Conflict with Deanna: Rick’s frustration with the way Alexandria is run grows, leading to clashes with Deanna, the community leader. He believes that their pacifist approach could jeopardize everyone’s safety.
The Walking Dead S5 E15: Try
In the gripping episode “Try” from Season 5 of The Walking Dead, tensions boil over as the survivors of the apocalypse grapple with the complexities of morality and survival. Set against the grim backdrop of Alexandria, a community that has ostensibly managed to shield itself from the horrors outside, this episode serves as a poignant reminder that safety is often an illusion.
Season Overview
Season 5 of The Walking Dead dives deeper into the psyche of its characters while challenging the boundaries of human decency. Following the harrowing experiences of the previous season, where they faced the cannibalistic threat of Terminus, the survivors seek refuge within the walls of Alexandria. However, this sanctuary quickly reveals itself to be a double-edged sword. As the community’s idyllic veneer fades away, it becomes clear that the greatest dangers might not come from the Walkers but from the people themselves.
As the season progresses, themes of trust, governance, and moral ambiguity surface, particularly illustrated through the power dynamics in Alexandria. Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) struggles with the community’s pacifist ethos while trying to maintain the safety of his group. This ongoing tension set the stage for a palpable conflict in “Try,” where ideological differences come to a head.
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Episode Summary
In “Try,” the stakes escalate dramatically as the characters confront their internal and external conflicts. The episode opens with the uneasy coexistence between Rick’s group and the Alexandrians. The fundamental differences in how they perceive threats—both from the dead and the living—culminate in a series of volatile encounters.
Rick’s frustration grows as he observes the Alexandrians’ inability to defend themselves from the harsh realities of the world outside their walls. His protector instincts push him to challenge their complacency, leading to heated discussions with Deanna Monroe (Tovah Feldshuh), the community leader. Rick’s desperate plea for a more proactive stance against the impending threat becomes a focal point of the episode, showcasing his transformation into a more ruthless leader.
Meanwhile, interpersonal tensions create rifts within the group. This is particularly evident in the strained relationships between Rick and his old friend, Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), who is caught between his loyalty to Rick and the need to adapt to the more peaceful dynamics of Alexandria. Additionally, the brewing conflict between Rick and Pete (Piscatella Denny) reaches a boiling point when Rick catches Pete abusing his wife, Jess (Alexandra Breckenridge). This confrontation serves as a critical moment, not only for Rick but for the moral compass of the entire group.
As violence erupts in the community, the consequences of Rick’s actions reverberate throughout Alexandria. The climax of the episode sees Rick resorting to drastic measures, leading to an unforgettable showdown that illustrates the evolution of his character—one shaped by loss and desperation. The episode poignantly raises questions about the cost of survival: How far will one go to protect their loved ones? And at what point does the pursuit of safety lead to moral compromises?
The final scenes foreshadow the chaos to come and leave viewers with a chilling reminder that living in a world riddled with death and danger often blurs the lines between right and wrong.
Conclusion
“Try” effectively encapsulates the central themes of Season 5: the struggle for survival against both the undead and the turmoil of human relationships. As the characters oscillate between hope and despair, trust and betrayal, the season demonstrates that the true horror of the world lies not only in the Walkers that roam outside but in the choices that people make to navigate their new reality.
With its compelling character arcs and dramatic confrontations, “Try” provides a riveting viewing experience that sets the stage for the season’s climax. As the characters confront their worst fears and face the realities of their choices, the episode underscores the enduring question at the heart of The Walking Dead: In a world where the rules have changed, what does it truly mean to be human?