I've had a theory for a while that TWD actual follows the same sort of story telling formula that a film or piece of literature follows - a more "closed arc" that involves an attention grabbing opening, slow rising action that builds the conflict, puts motivations in play, and moves the story toward a climix or turning point, to be followed by falling action as the characters become more defined and resolute, the conflict builds, characters more fully develop and get their realizations, and options are discussed and anolyzed, all building toward a final resolution. When looking at each individual season, the formula is clear. The seasons flow better when watched sequentially one after the other without the week long breaks in between.
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This Sorrowful Life is a pivotal episode in the area of character development, character epiphanies and discussions of options, all leading towards the final resolution of the season. Some major character moments are realized:
1. Rick - based on forum discussion here and there, some are angry that Rick would decide to turn Michonne over to the Gov. and feel it is out of character. However, it seems completely IN character to me. This guy who went back into Atlanta to save Merle and "can't let a man die of thirst," the guy who told Daryl "we don't kill the living" in season 1 and rescued an impaled Randall in season 2, has since nearly executed Randall (only his son stopped him), killed his best friend, left a hitchhiker on the side of the road to die, killed a prison inmate with a hatchet, locked another inmate in a yard of walkers, and kicked out a perfectly capable, healthy, and willing to help group of survivors (Tyreese's group). His evolution is such that where he would never consider such a trade before, he is now not only considering it, but actually planning it, even though there is little chance it will do more than buy them some time. It's his walk on the dark side, but he pulls himself up from the abyss and reconsiders, allowing his humanity to once again take over. His denouncing of the dictatorship is a sign that he doesn't need to be Shane in order to keep his group safe (we all know Shane would hand her over in a heartbeat). This is important character development and a great evolution of his character, only to come full circle again.
2. Daryl - Why does he go along with the plan? This once again, seems totally in character for me. He's not a leader. For all his good qualities, his obvious fondness for children, his loyalty to Rick and the group, he's not a take charge kind of guy. He's a henchmen in many ways, and rarely pushes his opinion on something. He realized Shane killed Otis, yet he said nothing about it for an entire season, he was all for the plan to kill Randall and even used "enhanced interrogation techniques" to gain information. When discussing the fate of the prisoners, Daryl admitted they were not killers, but when asked directly if they should let the prisoners join them, he said, "Hell no." His moral compass is somewhat askew, but is pointing in the direction of whatever it takes it save the group and trusting Rick's judgement. So, when the plan is presented, he can say it "don't feel right" but he'd still go along with it. Call it a character flaw, but that's Daryl.
It's also interesting to note how desperate and perhaps naive Daryl is to live peacefully with his brother in the group. He approaches Glenn as a peacemaker, but of course that gets him no where. He's desperate to "make it right" and if that means letting his brother "hand over Michonne" then so be it.
3. The Governor - I'm intrigued by the fact he bites Merle's fingers off. Not only is that just SICK and shows savagery beyond comprehension, but in essence the Gov has become a "biter." No, he's not a zombie, nor do I believe he was bit in "Prey" and is turning. But symbolically he is just as bad as the very thing that is their common threat. He's worse, actually, because he has intelligence and is driven by vengeance, while the zombies are mindless and driven by instinct. This takes him to a new level, and the fact that he doesn't put Merle down after killing him - to let him turn - shows once again his depravity. He is more "evil" than the Walkers. "Fight the dead, fear the living"
4. Michonne - What a fracking amazing character. Cool and calm, intelligent and innovative. She doesn't run when she gets the chance, in part, I believe, because she knows that not only could Rick not go through with it, but that Merle probably can't either. She is able to "talk Merle down" and help him in his realizations. She shows no animosity over the fact that they are going with the deal, and has grown into an irreplaceable member of the group. This episode transforms her from a cut out character with a cool sword into someone with substance.
5. Carol - Damn, but I like what they are doing with her now. At first, I hated Carol. Even after the Sophia arc, I feared they would make Carol into Daryl's shadow, following him around, being saved by him constantly, occasionally putting him in his place, etc. I hated her feeble attempt to "fool around" with him at the top of the bus in Seed and feared then where her character was going, but luckily they kept the "romance" (if that's where its headed) on the back-burner and made her grow into the "wise woman" of the group. She's the voice of experience in human matters, no nonsense, who can tell Merle to stop drinking and get with the group and tell Andrea to kill a man in his sleep after six. I hope they use her to help Andrea heal after she returns to the group, but I think it would make it awkward for a romance to bloom with her and Daryl if she continues on this road. She doesn't "depend" on Daryl, which is how the relationship started to form, a sort of appreciation for his efforts to find Sophia. But she is no longer defined by Sophia, Ed, or even Daryl. She's now her own character. Now I'd like to see her save a character, literally, maybe Judith, to cement her evolution.
6. Merle - of course. This episode is really about his evolution. He's still a jerk, a racist, etc. He hasn't "changed" but he has evolved. As he says, "Perhaps he's a late bloomer as well." He goes along with the Michonne deal for one reason only - to live in peace with his brother in the group Daryl calls family. However, he knows it's not possible. He still needs drugs and it remains to be seen how sorry he actually is for what happened to Glenn and Maggie, but he does realize what he is. He gives Michonne several opportunities to escape (maybe subconsciously) so even his attempt at the deal isn't with all his heart. What he is determined to do is go on a suicide mission. It's for a mere chance that he can take out the Governor, but he probably realized it would result in his death. Either way, it would make it easier for Daryl to live with his new family. In many ways, he's committing suicide for his brother. This makes his death honorable, helps him die selflessly (for Daryl, and in turn for the prison), brings him to a realization, and yet he still doesn't die "a hero" since he was searching for drugs, drinking, and had kidnapped someone. It's a fabulous and heart wrenching cycle for him.
My disappointments:
1. Beth - still unsure what they are going to do with her. She may be a red shirt, especially since they haven't done much in way of interacting between her and Carl. She's little more than a babysitter and a camp side entertaining, who occasionally shoots a gun. But I hope they do more with her.
2. Martinez - it remains to be seen what they will do with him, but I was hoping for more depth after his bonding with Daryl. He still seems like he's all for the Governor and the Governor's plans.
3. Andrea - Still not seeing anything that would redeem her or make the viewers forgive her inaction's. So far, she's tied in a chair, that's all. With an episode left, there's little time for anything to truly make us feel for her....unless...
4. Milton - I'm dying to see what he does in the finale. Hopefully more than just torch a pit of walkers. I'd like to hear more about his background and relationship with Philip, and I'd like to see him truly take a stand.
» Tue Apr 02, 2013 5:23 am 
) to introduce characters and stuff. 
