The Walking Dead “Isolation” Review (4×03)

What choices do we have to make to survive? Do we sacrifice our morals? Do we sacrifice others? These questions have the most weight in none other than a post-apocalyptic world like this one, and it’s ubiquitous throughout the course of this episode.

Take, for example, Carol. At episode’s end, it’s revealed that she’s the one who burned two of the sick; it seems very rash and callous of her, but because she’s become the de facto co-leader of the prison, she has to keep her emotions bottled up when she’s around others. However, when she’s alone, as we see in this episode, she breaks down, the guilt washing over her like a tidal wave.

That same guilt is felt by Hershel, but he has an opposite view: he believes that to survive, we help as much as we can, even if it means sacrificing our own lives. Carol’s all about moving forward, but Hershel’s the kind of guy that will expose himself to the contagion if it means he can help others feel better. It’s a nice thing to see someone stand up for his beliefs in this show, and while his decision may seem reckless, it’s all about perspective.

We also have Tyreese going mad over his girlfriend’s death, and his fight with Rick in the cold open is devastating to watch. Coleman does great work conveying the rage, sadness, and determination throughout, and I’m enjoying seeing the evolution of his character. I’m glad he doesn’t die when he’s surrounded by all those Walkers; it would be stupid if he did (although how does he even survive?), but I feel like that would be an easy way out for the writers, negating any sort of character buildup they’ve done with him.

Anyway, it’s a solid episode with solid character development, and the final twist stirs things up a bit; it paves the way for some intriguing character dynamics, and I’m looking forward to it.

GRADE: B

OTHER THOUGHTS:

-Carol, why did you knock over the water? Come on.

-Daryl really Lori’d it in the car.

-Carl’s huge silencer made me laugh.

-Three black people go off with Daryl, and not one of them dies? We’re making progress here, show.

-The show’s way of dealing with the new characters is to quarantine them all.

Credit to AMC and The Walking Dead for all pictures. I own nothing.

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