By Dana J. Hortman, contributor
On this week’s episode of “The Walking Dead,” the Governor continues to travel with his new companions Lilly, Meghan and Tara in search of a new home and supplies. Meanwhile, the true intentions of the former dictator begin to evolve.
Spoiler Alerts:
Trapped in a deep zombie trench, the Governor and Meghan continue to embrace until Martinez, the former henchman of the Governor, discovers and pulls them to safety. The pair reunite with Lilly and Tara, who are being guarded by several of the men from Martinez’ camp. Although he abandoned the Governor following the Woodbury massacre, Martinez welcomes the four into his camp under two conditions: 1. They must abide by his rules, and 2. No “dead weight.”
Settling into a new home, the Governor appears to be an essential part of the camp by making supply runs, washing clothes and protecting the other members, especially Meghan. When Martinez questions his character, the Governor admits to be a rehabilitated man with a new family in his life. However, it seems the true intentions of the evil dictator become apparent when he brutally beats Martinez and drags him into the trench of walkers. Little by little, the Governor inches his way to fortifying the camp after killing Pete and threatening Mitch. Following the assignment of orders to the citizens of a new Woodbury-like community, the Governor discusses plans to find a better home though Lilly assures him their current home is fine. However, the new leader has plans of his own to seize the prison from Rick and the Grimes Gang.
The episode concludes with the Governor looking from a distance at Rick and Carl tending to the garden, and shifting his focus on Michonne and Hershel talking nearby. He then draws his pistol and aims it at Michonne.
Three Obsessions:
1. The mud pit of zombies. Kudos to the special effects team on the set of “The Walking Dead.” They successfully depicted the ultimate zombie party pit. Instead of being terrified like Tara, Lilly and Meghan by at least twenty moaning walkers, I was highly amusing by the dramatic dance movements illuminated by the Governor’s headlights. Cue the disco ball and The Grateful Dead. Perhaps Rick or Daryl will stumble upon the party and take notes to host one of their own outside of the prison’s unstable fences.
2. One-eyed Phil’s acting skills. The Governor had everyone fooled during the last episode, especially with the father-like qualities he showed towards Meghan and protective nature towards Tara and Lilly. He pretended to be a changed man with a sincere heart. However, that compassionate streak diminishes quickly with the swing of a golf club. The Governor seeks revenge, but Michonne will be waiting, ready to swing her Katana sword across his throat.
3. Pete, the amazing underwater zombie. The occasional zombie walking around with a fence post wedged through the chest cavity is mesmerizing, but Pete chained to the bottom of a pond is mind-blowing. I realize zombies are dead, but have you ever wondered what else they can do? Apparently, they survive under water. That’s one pond I would avoid.
Did You Know?
David Morrissey (the Governor) is married to Esther Freud, the great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis.