This week, we saw how Alpha and Beta met. In present time, we see Alpha’s weakness and the coronation of Gamma. My name is Kent, and I ask 5 weekly questions and then people answer them. Any comments in BOLD are written by me. I hope you enjoy and if you or someone you know may want to do this blog, contact me, leave a comment, whatever.
1. What is Beta hiding under his mask? Is he deformed or is he normal or does he have scars?
Bob: I do so declare that he is normal but because he is mentally ill, he doesn’t see the world the way we do or the others do. (First of all, I would like to hear you say that with a southern drawl. Maybe some Foghorn Leghorn. IF he is mentally ill, I would love to see that explored more.)
Raylene: Perhaps Beta feels like he ended his friend’s life so he believes he’s a monster and keeps his face covered. (Here’s the thing, why doesn’t the Cookie Monster cover his face and start causing chaos on Sesame Street? I did this just so I could post this video.)
Chris: I have a gut feeling it will be Opie from Sons of Anarchy. He faked his death! In all seriousness, he must have some kind of deformity or scar. If he was a celebrity or something, I don’t know if other survivors would remember who he was. It’s been a long time since the apocalypse started. (Speaking of the Opie death, that still goes down as the single saddest and most heartbreaking death on TV for a fictional character. It’s still hard to watch! I did some research and found that you are correct about his celebrity status. This is from Fear The Walking Dead 514 when Daniel drops his records.)
Kent: At the worst, I think that he may have a scar that is minor to us, but may have affected him in life. I would prefer this to the idea of him being a handsome man with mental scarring. I don’t think that he is mentally ill. I think that he worked with the mentally ill. That stuff will make you go a little wacky. I feel that this is more PTSD than mental illness.
2. Does Alpha love Beta? Does Beta love Alpha? Describe their relationship from your perspective, and the evolution of it, if you feel it started in one way and is now something else.
Bob: There is love both ways but Beta only loves what he sees reflected in himself by Alpha. Alpha is actually very, very weak and is held up by Beta. Deep down Alpha is afraid of Beta. (One thing that this show has done that I would like to see tweaked a bit is that they have seemingly shown more of Alpha’s weaknesses than her strengths. I know that is a debatable perspective. I think Alpha needs another big display of power soon.)
Raylene: They feed off of each other’s weakness so I say at first they did not love each other but now over time they do. (They do feed off of each other in a very unique way. In the real world, some would perceive it as an abusive relationship because they couldn’t wrap their minds around the full dynamic.)
Chris: I don’t know if it’s love, but it’s a codependency. He needs Alpha to be strong for him and she needs him to protect her. (Alpha is truly the big sister that he always needed in some capacity, and sometimes the little sister that he needs. He is her Big Daddy to her Little Sister for any Bioshock fans out there. We can even call Beta Mr. B!)
Kent: It’s been a week and I still don’t have a proper answer. They love each other, but it isn’t romantic in any capacity, I don’t think. It is more of the love of siblings who grew up in the same abusive household and they end up both being a bit F’d up. Neither person is a complete person, but together, they really cover the other person’s weaknesses. In a way, it almost reminds me of Daryl and Merle.
3. What was the place that Alpha was at when she had her breakdown about Lydia? Was it a shrine or just a quiet place or something entirely different?
Bob: Shrine or idol most likely. She is holding onto the past and her destruction of said shrine should not be confused with her breaking free from her past. She will be taking her emotional charge out on the other group. (I don’t think that she will ever free herself of her past, which may end up being her ultimate downfall, right? It just seems a likely path that they are heading down.)
Raylene: I believe it is something that was from her past to me it looked like a crib so perhaps she was trying to recreate Lydia’s childhood bedroom. (See, I like this idea and I will actually touch on this more in question 5 because I got theories.)
Chris: It looked like some sort of shrine she had built. Despite appearances, she, in some twisted way, does love Lydia. (Isn’t she basically the jaded lover in a relationship who still loves the person who dumped them or cheated on them? Then they go through waves of being hellbent on destruction and then quickly switch to missing the person and wanting them back. That’s my perspective.)
Kent: I’d say that this is the zombie apocalypse version of a safe space. It makes sense that she needs a place to get away from the pressure because she isn’t as strong as she’d like to be. She’d be a god on Fear with her leadership skills though, but I digress. I’m not sure that it was a shrine, although I get where everybody is coming from. I think it would be too difficult to hide from the herd, but perhaps I am overthinking it.
4. If the Whisperers find out that Lydia is still alive, which is inevitable, what do you think will happen? WIll Beta force them to fall in line, will she be offered up as some sacrifice, will she be punished, will it split the group, etc?
Bob: It will weaken their resolve. I see Lydia killing her mom in fact. OR Beta kills Alpha, Lydia kills Beta (not likely). OR Beta kills Lydia, Alpha kills Beta (most likely). (I love that you went out there with some bold predictions. I could definitely see Beta get fed up at Alpha and she plays him and then stabs him to death to show that she is not to be trifled with.)
