I didn't notice the symbolism of Rick's breakdown with Michonne until the second time I watched it. The building crumbing around them was to symbolize the walls in Ricks mind that he put up to protect himself.. Seeing and being with Michonne she started breaking them down allowing him to be free/himself again. That's how I saw it anyway.

You could see Rick’s body sag in relief as the burden was lifted from his shoulders when Michonne said they will protect their family and home **together**. Up until then, Rick felt it was his responsibility and his alone. The long years away from Michonne plus the CRM brainwashing made him forget just how brilliant and strong his wife is. What a love story. What a couple. What a show! ❤

Maybe my favorite line ever? "It felt like my heart ripped itself out of my chest and walked out the door." I just melted when he uttered that line. It was masterful.

I am LIVING for her bringing Rick back to his old self. I am ready for him to go red machete on the CRM. Her strength is undeniable! This season is going by too quickly. 😢

I think Danai wrote one of the best things I've ever seen! I think she wrote it to thoroughly satisfy the Richonne lovers out there that have been waiting to get exactly what she gave us. I was watching with my hands over my eyes at times because it was so intimate I felt like a peeping tom! It was brilliant and I truly hope she and Andy (along with the other writers) receive awards for those series! Amazing in every way!

I’m so glad you said we needed this episode bcuz a lot of folks was not happy they wanted action and killing only 🙄. Rick and Michonne needed that talk and I’m glad they had the talk and now we have Rick back. I love everything about the episode. No complaints here.

This episode is my favorite episode in the entire TWD Universe. Period. The writing. The acting. The staging. Perfection.

7:40 Slow is what they needed! slow is a *blessing* in a show that only has 6 episodes, I was worried the entire thing would feel rushed

Same here, I watched episode 4 so many times. My favorite of all TWD. Danai did an amazing job. She paid so much attention to detail. The chemistry is always on fire but especially in this episode. Perfection. Emmy needed here please.

Rick said he became dead inside. He became the 'walking dead'!

I cried during the episode. So did all my favorite reactors. ❤ It's very comforting that we all love these characters so much.😊

It was the most perfect episode of TV in history!!!

I was actually shocked reading negative comments about this one!! It does show that different people watch for different things. My Number One favorite thing in any tv show is good character development, and this was that!! And aside from the talking, I loved how fighting the dead also helped bring them back together, it's their comfort zone! Seeing them work together, you know they ARE that couple who could change the world!

Judith Grimes: "I'm starting to forget their voices..." It was sad to hear Michonne admit to Rick in this Episode, that she couldn't be sure if Judith was really okay!

People that have an issue with this episode clearly didn't listen when they've been saying that this is a love story! I loved this episode as well. To see Rick and Michonne in such an intimate setting was so great for us to see, it was well needed. I even got mad at Rick for how he was acting which I'm sure was intended.. lol. But it was done so well!

This was my favorite episode! I've watched it so many times, I've lost count. Going into this journey, people need to realize, they're seasoned fighters in a zombie apocalypse. They've been apart longer than they've been together. So much can happen in our ordinary lives within a decade. Imagine trying to navigate life in an apocalypse, we're the worst of people is magnified. Being away from your soul mate for almost 10 yrs, then poof, you're face to face. Then you're torn apart again, only to survive off a a quick glance here and there. They barely had time for any communication. So yeah, episode 4 was totally necessary. And I'm so happy Danai took on the task. Because this fed my #towl soul. Now I'm truly anxious about the last two episodes. This show, it's so hard to predict what will happen next, and I love it!! I really enjoy your reactions and reviews!!

Personally, i felt episode four was magical and something the original show was missing. They deserved and needed an entire episode. I would not have been satisfied if it never happened.

Loved the use of "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" at the beginning (the lyrics are very apt!) and a direct tie to the yellow car at the end. All episodes have been 10/10 for me, but for different reasons. Michonne was fighting for their deep love, but also for the fact that she didn't want to go back home without Rick and look Judith and RJ in the eye and tell them that she found their dad and left him behind. I agree that the pacing had to be slow to emphasize how deeply emotionally walled off he had become. PTSD is not something to be "snapped out" of. Love your appreciation of this epic series!

Rick was the reason I started watching...stayed that way till the end. Liked Darrell, Glenn, and the rest but when Michone was introduced and as her character was developed, I became completely invested....those two together is magic. I have not looked at the others, I may. I was waiting for Rick and Michone though.

I love your videos Katie! I wrote this the night of the premiere in tears because I was so emotional. There were callbacks displayed physically with setting and props as well as physical acting. There were literal scenes from previous episodes all through this episode. How out of sync they were every time they entered the hallway. The first time when she looked back for him, and he wasn't there. It goes back to when she told the artist 'I'm looking for him.' He wasn't ready to follow where she led. When they were arguing in the hallway on which direction to take for killing walkers. That's not Rick and Michonne's vibe. They are almost always in sync which is why at the end it was effortless. When she was pinned, she told him to leave her, and he told her that was never an option. After he rescues her, she says thank you. He responds you never have to say thank you to me. That was a callback to the numerous times he has told her thank you. He has never felt worthy of her. She proves to him that he always was her hero and worthy of love. She stated she only felt safe when she was with him. The hallways scenes were a metaphor of their relationship. Each hallway scene represented a milestone in their current relationship discourse. It was supposed to be desperate and distant. The root cause had to be found for both parties to heal. Rick has been in captivity in his mind, body, and spirit for 8 years. He has been devoid of physical wanted intimate contact for the same timeframe along with ridiculous amount of stress and brainwashing. Michonne had her own tribulations in the same timeframe along with the fact that she had a baby without him and suffered and recovered from chlorine gas poisoning. What exactly did anyone expect to happen here? All of that had to be peeled away in layers until the source of their traumas are revealed. The setting of this episode was one giant metaphor. The smart apartment telling the temperature will be optimal in 10 minutes representing the tension between both as they discuss their issues. The CRM destroying the building while its rocking both Rick's and Michonne's physical and mental foundation. That foundation that is threatening their marriage to its core. The deterioration of the CRM's programming is slowly eroding over the course of their time in the building. As Michonne is hammering into Rick what he has missed and lost, you see him gradually drawing closer to her physically and mentally. Their love scene was a physical wall breaking down which is why Rick was taken aback. He was realizing she's real and present and he can let go. She is his safe harbor. When she placed his hand on her chest, it was to keep him in the moment and let him know she would never let him fall. She cherished his trust and rewarded him for that. At the end, she had broken through his physical wall but not the mental. When he finally admits why that release is what sets him free. The acting that is displayed here is stunning and magnificent to experience. Danai wrote a beautiful episode. These two actors know these characters to their core and showed it brilliantly here. I really hope there are nominations here for both actors and writing for Danai. Its hands down one of the top three best episodes of the TWDU ever.

I loved and appreciated how Nat was in the scene. His character was powerful and impactful.

I also really loved this episode. I felt like Danai knows these characters so well and has the emotional intelligence to capture what they were both going through, but also the experience with play direction and such so she could physically set up scenes too. And I loved the odd humor things that broke up the very high tension. Also, Michonne has been my #1 character since she showed up at the prison with baby formula.

So many metaphors and that's why I loved it so much. It was a DEEP episode with so much meaning and weightes content. I think it was the best piece of cinema I've seen in a very long time. And I've said this on other reactions, it was like a movie but not even an hour long. It started and finished and left so much satisfaction of what was accomplished with everything in between. Thanks for mentioning how much it NEEDED to be a slower episode. The drama wouldn't work otherwise. The peeling back the layers of Rick's heart and mind and excavating of his soul that Michonne had to do. Can't just happen in one scene. Had to be built up. Danai wrote it all so beautifully well. 👏🏾 Absolutely thrilled with this whole series so far but ep 4 was a sheer masterpiece.

Only 4 or 5 watches?.im up to aboutb10 lol

I have been watching you. Since the Original TWD series. You always had the best reactions. But your reaction to The Ones Who Live. Have been so good. I also love how you really love Rick and Michonne. I hope we get what we want. Rick and Michonne. Both get back to their kids.

I’ve watched this episode so many times it’s crazy I’m obsessed all I can think about right now they definitely deserve awards both of them were phenomenal ❤️

This episode is about reconnecting, Rick reconnecting with his old self (his confidence in him, physical and mental strength, hope that things can be better), and Rick reconnecting with Michonne (her love in him, one of the pillars of the). The episode has been slow but intense, for me it had to be that way because all their traumas and disagreements had to come out to understand each other and reconnect again.

One of the things I loved about TWD is its focus on the emotional life of the characters. When horrible things happen they are balanced by quiet moments where we see the emotional damage. Rick is so shut down emotionally that its going to take a nuclear bomb to break him out of it. And Michonne has to deliver it. In the first argument she is definitely the aggressor, pushing and pushing to break through those barriers that he justifiably set up to protect himself. And when the final reconciliation happens it's because both of them had to break through their own individual barriers. One of the best episodes EVER! I'm not spoiled but there are a couple of loose threads that have been bothering me so I wondered if they were bothering anyone else: 1. the CRM brass are all meeting at the outpost and 2. there's a 5 mile wide horde of walkers heading west. These are important plot points that i hope get addressed before the end of the season.

I'm loving it so far! I think it was an episode that was needed. They're such a great pair (Rick and Michonne). When rick sees Judith and RJ it's gonna be deep. I feel like CRM is gonna have their kids before they get back to them, and that's how the season ends.

You nailed it hun! They needed this space and time to breathe. It is artistic and for the folks complaining they can turn the channel - this is a LOVE story! I have also watched it several times. This is the BEST episode. It was beautifully written and acted, Danai and Andy deserve all the awards! Love your reactions!

I didn't like that during the sex scene people thought Rick wasn't coming around the block if you know what I mean...he was having a panic attack and that is the 1st time he felt any emotion for a long time. He couldn't even describe Carls face😢. The episope was magnificent ❤

Agreed with your sentiment. There was a a lot to work through. Rick was damaged before and was able to rebound but this time around he was without his family and love for 7-8 years...way to long. Love that was replaced by fear. Anyone who thinks that they would just be as a matter of fact is out of sink with the pysche of a human being.

There maybe not as much action, but i actually really liked the action in this episode because it advanced the story: in the beginning and middle they are out of sync and almost losing each other, but once they let their guard down and let each other in, they become almost of the same mind, like we saw them in TWD. Absolutely amazing episode and you are the best TWD channel hands down❤

Your commentary on the symbolism is so spot on !

Absolutely, this episode's dialogue and emotional depth are unparalleled in this universe. The pushback against Rick's vulnerability reflects outdated societal norms that expect men to silently endure trauma. However, this episode sheds light on the harsh reality of PTSD and the struggles many face in coping with it. By portraying Rick's vulnerability, the show humanizes the experiences of those grappling with mental health issues, tackling an important and often stigmatized aspect of life. This realism is crucial in sparking conversations and fostering understanding, potentially helping to destigmatize mental health struggles and prevent tragedies like suicide. Kudos to Danai for her writing and to the showrunner for crafting such a beautiful episode. It's baffling how anyone could find this episode slow-the acting was truly touching and phenomenal. Addressing Carl's storyline was long overdue; it often felt like the main show sidelined his importance. Finally taking the time to explore Carl's impact is a step in the right direction. I love character driven episodes.

This episode is definitely EMMY-caliber with deep character development which may not appeal to those who like more microwaveable content. IMO. It’s extremely high quality tv. I loved it. Even the CDC episode which was self-contained was not as difficult with so many characters. So that tells me just how good Andy and Danai are! They understood the assignment!!! It’s been 12 years right since the outbreak ? I would expect them to evolve! Timeline-Wise: so is the current time period 2022? Wonder if there will be another time jump. Love your take as usual!

See these are my absolute favorite kinds of episodes! Now don't get me wrong i love the action-packed blockbuster episodes as well, but you get so much character development in the slow down episodes! This has entered into my list of top episodes in the walking dead universe for sure right up there with Daryl and Beth's episode, and Alicia and Charlie's stand alone episode in Fear. I love when we get to deep dive into real human emotions with characters, very rarely in this type of world do characters get to be vulnerable and fragile. It just brings something more to the show! Beautifully written and acted!

I totally agree with you. I waited until all the episodes came out to watch the show. It was worth the wait and has surpassed my expectations. Episode 4 is by far my favorite. It is smart and beautifully written. As you point out, this episode was needed to add balance to the time gap between both character’s exit from the original show. It also gives a realistic perspective of what might happen when people are dealing with grief, loss and life transitions. Bravo to Danai for this amazing writing and bravo to her and Andrew for their spectacular performances.

Your reactions are the only ones I can watch now. You teach me so much about the filming 🎥 and storytelling. Thank you for your posts.

We needed this episode. They both went through so much and it’s been YEARS. Rick had been gone for so long and suffering and traumatized. It’s a lot to digest. The episode was peak TWD. Those who are complaining, it seems they don’t really know the heart of the story.

