HERE’S NOT HERE – SEASON 6, EPISODE 4 (The Walking Dead)

I was in awe of this episode.

Credits to Scott M. Gimple who wrote it, and who was the TWD showrunner from seasons 4 to 8. He’s also the chief content officer of the TWD franchise – a franchise that I’ve grown to absolutely love, and one that catalysed numerous spinoffs because of the sheer juggernaut that it is.

This post-apocalyptic horror drama is one of the best character-driven shows I’ve seen, based on the comic books, and piercing the hearts of millions of people because of its unrelenting intensity, brilliant storytelling, and authentic character development for multiple characters.

I chose this particular episode because of its nuanced take on the backstory of a fascinating TWD character, Morgan, who we meet from the very start of the series.
I won’t go into the detail of the beginning, but this episode, as many agree, could be a standalone episode that captures the very depths of being human.

We meet another character who is only seen in this episode, Eastman, played by great actor, John Carroll Lynch. Eastman is a forensic psychiatrist and Morgan is a man who lost his wife and son. They find that they have some very vital things in common.

We witness the friendship of Morgan (played by Lennie James) and Eastman, and how Eastman basically changes Morgan’s life, through his philosophy of ‘All Life is Precious’.
We also meet Tabitha the goat, who is memorable all on her own for her presence, vulnerability, and innocence.

Eastman’s life philosophy is derived from the peace-driven Japanese martial art Aikido – which is also practised by the famous martial artist and actor Steven Seagal.
Morihei Ueshiba’s book ‘The Art of Peace’ also features as a strong element of this episode, and a way of healing for both Eastman and Morgan.

This episode, I’ve read, has been life-changing not only for Morgan as a character, but for viewers. While I don’t want to give much away; and perhaps be as vague as possible, to influence you to watch it if you haven’t already 😉, this episode and its specific story is deeply therapeutic and life-enriching.

It reminds us of what truly matters, the significance of spirituality, the complex way of redemption, and it is all showcased through the humour, honesty and humanity of two men who meet, gain each other’s trust, and connect in a compassionate and fearless way.
The music in this episode is absolutely beautiful, and the way the pace of this episode is vastly different to other episodes (though the actual placement of it due to what occurs in the previous one made many people mad) makes it a unique and surprising, but much needed viewing.

This episode is full of human revelation, quiet insight, and the soothing calmness of nature.

No wonder it’s a fan favourite.
 
Cinematherapy questions:

• Do you see yourself in the character of Morgan, and how/why?
• How did the connection between Eastman and Morgan make you feel?
• If you have seen the other episodes featuring Morgan in TWD, what did you think of his transformation?
• How do you think his meeting with Eastman inevitably and deeply changed him?