The Walking Dead’s Game-Changing Episode: How “Remember” Changed The Franchise Forever

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A standout episode of The Walking Dead dramatically altered the show’s direction, and some believe it ultimately led to its downfall. In the early seasons, the group was always searching for a new home, moving from a camp near Atlanta in season one, to Hershel’s farm in season two, and then attempting to rebuild a prison in season three, only to be forced out in season four.

By season 5 of The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes and his group were incredibly fortunate to avoid becoming dinner when the seemingly safe community of Terminus revealed itself to be a haven for cannibals. The group reached its lowest point, struggling to find enough food to survive while battling walkers in the ruined world.

Just when you think things absolutely couldn’t get worse for Rick and his group, a glimmer of hope appears. Aaron rolls up claiming to be from a real, functioning town – Alexandria – and offers them a potential home. Honestly, my first thought was, ‘Here we go again, another Terminus situation!’ It felt too convenient. But thankfully, and surprisingly, Alexandria is the genuine article. It’s everything they say it is – a true safe haven. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and honestly, a welcome surprise after so many false starts.

The first episode where Rick’s group entered Alexandria is considered one of the best in The Walking Dead history. It dramatically changed the show’s structure, creating a funny contrast between the experienced survivors and the comfortable residents. However, it may have unintentionally damaged the series by starting a frustrating pattern that would become common later on.

“Remember” Is One Of The Walking Dead’s Best Episodes

In season 5, episode 12, titled “Remember,” Rick’s group finally reached the Alexandria Safe-Zone a couple of episodes after Aaron specifically asked for Rick. It felt like a dream come true – a gated community with running water and established rules. Life there seemed almost normal, as if the apocalypse hadn’t even happened.

This was a huge change of pace for the show. Up until then, we’d only seen survivors struggling to live in makeshift camps and falling-apart buildings, always in danger. Woodbury was the first real community we saw, but it was ruled by a dangerous and ruthless leader, unlike the safe haven Alexandria would eventually become.

Alexandria was led by Deanna, a kind and experienced woman. Tovah Feldshuh’s portrayal of Deanna immediately created a compelling dynamic with Andrew Lincoln’s Rick, especially during their first conversation. Deanna is a just and caring leader, but she expects respect and won’t tolerate anyone questioning her decisions – something Rick does consistently upon arriving in Alexandria.

Feral Rick Trying To Assimilate With The Civilized Alexandrians Was A Great Dramatic Conflict

When Aaron located Rick’s group and brought them to Alexandria, they’d become almost like wild animals. Most of them adjusted to life inside the community fairly quickly, especially those who were already stable personalities like Maggie and Glenn. However, some, including Daryl, had a very difficult time. Rick, in particular, seemed deeply affected by his time surviving in the wilderness, like a wild animal struggling to become domesticated again.

Watching Rick struggle to adjust to normal life after becoming hardened by the apocalypse was both funny and captivating. The show presented a fascinating idea – what if, years into a zombie outbreak, people built a secure town and tried to create a new sense of normalcy? – and Rick’s damaged mental state made him the perfect character to navigate that story.

After Arriving In Alexandria, The Walking Dead Stopped Being A Show About Survival

While the ‘Remember’ episode was fantastic and Alexandria initially revitalized the show, I believe it ultimately harmed the franchise. Once Rick and his group settled into a comfortable life within the walls of Alexandria, The Walking Dead lost its focus on raw survival and transformed into a story about power struggles and resource management between various communities – almost like a post-apocalyptic version of Monopoly.

Early on, we met several different communities, each with its own way of life – like Hilltop, the Kingdom, and eventually, the Saviors. The show then became focused on the conflicts between these groups. Instead of being about simply surviving the zombie apocalypse, The Walking Dead turned into a story about these factions fighting over land and supplies.

The Walking Dead Kept Doubling Down On The Feuding Factions Trope

As Alexandria clashed with other groups, The Walking Dead increasingly relied on the predictable trope of warring factions. What began as a story about people surviving the zombie apocalypse transformed into a power struggle reminiscent of Game of Thrones, pitting Alexandria against Negan’s group.

The episode “Remember” was funny because Rick and his group had been surviving in the wild for so long, and suddenly they were trying to live in a normal town, Alexandria. The contrast between their rough, survival instincts and civilized life created a lot of dark humor. Now that several communities like Alexandria exist in The Walking Dead universe, that unique situation – and the humor it created – is unlikely to happen again.

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2026-01-04 01:30