And so it begins: the introduction of The Community (aka, The Alexandria Safe-Zone), one of the most game-changing elements of the original storyline and something that the fifth season has needed since the end of the Hunters arc.  Rick practically says as much already; really, coming into this phase of the saga, it’s the experiences with Woodbury and Terminus that factor into his decisions.  The sidetrip into Atlanta may inform, but it doesn’t stand as a major sticking point.

This is one of those odd moments where knowing the truth about The Community means that the episode plays out very differently.  Without knowledge of what The Community truly represents, Aaron’s arrival and the major questions about the sincerity of his offer could be rather terrifying.  How can Team Grimes trust yet another new group that talks great intentions but remains cagey at the same time?  It’s a rather good question after all the group has been through, and exhaustion, thirst, and hunger make it hard to react rationally when obvious details come to the surface.



On the other hand, it seems like Rick was on the verge of losing any command of his flock, had he pushed too hard on the skepticism.  It’s not giving up, per se, but I think that the gang was at the end of their rope.  They were able to hold back death for one more day, but what if The Community turned out to be another Terminus?  Would they all continue to fight, or would some of them be ready to stop fighting, regardless of the consequences?

It’s probably fair to say that Daryl and Carol would stick with Rick and fight it out.  Daryl is like family to Rick now and has very little to lose, and frankly, if Carol went with Rick, it’s probably another reason for Daryl to do likewise.  Carol makes it very clear that she’s still wary of The Community.  Contrast that with Michonne and Maggie, and there is plenty of room for conflict should matters in The Community lead Rick or others to question the validity of their current choice.


Meanwhile, Rick gets a first-hand look at what happens when he lets his skepticism override better judgment.  While it’s certainly true that going up Route 16 could have been a trap, and Aaron’s expression of terror could have been related to how some kind of trap was going to go wrong, maybe sending out a scout to quickly recon Route 23 and its viability would have been a good idea.  Running down zombies is fun and all, and the chaotic aftermath of trying to escape and survive was harrowing, but it lends a little more credence to the notion that Rick isn’t thinking clearly at this point.




I’m curious to see what the reaction will be from the longtime fans of the show only vs. those familiar with the source material as well.  It’s going to be a change of perspective, to say the least, and quite different from what has been the focus of the series up to this point.  If the showrunners are looking for a natural point at which to end the series, then there is a logical through-line that starts here and culminates in something massive.  Since that could easily fuel several seasons at the current pace, the question is whether or not everyone will be along for the ride.