Walking Dead Season 3, Episode 311: I ain't a Judas

Huge thanks to "Red" for guest-blogging this week's episode for us while I am off in Disney World ('cuz everyone knows that Zombies are un-magical...)


Why is it that before the episode even starts I have hopes and dreams for things to happen which will, in essence, RUIN the show. If we killed off the Governor or everyone just “got along” and pooled their resources to create a new society, where would this show be? But, those feelings confirm the true me. I’m a “Singin’ in the Rain” sort of girl at heart. How do I watch TWD? I watch because, it’s AWESOME and transcends any gory facade. It tells the story of human natures drive to survive at all costs. I find it fascinating. Also, it’s helping me write my “to do” list for the survivalist bunker I’m building, but that’s another story.

Ok…now to the task at hand. The episode “I ain’t no Judas”. Just a few, overall thoughts:

o Can Andrea REALLY be this stupid?

o Is Merle on drugs, again?

o Carol is a TRUE badass!

At the prison, our group is reeling from the devastating blow from the Governor. At this point Rick is still unstable and cannot be trusted – even his own son sees it. Rick needed an intervention, and Carl was the one to do it. The group lost security and living space. However, we did gain a Daryl….but he came with a Merle. We see a bit of panic here. Glen wants to use Merle as a pawn. Hershel comes out of his encounter with the walkers in the field like gangbusters. Hershel raises his voice, calling Rick out on his head trip and telling the group that they need Merle! This is a different side of Hershel which has been building for some time. His genteel nature returned in his one on one with Merle. This little talk was telling and might give us a glimpse of what to expect from Merle in the future. As Hershel begins to quote the Bible, Merle finishes the quote! I was shocked that Merle can actually read. But, I think it showed the true compassion which gives this show backbone. Everyone can be forgiven, even Merle. We’ll have to see if he can play nice with the prison group…..I really doubt it. The thing the prison group can’t avoid is that Merle knows their enemy. He knows what they are in for. So far, only Hershel is able to see that.

The Governor is also regrouping – but he really got off on that little excursion. Now, he’s forming an army. In “Lord of the Rings – Helms Deep” style, they will take anyone who can hold a weapon to fight. “Some have seen too many winters, or too few.” While he’s assessing his army, Little Bo Peep walks in…oops I mean Andrea. She is being clued in by the Gov on what just went down…..”But my friends wouldn’t do that. I can fix this.” Right. Governor is not having any of it. He pours lie upon lie on Andrea, who of course believes him. So, in the complete opposite direction of his request for her to take the lead in the town the day or so before, he tells Andrea to run along and visit her friends if she wants….but she can’t come back if she does.. So, off she goes to the prison, but not before confiding in Milton of all people and carrying out the coolest capture ever of a Walker. She can be ruthless and strong and powerful, unless she has a crush on some misogynistic man. And, she’s off to the Prison. And, it takes Milton all of 30 seconds to tell the Gov what Andrea is up to.

But, here is where we find out how Tyreese and Sasha – and the two hopefully expendables – have fared. They are alive after Rick threw them out, and left an indelible impression about who’s side not to be one. Off they go into the spider’s web. But they share a common opinion. Rick is crazy and must be destroyed. Now we have Tyreese offering support to the Governor! Plus…he knows the layout of the prison. I got the feeling he and Sasha had an inkling that the Governor is a bit off. This can go either way. But, I sense the division b/t Tyreese and Sasha and the other two (I think I’m forgetting their names on purpose).

Surprised by her less than cordial welcome at the prison, does Andrea start to believe the lies the Governor has told her? Can we thank Rick’s insanity for handing yet another ace over to the Governor? Or, does she think she might be on the wrong team at Woodbury? After Andrea gets the low down on how everyone came to be in the state they are in…..she has a pleasant visit. She holds the baby….and the best lines of the show are delivered to her. Carol, the formerly meek and mild, tells Andrea what to do. Give all your lovin’ to the Gov. Make him happy, then kill him! Like there is NO question. You are with US, not them! She delivers the line with such a calm demeanor and clarity. You just didn’t see it coming! It’s funny, in the first season; it was Andrea who fought to save Carol from her abusive husband. And here, still standing, is Carol. I think she’s the only female character in the show the writers have gotten right! Carol has a great few moments with Daryl as well. It’ll be nice to see where she goes from here. Hope that doesn’t mean she’s going to die……just when she’s getting interesting.

So, then we have the whole Michonne/Merle moment. Merle is fighting his true feelings I think, he can’t revert that quickly. This is what makes me question him. He wants to clear the air? He’s repenting for things he’s done to Michonne? Can this be true? It makes me suspect that he was PLANTED by the Governor into the prison. Just when I think Michonne is only physically present, she and Andrea have their moment. Michonne did not hold back. She spelled it out for Andrea. Oh Andrea, redeem yourself, listen to Michonne….but alas…we don’t really know if Michonne’s words sunk in. As Andrea drives off, she’s definitely thinking about them. Why does she NEVER listen to the little voice in side her head? She runs back to the Governor’s bed. Has her chance, and blows it….no pun intended. What is she thinking?

But, there is a silver lining. I’ve noticed one thing recently…..any time a smaller character gets bigger parts in the show…they die in that episode or the next. T-Dog, Oscar, Axel….will I get my Andrea wish? This was the Andrea episode for sure…..ooh I hope so. Unless she takes Carol’s advice???? Please…find a way for me NOT to keep hating you…..ANDREA.

The show is definitely building up to something….but what? I know the season finale is gonna be great….but a bit more significant action is needed in between.



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