Raylene: It will cause a stir in the group but Beta will keep them in line. (That is something to consider. What is Beta’s priority? Is it keeping everyone in line and keeping this thing going or is it more important to follow the rules?)
Chris: I want to say they would turn on Alpha, but I’m not sure if Beta would allow that to happen. Since he knows, it’s become a more complex situation for him. As imposing as he is, he’s one person. (I feel like they intentionally only allow us to meet weaker Whisperers but we know that they also have some strong guys as well, people who could give Beta a challenge. Would they be stupid enough to rebel against Beta? That would basically result in throwing everything away. I feel that the Whisperers are willing to bend more, but not sure.)
Kent: There would be murmurs and whispers and there may be one or two people to try to challenge Alpha or Beta, and they would shut that shit down real fast. After that, I think everybody goes back to falling in line while having inner resentment. I am guessing that they already resent their situation, at least the females. Really, if you get 5 people together to take out Beta, how much of a stir will that cause for the walkers? You risk losing everything.
5. Did Frances (Gamma’s sister) play Alpha in the cave to buy some time before she attacked, or was she truly in the moment in the cave and then had a complete change of heart later on? Not that it matters, but was Frances pregnant before joining up with the Whisperers?
Bob: Frances bought in and was okay but relapsed. Uhhh Pregnant before.
Raylene: I think she had clarity in the cave and then just snapped in the open. She got pregnant while with the group.
Chris: I don’t think she was playing Alpha. I think she was going through some sort of PTSD after giving up her baby, and she was going through high ups and downs. Seeing the Baby carrier made her snap. I guess pregnant before. (Glad to see PTSD being used more than once this week.)
Kent: Bob and Chris both say that she was pregnant before, and I am going to disagree. I really wish I could get a real answer. In the comics, one of the things that Lydia talked to Carl about was how the group was so animalistic and that men would just rape women as if it was the most normal thing and Alpha simply allowed it. Obviously, they won’t go that dark in the show. Still. It makes sense that she was just raped by a Whisperer. When she gave up the baby, it almost seemed understood what the expectations were. I feel that she was with the group for a while to simply accept it.
6. Did Gamma do the right thing in siding with Alpha? Any thoughts on Gamma while we’re talking about her? Do you think that Beta is jealous of Gamma? Will this lead to some friction or, dare I say, even more drama on this show?
Bob: If she wanted to live, yes. No, Beta is not jealous, he just knows Alpha is a raging mess. (I can just picture Beta going back to some of the guys in the group and just shaking his head and being like a downtrodden guy trying to get away from a crazy woman in his life for a few hours.)
Raylene: She didn’t reasonably have another choice at that time that would’ve kept her alive. Beta just doesn’t trust anyone at first. (I wonder if Beta trusted Lydia. Another what if that will never be answered.)
Chris: I think if she didn’t save Alpha, she’d be dead, so in that context, she 100% made the right choice. I have to see more of Gamma before I have an opinion. I don’t think Beta is jealous, but he’s very cautious about people being in the inner circle with Alpha. (I prefer the idea of him being cautions rather than jealous. If Gamma was a man, I think we may have a case of jealousy.)
Kent: Gamma did the only thing that she could if living was something that she desired, as everybody else said. I am happy to see Thora Birch on here as Gamma. You may remember her as Kevin Spacey’s daughter in American Beauty. I am curious how meaty of a part that she will have. I don’t know if her addition adds much drama, but I think it has to. Gamma wasn’t in the comics, or if she was, she wasn’t a big character. I feel that they are going somewhere with her. I also have Lydia killing Gamma. Lydia is training for a reason.
7. How do you think someone joins the Whisperers? Do they see frightened people or strong survivors and offer an invite? Do the Whisperers wait to be asked?
Bob: I am guessing capture and mental torture… (Would they have to watch the 2016 Ghostbusters on repeat for 24 hours?)
Raylene: At first they scoped groups from afar to see who would be mentally strong enough to join the group. Now I’m not sure if they add any new members. (Do you think that is possible given the nature of the Whisperers’ way of movement? At camp, they have a herd circling camp at all times. I’m not sure how you could send anybody out to observe without bringing walkers. It’s possible.)
Chris: This has been bugging me for a while now. They seem to attack anyone who gets close, how exactly do people join???? Indeed.com? (Maybe Linkedin?)
Kent: This has really been a nagging question for me that they have yet to answer. We saw how the Saviors handled it, and whether you agreed with it, they had a method to it. This one is so perplexing. Look at the variety of responses here. It illustrates how in the dark we are as an audience. I am guessing that The Whisperers invite single survivors and maybe they find out they are with someone else. I can’t imagine that they absorb large groups though. I don’t really see them pulling an Aaron and observing, but I have no clue. I would love to know the method to the madness, and I think the fans would enjoy it as well.
