The question of Aaron being trustworthy was answered this week.
He is, but the rest of his party likely won’t be when we meet them. For now, Aaron was a beacon of hope, which was something the group desperately needed. But, as we know, hope only lasts so long on this show.
Aaron promised a safe haven covered in steel walls and with dancing unicorns. Rick heard enough and promptly popped Aaron in the face. Playing it safe, Rick had Abraham lead an expedition to find Aaron’s vehicles as proof of his gesture of peace.
There was indeed a car and an RV, but the other man with Aaron was hiding in a field as the five found the goods. Rick decided it would be best to head to the safe place, but shared his trepidation about not knowing what was inside. He feared it could be another Woodbury and for good reason.
Aaron suggested the group take Highway 16. Rick, who would argue with GPS, said they’d take Highway 23 despite Aaron’s objections. Aaron mentioned an “audition” in the barn and 23 was overrun by Walkers so it’s possible it was the way he wanted to go all along, especially when his “people” set off a flare when the car stalled. On second thought, this wasn’t the true audition. That’s likely coming and not everyone will pass.
Glenn saved Aaron, who took off into the forest while still tied up. Aaron said they could make it to safety together and Glenn, being the moral center he is, decided it was the best course of action. Meantime, Michonne and Rick fended off Walkers before finding Glenn and Aaron.
They reunited with the others at a stopping point. This included Aaron reuniting with his lover, Eric. This will be the show’s first openly gay character, not counting Tara, who even if she were a true lesbian they really didn’t fully explore a same-sex relationship with her.
Now they will with Aaron and Eric, but for how long is the question? It will be interesting to see how they delve into a gay relationship. It also will be interesting to see how they treat the character of Negan, who is foul-mouthed in the comics.
We’ll meet Negan soon, as the group trucked on to Alexandria, Va., the morning after a much-needed night of rest. We left the group standing outside the gates with the sounds of children playing. Hope springs eternal, but again, we know every safe place has ultimately ended in tragedy, as will Alexandria in time.
Quick thoughts: This was another decent transitional episode devoid of major meat. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t great, either…
Rick hates people who talk too much…
Aaron hates apple sauce, but I think Rick’s hatred of people who talk too much is stronger…
Walker kill of the week: Flare head FTW…
Rick was challenged again this week, with his motives questioned by some in the group. Carol noted he was “wrong” at the end, but still right to be cautious…
There was a nice nod to Dale with the RV. Glenn also located the extra batteries when the RV stalled. Abraham asked Glenn how he knew where the batteries were kept. He didn’t reply, but it was another nice homage to long-lost Dale…
It’s still not advisable to drive with a baby lying down in the back seat…
And how Baby Judith is still alive is beyond me. She’s not getting ample nutrition and she’d be soiled a bagillion times over by now…
And what’s with all the white teeth? That’s for another blog post so I’ll digress…