I think it was my favorite episode of all the walking dead episodes. When he ever broke down after she said what did they do to you? I died. The acting from both of them is amazing! ❤❤❤ absolutely

The drama was just cinematic gold in that episode.

The separation between the ones who's actually are in tuned into the show vs just watching it for the action Action aside, On an emotional level, realistic scenario between a relationship, this was the best episode & great acting

If people are looking for killing they got that early on but this is a romance. Romances are written a very special way. 1x3 and 1x4 is showing those moments that have to be a part of the classic romance.

Beautiful commentary Katie! 👌 ❤

I am NOW watching the Bridgerton series because of Danai and this episode.. They ATE and left no crumbs with this one 🎉❤

I adore your TWWL chats.

❤ the outfit, you're stunning per usual 😊 I am anticipating Sundays again so thanks rick and mich 🎉

@4:25 based on some comments I have seen, that is exactly what some fans expected!😂😂😂 I personally thought the episode was well written, well acted. And it involved 2 of my 3 favorite characters. Interested to see where this show goes!

Judith said she couldn’t remember Rick and Carl’s voices 😭 and I didn’t catch the parallel with that scene and the one with Rick. So good!! I totally agree about want Danai to write more episodes and stuff, it was amazing!

Wish I’d had a chance to see this amazing, beautiful episode five times already. But right now, I’m going to wind my day down with your always fantastic commentary. ❤

I was really worried other reviewers would see the episode negatively, but I loved it. I was like, "I can see how someone strong, stubborn, and passionate, and somewhat like me, would be like this." I could see myself forcing an argument while the walls are coming down around us, to work through it and come up with a path forward. Like if we cannot create a path forward, why even keep going if you're just going to send us backward as soon as we get out of here (yes, even with the kids still being a real part of things). I will also keep coming back to an argument, if I feel it hasn't been fully addressed, if there's underlying stuff simering under the surface that hasn't come out. Granted, I also have a previous traumatic brain Injury that contributes to some of that, but still. It was like the whole episode was talking to me, and reflecting myself. If that makes any kind of sense.

Totally agree with you Katie, been a fan of Andy since Afterlife, brilliant actor

I'm more obsessed with him after that episode if that was even possible. This is the BEST acting I've seen! Rick is just, OMG I can't love that man more! Michonne is amazing/brilliant! I am SO worried about "a major character death" I swear if they kill Rick off or Michonne, I don't know how I'll deal. I will be absolutely pissed and devastated!!

A romance novel come to life!..

For decades now anything horror related has been getting snubbed by the more well known awards. One of the few exceptions I can think of is for The Sixth Sense & that was dubbed a thriller lol

I will be a Daryl Dixon stan til the day I die but this show is my favourite spin off. It has been everything I wanted. The pacing is beautiful. I would've kept Nat alive though. Really enjoyed him. I can't wait for the next episode but I'm sad it's almost done ❤

I thought it was symbolic of Rick trying to send Michonne home. He gave up his life at the bridge to safe his family. He gave up his relationship to save his family. I don't think he ever stopped loving her. He had to take the mindset he would never seee them again in order to keep them safe. People upseet with the "new" Rick. He certainly acted like the Rick that first met Negan.

i agree it was a bit slow, but the payoff with Rick snapping back into it during the bed scene was worth every second.

Have an incredible day Katie! 😊

I agree that S1E4 was written very well, dithering the release of the emotions of the two main characters with the collapse of the high-rise condo, the collapse being a symbol of the ending of R & M's captivity at the CRM... But what about Jadis' threat to kill everyone back home?

there is still lots stuff they need to share with each other

I'm late to the decision, but everything u said was/is on point. Richonne needed this time to talk out what's going on with them. The first 3 episodes had action /fighting, this episode needed them to communicate with each other to the rawbone on why Rick wants to stay!!!

Love your chats and commentary

I thought the yellow truck and driving in the middle of the road on the yellow line referenced back to the opening song “Tie a yellow ribbon” … so Rick and Michonne found their yellow ribbon.

i've watched your reactions to TWD for years. this episode was produced for you.

I can't wait to see this . I have to wait until I can Buy The DVDS

Excellent content I loved the episode and agree with your points

Loved this!!

I really liked the episode, the acting was fantastic, as was the writing. I only wish that Danai had written the last season of FTWD, what a difference that would have made, she is so good with very real sounding dialogue.