8. We know the significance of Beta’s mask, but does Alpha’s mask also hold some special meaning? Is this something that they will ever reveal?
Bob: Hmmmm I will say no, no significance. (We’ll probably never truly know.)
Raylene: I would like to say it was someone with the group where she killed Lydia’s dad. (While cool, I fear that may be a missed opportunity for the show.)
Chris: I don’t think so. I think for her it’s just a way of survival. The only one of significance left to her is her daughter, and she still has her skin…. (If Alpha ends up wearing Lydia’s face, that really could be one of the coolest moments in the show’s history.)
Kent: I feel like this was just the first one that she skinned and it has held up well for her. Another question that we will probably never get answered. This blog is full of them this week.
9. In the comics, Negan kills Alpha. It’s a really cool story and I love how it was done. Providing that the show kills Alpha first, instead of Beta, who do you think is going to get that kill?
Bob: Now I hope Negan, I think Carol gets the kill. (Negan seems due for a big moment. This would give it to him unless they plan on getting rid of his character for whatever reason. I am hoping for Negan because the story is really good.)
Raylene: I want Negan to get the kill and Carol becomes the new Alpha. (Would they simply accept Carol as a leader? Whoever kills the Alpha, do they become the Alpha? Would Carol do this as a way to just get away?)
Chris: I really want to say Carol, but I have a feeling they will stick to the story and it will be Negan. It will set up some interesting stories. (I am not sure if Carol needs it more, but it would make a lot more sense than Negan given the story. Sometimes I prefer need base but the story does dictate otherwise.)
Kent: In the comic, if I remember correctly, Negan does the Alpha kill as a way to get Rick to believe in him or build trust. I guess Michonne would be the Rick equivalent, or would that be Carol or Ezekiel? I can’t see any value in Negan doing anything to earn Carol or EZ’s trust or goodwill. So the only circumstances that Negan would risk this is for Michonne, Judith, or possibly Gabriel. While Carol is the obvious answer, I’m going to provide you a scenario or two in which Negan gets the kill.
1. The Whisperers attack, Judith or RJ almost get killed and Michonne gives Lucille back to Negan. 2. Michonne is injured or killed by The Whisperers Judith wants vengeance. Negan says that he will do it and Judith bequeaths Lucille to Negan. 3. Gabriel, Eugene, or Judith is held hostage by the Whisperers or they kill and Negan wants vengeance because he likes them. I can definitely see Gabriel getting killed this season because his character has kinda flatlined. Furthermore, Carol is awesome and is probably my favorite female character on a TV show. Still, she has had her moments and will remain front and center. If Negan gets more shine, this show becomes far more interesting. He comes back as a conquering hero only for Maggie to return. It would be lousy, but you can see him getting exiled due to Maggie’s return.
Final Thoughts – This was one of the best episodes in recent memory for TWD over the past 4 seasons. Share any final thoughts or ask me a question about the episode or anything TWD related and I will answer it.
Raylene: I have to say I didn’t think I’d start to like Negan but damn it I am. But he’ll mention my red-haired man and that’ll be it. Anyways this was an excellent episode. (I would love to see Cudlitz on The Purge. He would be a great addition to that show and he’d be perfect for any number of roles.)
Chris: How are they able to build that detachable mace for Aaron? (Does Earl have any help anymore? Is Earl still crafting stuff? If so, then who’s babysitting now that Tammy is gone? I wish I knew more about blacksmithing because I am truly ignorant on this one. In my opinion, this wouldn’t work. I feel the weight of the mace would cause it to detatch if he was swinging away. I don’t have a truly rational explanation, so I will say this. Glenn hid under the dumpster. The ambulance that Daryl and Carol were in changed rotation in mid-air. There are still reserves of fuel for people to fly helicopters. We may see a dragon someday. Ezekiel had a tiger. If all of those things could happen, why not build a detachable mace to make Aaron look more badass? Good question!)
Kent: If you look at every episode starting after 701, the lineup episode, I would say that this has to be a top 5 episode of that span. Episodes like this may not attract new viewers at this point, but it will help retain current viewers, and that is super necessary. Speaking of viewers, I have a sneaking suspicion that the newest TWD spin-off is gonna not only be bad, I think we are on the verge of serious franchise oversaturation. Rock Band and Guitar Hero would say hi, but they’re near death franchises. I keep seeing that it may have some humor to it. I don’t think that is the term that you want to use to get viewers. You aren’t going to be doing Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland. Fear has already become a joke. In my opinion, the only way that this new show succeeds is they somehow find a way to be wholly unique from the other 2 shows and have logical stories. I have my doubts.
I want to end this with a quote from this episode.
“We walk in darkness, We are free
We bathe in blood, We are free
We know nothing, We are free
We fear nothing, We are free
We need no words, We are free
We embrace all death, We are free
This is the end of the world
Now is the end of the world
We are the end of the world”