By Dana J. Hortman, contributor
On the midseason finale of “The Walking Dead,” the Governor captures Michonne and Hershel, and holds them hostage unless Rick and the Grimes Gang agree to evacuate the prison by sunset.
Spoiler Alerts:
As the members of the new Woodbury-like community crowd around the campsite, the Governor, who doesn’t want that particular title anymore, shares his plan to commandeer the prison. Recounting a false history with Rick and the others, the members unite behind the Governor’s cause. Although Hershel tries to reason with the evil dictator, he refuses the proposal to live peacefully together at the prison.
Meanwhile, Rick tells Daryl of Carol’s expulsion from the prison. Distraught, Daryl demands they tell Tyreese. As the pair attempt to inform Tyreese of Carol’s actions, the prison walls are shaken by an unexpected blast. Frantically running outside to find the culprit, Rick and the Grimes Gang discovers the Governor has returned and is backed by a small army. Rick is called forth as the reluctant leader. When his attempts to negotiate a truce are in vain, the enraged Governor cuts Hershel’s throat and begins the battle for the prison.
As the battle ensues, Rick and the Governor begin to fight. Gaining strength on Rick, the Governor continues to suffocate him to death until Michonne stabs a sword through his chest. She watches him squirm, but walks away without killing him. As he continues to slowly bleed out, Lilly walks up and shoots him in the head.
The finale scene concludes with multiple fatalities and the group once again scattered. Rick finds Carl, but their reunion is cut short when they discover baby Judith’s bloody, yet empty carrier sitting on the ground. Will the group return to tbe prison or will they be forced to find a new home? What does the future hold for Rick and the Grimes Gang?
Three Obsessions:
1. Rest in peace Hershel. Loving father, dedicated farmer, compassionate doctor, he did it all. Up until his tragic death, Hershel was the epitome of strength, wisdom and hope. He will be greatly missed.
2. Long live Michonne and her Katana sword. When Rick needed a miracle, Michonne violently thrust her trusty weapon into the chest of the devious Governor, leaving him badly injured. Although she didn’t live up to her famous words to the Governor—“I’m going to kill you”—she avenged Andrea with just one motion.
3. Lilly’s bravery. My respect for Lilly increased as soon as she pulled the trigger on the gun that killed the Governor. For the last few episodes, she has been portrayed as this female conformist, who allows the Governor to make decisions for her and her daughter Meghan. Instead of playing victim and allowing weakness to reign over personal strength, she decides the Governor’s fate for him. I’m anxious to see if her character will return for the second half of season four.
Did You Know?
For those anxious to find out what happens now that the group is once again scattered and the Governor dead, you’ll have to wait 71 days until the return of season four. Following the midseason finale Sunday night, creator and executive producer Robert Kirkman revealed that the show will return on Feb. 9, 2014.