Yes its season 9 ep 6 Judith said she was starting to forget their voices and she hope Michonne wasnt

Wow! When you came on screen I was overwhelmed! You are so pretty, such a beautiful person! See; my favorite color is blue (I know that yours is orange!) and that outfit you have on with the Forget-Me-Nots is just beautiful. It really brings them out. I had to tell you that! OK; now back to the chat… :) P.S.: Still wish we could IM…

Ya know, as an aside... saying there wasn't much violence in the episode is actually wrong, too. They fought many walkers and cleared hallways in spectacularly fashion, the entire collapsed chandelier stairwell scene, the collapsing of the building. For a slower episode, it still had plenty of action. The difference is that the climax of the episode was not a violent one, and instead played on the mental breakdown of Rick Grimes.

Most people liked the episode. The only people hating are the ADHD types or people with their hidden agendas.

I was going to have a nap but then I saw this.

Not all cast members are created equal in terms of writing, to your point about them knowing their characters intimately. Though that is true, not everyone can write. It isn't nearly as easy as some would think, which I'm sure you're aware of. On a panel from a month or so ago, Andy says that he obviously gave input but that he cannot write. He said that he sort of riffed the story in the helicopter about Rick's dad, w/Okafor, but Gimple and Danai helped finesse it.

Was it slower paced yes? But as you say.. it needed to happen.. they’ve barely been able to talk much.. they got to catch up on everything and it was needed.. loved the episode very much. Got emotional a few times and it was awesome

Maybe the CRM/Jadis planned for the helicopter crash from the beginning, btw great breakdown, and you favor Isabella Rossellini xx

Regarding the play aspect of it and Danai's brilliant writing and eye for detail, Gimple originally proposed that they do episode 4 LIVE. lol Danai said, absolutely NOT. LOL There is no way. 😎 But they all agreed that perforning an episode LIVE in the TWD Universe could and should happen. Danai said, just not with her episode. 😎

Remember when Jadis said Rick and Michonne couldn’t be the first to “escape”. That is why she would destroy Alexandria. Well, the CRM surely thinks they’re dead. What’s Jadis’s excuse for hunting them down?

The blue looks good on you 😊

Best Performance in a Guest Role goes to: The Roomba! 🥰

Another thoughtful review.💥💥 Thanks for sharing.

I had been wanting her to talk about RJ since Rick asked about Judith. They didn’t explain why the building had power, why did it look lived in but no people and finally why did the CRM destroy it? No walkers, so the building was secure.

I am one of the ones who didn't really like it, i thought it was slow and too theatrical for my taste but it was a very well done episode that did deliver some powerful moments.

There were issues addressed, which so often doesn’t happen on this show.

I loved this episode it was my favourite of TOHL, I’m just now scared that it’s not going to end well it’s TWD nothing ends on a high especially for Rick, I hope I’m wrong and nothing happens but I have a feeling one of them is going to die but like I said I hope I’m wrong.

To the left of the Kansas license plate is that Oberyn Martell? 😂 or am I off

Katie me and you girrlll I am on my 6th time watching the episode

Andrew Lincoln and Danai Jekesai Gurira's acting is fcking Phenomenal. We all know it and yet I must reiterate this sheit at every chance I get!! 💥💥🙃😎 & Andrew.... Oh. MYyyyyYyyyy. Y. 😬🤫😎

It was a good and necessary episode, definitely had some you better have your kleenex close by moments, but it wasn't my favorite I still like episode 2 & 3 the best. Our personal experiences, knowledge, level of understanding, and whole host of things affects how we perceive and interpreted things. What I don't like is some fans are being rude and disrespecting strangers who do not agree with their opinions over fictional characters. At then end of the day art is subjective and certain aspects of it we might care more or less than the next individual. No need to be offended if someone else opinions differs for yours, overall I think Andy & Danai did great and should at the very least get some Emmy nods for their performances.

I'm sorry but I fuckin love your accent 😊

Is it true they had been apart twice as long as they were together?

This is one of my favorite episodes in any show everything about it the fight, the disagreement, the reasons them making up! Talk about a power couple! & the talk show no the bed bam right in the feels! Him talking about having to play dead! To live 😖😢 few show’s do this, like Dean when trying to bring his mum out of her head… 🤷‍♂️ god & when their dead came back & heard Mary’s voice 😣😢😖😩