Carol (Melissa McBride) in a scene from Season 4 Episode 4 of ‘The Walking Dead.’
Credit: Courtesy of Gene Page / AMC
“Don’t call me mom, just don’t.”
Carol (Melissa McBride) has been around since the very beginning, which is one of the many reasons I found “Indifference” irritable, but an ultimately necessary episode.
She has evolved dramatically from the abused and nervous wife she once was, and even lost her child along the way. Last week she admitted to killing two of the group members that were sick in hopes of stopping the growing flu virus in its tracks.
This week was a slow and painstaking confession from Carol, with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) avoiding even bringing it up until the very end of the episode. There were too many elephants in the room, just awkwardly sitting there.
This episode showed Carol’s growth as a character over the years as a survivor, the fact that only a few tears were shed for her crime being case and point. In her mind, she had to do it. But by going on her own accord, she left other people’s feelings at bay, especially Tyreese (Chad Coleman) – his girlfriend was murdered in cold blood by Carol.
What makes me sad about Carol’s departure from the group is her potential future, not only with the girls she was given to protect (who knows what could happen to them now), but her relationship with Daryl (Norman Reedus). No doubt will Daryl take offense to Rick kicking her out of the group, but hopefully he will come to his senses.
It was nice seeing Rick stand up for himself for once, but at the same time why did it have to be Carol?
I guess I’m still not over the fact that she could potentially be gone forever. Granted with her survival skills and supplies, I am hopeful to see her return in the future.
The episode offered further insight into Michonne (Danai Gurira), who has realized she needs to stop running from her hatred, and Bob Stookey (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) who once again caused problems with his alcohol addiction.
The group was separated this week, which was a breath of fresh air from the infected atmosphere of the prison. Potential new members again were taken away as fast as they were introduced, Rick’s “three question” system seems to have strict results.
Losing Carol will hit the prison group hard when everyone learns of her departure — she was a motherly figure to many, as well as a daily contributor to necessary tasks. There will most likely be some emotional fallout to losing the prison mom, but not before the group uses their newfound supplies to cleanse the infection from everyone.
