’s send off meant that his demise may not have been as dramatic as others but he was still a good character, and one that had changed the group dynamic by providing a more optimistic and hopeful outlook on life.

This was also the episode in which Gabriel revealed his big secret – that he locked the doors of his church at night whilst screaming men, women and children all perished outside. Perhaps letting this group of survivors stay at his church is the beginning of a path towards some sort of redemption, but he has a very long way to go. However, even when they found out, the group didn’t give him too much hassle for what he did, or ask any further questions. Either they were too busy dealing with Bob or maybe considering what they’ve seen before, Gabriel’s act of cowardice isn’t actually that bad in the grand scheme of things.

source: the walking dead wiki

There are now two main groups as Abraham set off with Eugene, Rosita, Glenn and Maggie on the way to Washington DC. Even though they’ve gone, everyone in The Walking Dead seems to find their way back together eventually, evidenced after the fall of the prison, so it’s likely we’ll see a reunion by the mid-season finale.

Abraham seems to be fixated on getting Eugene to Washington DC for the cure, which is reasonable but it’s also understandable that Rick wanted to wait for the rest of his “people”, namely Daryl and Carol. When Daryl appeared at the end of the episode we didn’t get to see who it was with him, but it seems unlikely it was his last known companion Carol, since she would have most likely just come straight out with him. Could this be the introduction of a new character?

Next week’s episode will focus solely on Beth, from the point she was taken to where she is now. Hopefully this will shed some light on direction that this season will go in, as Rick’s group will no doubt end up at the same place in the near future. “Four Walls and a Roof” successfully wrapped up the conflict with the Hunters in a satisfying manner so that we can now look forward to what ever faces the survivors next. The fact that there are now two main groups lends itself to different storylines that should eventually intersect with dramatic consequences.