As much as I enjoy how the writers are aligning more closely with the source material, I also love how they are taking the familiar and finding new ways to explore the same ground.  The same plot points being hit with entirely different characters, and that means that the writers are managing to keep things fresh.  It also means that none of the viewers should assume that someone is safe, just because they are filling a pre-defined role.  There are, after all, a few extra characters in the mix compared to the original version!

Sasha, for example, takes on a role that was filled by Andrea in the original version.  I would have expected Carol to take up that mantle, and in some ways, she is.  It just means having a couple more balls in the air to juggle, and that means the pacing is currently a little slower than some might have anticipated.  Those familiar with the story can now recalibrate expectations for the finale; in fact, thinking thematically, the finale should land on some plot points that fit perfectly with the ground that’s been explored all season long.





Let’s face it: some characters have barely even been seen since the arrival at Alexandria.  With three episodes left until the finale, one can logically predict that those characters will need to get some degree of attention over the next two episodes before it all comes together in the finale, and therefore we are still looking at only the opening “act” of the Alexandria story.  Still, it’s worth noting that this is essentially the pacing and direction taken in the source material; the entire thrust of the story at this point is how Team Grimes is integrating, or not, into the society of Alexandria.

The dinner party and everything surrounding it was a big part of the early days in Alexandria, and the adaptation was done pretty well.  Sasha was given the “blow up” moment, but that’s an important element as well; the gang may be trying to adapt, but some are struggling a lot more than others.  The idea that they might become as “soft” as the current residents is very much front and center, but there’s the underlying concept that Deanna is so intent on integrating Rick and his people because they have an edge that Alexandria has lacked.  (Though one might then consider why this is suddenly an issue; why, in particular, does Alexandria need someone like Rick if they didn’t need that for a couple years now?)



Lest the audience be fooled into thinking that Rick and company are automatically in the right, Carol’s scene in the weapons depot was disturbing on several levels.  It’s entirely in keeping with the person that Carol has become, and it’s very clear now how well she’s playing the wolf in sheep’s clothing.  Meanwhile, Daryl has come around in a big way, and I’m sure that his rapport with Aaron will lead many to speculate if there is a rather unexpected love triangle coming our way.  Aaron and Eric are already a cute couple, though, so I’d hate to see them take that direction and break up a depiction of a strong gay relationship.  (At the same time, I predict much moaning from those who want Daryl to be homosexual or bisexual if this plays out like a tease to that segment of the audience.)




Oddly, the treatment of the character progression for Rick and Michonne takes a divergent path.  Michonne’s decision to hang up the katana and embrace Alexandria was explored in more depth in the source material.  In contrast, the adaptation seems to be doing a better job of showing how Rick’s mental state regarding Alexandria is being transferred to Jesse.  One can see how the larger choice of “take what we want”/”build something greater” that Alexandria represents could be tackled in microcosm in terms of Rick’s choices regarding Jesse, and that will likely come to a head before the season is out.