Another to-the-wall ethical dilemma on The Walking Dead 2.11 last night - which means the most exquisite kind - about what to do about Randall.
In favor of killing him, everyone other than Dale at first. Argument in favor: Randall was part of the group that attacked Rick et al in town. Randall now says that's part of a larger group that numbers 30, with heavy artillery. If Randall escapes, he could well bring unbeatable, lethal firepower down on the group. He could be kept in chains, but that could eat up valuable resources - not just food, but in someone to keep on eye on him.
In favor of sparing him: Dale. His reasons: killing a human being in cold blood makes the group, as humans, something less than humans - or, humans lacking a basic humanity. Even Glenn can't go along with this. But Dale eventually convinces Andrea.
Not enough to sway Rick's hand, and he sets out to execute Randall. He's about to pull the trigger, when Carl appears. Carl's had an instructive day. Randall tried to talk Carl into freeing him. Carl in the woods later taunted a walker stuck in the mud. The walker got half loose and almost got Carl. Carl had taken a gun, but couldn't shoot the walker.
To his father, Carl now says "shoot him" - shoot Randall. But this has the reverse effect on Rick - he can't execute Randall in front of his son. This shows that, on some deep level, Rick agreed with Dale. Shane and Daryl are disgusted by Rick's decision.
Meanwhile, Dale, also disgusted by Rick's earlier decision to execute Randall, walks off into the night - and is attacked by the walker that Carl had taunted. Rick and crew find him, but too late. The only head that will be shot point blank tonight is Dale's - to put him out of his misery, and for the group's safety.
And so concludes another episode in about as fine a morality plays as can be found today on television. In a way, Carl has been the factor that led to all the events: his presence stopped Rick from shooting Randall, and Carl's taunting the walker let to Dale's death. And that's appropriate in this new, insane world, where the young still ultimately lead the way.
And see also The Walking Dead 1.1-3: Gone with the Wind, Zombie Style ... The Walking Dead Ends First Season
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The Plot to Save Socrates
"challenging fun" - Entertainment Weekly
"a Da Vinci-esque thriller" - New York Daily News
"Sierra Waters is sexy as hell" - curled up with a good book
In favor of killing him, everyone other than Dale at first. Argument in favor: Randall was part of the group that attacked Rick et al in town. Randall now says that's part of a larger group that numbers 30, with heavy artillery. If Randall escapes, he could well bring unbeatable, lethal firepower down on the group. He could be kept in chains, but that could eat up valuable resources - not just food, but in someone to keep on eye on him.
In favor of sparing him: Dale. His reasons: killing a human being in cold blood makes the group, as humans, something less than humans - or, humans lacking a basic humanity. Even Glenn can't go along with this. But Dale eventually convinces Andrea.
Not enough to sway Rick's hand, and he sets out to execute Randall. He's about to pull the trigger, when Carl appears. Carl's had an instructive day. Randall tried to talk Carl into freeing him. Carl in the woods later taunted a walker stuck in the mud. The walker got half loose and almost got Carl. Carl had taken a gun, but couldn't shoot the walker.
To his father, Carl now says "shoot him" - shoot Randall. But this has the reverse effect on Rick - he can't execute Randall in front of his son. This shows that, on some deep level, Rick agreed with Dale. Shane and Daryl are disgusted by Rick's decision.
Meanwhile, Dale, also disgusted by Rick's earlier decision to execute Randall, walks off into the night - and is attacked by the walker that Carl had taunted. Rick and crew find him, but too late. The only head that will be shot point blank tonight is Dale's - to put him out of his misery, and for the group's safety.
And so concludes another episode in about as fine a morality plays as can be found today on television. In a way, Carl has been the factor that led to all the events: his presence stopped Rick from shooting Randall, and Carl's taunting the walker let to Dale's death. And that's appropriate in this new, insane world, where the young still ultimately lead the way.
... The Walking Dead 2.3: Shane and Otis ... The Walking Dead 2.4: What Happened at the Pharmacy ... The Walking Dead 2.6: Secrets Told ... The Walking Dead 2.7: Rick's Way vs. Shane's Way ... The Walking Dead 2.8: The Farm, the Road, and the Town ... The Walking Dead 2.9: Worse than Walkers
And see also The Walking Dead 1.1-3: Gone with the Wind, Zombie Style ... The Walking Dead Ends First Season
Special Discount Coupons for Angie's List, Avis, Budget Car, Garden.com, eMusic
The Plot to Save Socrates
"a Da Vinci-esque thriller" - New York Daily News
"Sierra Waters is sexy as hell" - curled up with a good book
Enjoy listening to audio books? Get a free audio book copy of The Plot to Save Socrates - or any one of 85,000 other titles - with a 14-day trial membership at Audible.com ...
5 comments:
This one shocked me. I have to admit. One has to wonder what effect these events had on Carl. He knows that the Walker he taunted is the one that killed Dale. It's even more intriguing to me though how he "stole" that gun from Darryl and in the process of stealing it, lost it. Also, did you notice how much of a "kid" he still is... Notice how he played with Darryl's bike, "gunning" the engine on the bike as if it was a toy. Maybe it was a metaphor for him transitioning, rapidly, from a child to an adult in this messed-up world.
Really great morality play as you said.
Well said, especially about the significance of Carl transitioning from child (bike) to adult (gun).
I can't say I am surprised by Dale biting the dust (you could feel something coming), but was surprised it happened now. The way it happened is even more intriguing.
It shows the consequences of your actions, as well as non-action, which we all experience day in and out.
I believe this will fire Shane up even more so now, with Dale gone who was the only one completely against him, and Rick continuing to falter with the "big" decisions. Rick has already cost them large numbers of the group they once had in Atlanta. I think Rick will move to try and overthrow him completely now...which could mean the end for Shane is fast approaching.
But, further more, I believe we'll see the end of the farm as well...because if other walkers were nearby when this one got across, they may all begin trying the same thing...crawling.
Hey Paul-
I enjoy your posts after the WD episodes. Like MP I was surprised and think Dale's death does remove the needed moral compass and a sensible voice from the group. It's a big loss and there seems to potential for dark days on the horizon for the group.
As for Carl I wonder if this transformation seemed sudden to any on else? Doesn't it seem he became a rebellious teenager all in this episode. I wonder how "Carl indirectly kills Dale" will play out in the next several episodes or if it will be carried over to season 3. Any thoughts?
Looper - no doubt about the end of the farm. The question is how many of the farm people will go with our people.
Anon - I think Carl is definitely being revved up for a major role in Season 3, if not in the last episode of this season.
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