The Walking Dead, Season 4, Episode 3: “Isolation”
Directed by Daniel Sackheim
Written by Robert Kirkman
Airs Sundays at 9pm ET on AMC
Smooth Seas Do Not Make Good Sailors
By far the best of the first three episodes of season four, “Isolation,” written by Robert Kirkman continues to devote more time to both the characters we already know and care about, while offering some moments for the more interesting newbies to strut their stuff. “30 Days Without An Incident” was a fairly satisfying instalment, but left me with concerns that the writers would continue to introduce new characters and kill them off within the very same episode (R.I.P. Zack). “Infected” features three stunning sequences, but also spent a good chunk of the episode’s running time following two girls who were by far the least interesting of the new additions – and worse, played by two terrible actresses (sorry girls). “Isolation” instead spends time with those I prefer to get to know (Bob, Doctor S. And Sasha), while expanding on Carol, Rick, Carl, Hershel, Beth and especially Tyreese.
In last week’s episode, a deadly flu virus spread through the prison. Meanwhile walkers nearly broke through the fence and two mysteries were introduced. In “Isolation,” one of those mysteries is solved, while the other still lingers in the back of everyone’s mind. “Isolation” deals with the ramifications of the disease and like the title suggests, the survivors are isolated into various sections of the prison. The young and old are kept under strict quarantine, while those infected with the disease are separated from the rest. But tonight’s best performances came from characters not confined within the prison walls, but instead, isolating themselves emotionally from the rest of the group.
While the bulk of “Isolation” clearly telegraphs the episode’s big surprise ending, the big reveal does still come as a shock, if only because the writers have worked so hard on developing Carol all season. This new twist of events evokes some strong mixed feelings. Carol as come a long way since season one; her transformation from the abused quiet housewife to her take-charge attitude of season four awarded Melissa McBride’s name to appear on the opening credit sequence (it only took four years), and also put her on top as the season’s most valuable player. McBride has quickly gone from an afterthought to a fan favourite; and from spending an entire season grieving over a lost child, to clearing out the waterlines and teaching students how to properly use a weapon to survive. McBride’s performance has been spectacular all season, and the decision to turn her into a cold blooded murderer leaves me a little worried. Apart from eliminating what could have potentially played out as an interesting whodunnit plot thread, her crime in many ways contradicts the Carol we all knew, and liked. That said, these grey areas of morality are always the most interesting to explore, and there are still many questions left unanswered: Did Carol burn Karen and David’s bodies after they turned, or did she kill them while they were still in human form? Clearly Carol’s crime was born of a mother’s desire to protect the young; but reflecting back on three seasons, I don’t remember Carol ever favouring the idea of one man or woman taking on duties as judge, jury and executioner. I find it hard to believe that Carol wouldn’t at least try and look for alternative solutions, before taking the law into her own hands. After all, she is part of a council, and Karen and David were sent into quarantine. Desperate people do desperate things, but since when has Carol ever taken the easy way out, much less a morally dubious one? But like I said, there are many unanswered questions, so let’s just save this for next week, shall we?
Introducing a new and different threat was a smart decision on the part of the writing staff. The first season was simply about escaping walkers. The second season focused on the internal tension between the group of survivors, and the third season tried very hard to add an interesting villain. But season four features a enemy more dangerous than The Governor and the walkers combined. The flu virus is not only invisible, but can only be fought with a cure they don’t have. Even worse, it travels fast and can attack numerous victims at the same time. “Isolation” seems to exist in a state of perpetual imbalance, teetering on the edge of many states – between life and death, civilization and chaos; until these characters either get their hands on some medical supplies, surviving through the night until tomorrow is truly as good as it gets. And right now, the scariest thing in The Walking Dead is too small to see with the naked eye.
Last week on our Walking Dead podcast, my co-host Kate Kulzick asked me why I didn’t have a problem with the writers killing off Karen so soon, and I replied saying, “it would bring out the Tyreese we know and love from the comic book”. It seems I was right. Although Tyreese has mostly played the part of gentle big brother to Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), and romantic interest to Karen, there’s been a violent side bubbling beneath his teddy bear exterior. Actor Chad L. Coleman goes through a roller-coaster of emotions in “Isolation” showcasing his wide range of talent, and Tyreese’s skill using a mallet. Kudos to director Daniel Sackheim as well. Not only does he allow Coleman to shine emotionally, but makes use of some fun horror-tropes; the two best features Tyreese sneaking up behind the guilty party, and Tyreese coming back from what seemed like an inevitable death.
For my money, the highlight of “Isolation” came with Hershel’s speech: “Every time you go outside, you risk your life. Every time you drink water, you risk your life. Even when you breathe, you risk your life. Every moment now, you don’t have much of a choice. The only thing you can choose is what you’re risking it for.”
As always, Hershel is a wise man.
– Ricky D
Other thoughts:
The broadcast, for those who don’t know, featured a voice saying, “Those who arrive survive.” This broadcast hints that we shall soon see the start of the Alexandria Safe-Zone storyline?
Rick has already agreed to hold on to one of Carol’s secrets but I can’t imagine him letting this slide. Perhaps this is what Rick needs to assume the role as leader once again?
Lawrence Gilliard Jr. needs to be given more to do.
Glenn: “If it’s Walkers, if it’s people, we can do something, we can fight. But this … I’m just digging graves.”
Michonne: “He’s already given me fleas.”
Kudos once again to Melissa McBride for her performance.
Personally I’d be happy following around Tyreese, Daryl, Michonne and Bob on the road for an entire episode.
Don’t forget to listen to our Walking Dead podcast. New episodes drop every Monday night, with a different special guest each week.
