The Walking Dead: Top 100 Moments
75. Rick and Glenn’s Walk Through the Walkers
Episode 102 “Guts”
Original Airdate: 11/7/2010
Submitted By: Charlotte Anne
In the second episode of the series, as the group of survivors is stuck in a shopping mall surrounded by walkers, Rick demonstrates his ability to lead: he designs a plan to allow the group to escape, which involves covering himself and Glenn in walker guts to imitate the smell of the dead and walk among them.
This scene is memorable because it is the first time that we’ve seen our heroes try this strategy. Will it work, won’t it? We know it probably will, because it would be quite anticlimactic if it didn’t. Plus, the writers wouldn’t kill two of the main characters in the second episode, would they? Yet, we also know that something will go wrong. Because after all, what’s the point in watching an episode if everything goes as planned?
As for Glenn, his idea on the matter is quite clear: “If bad ideas were an Olympic event, this would take the gold!” Yet, he does agree to accompany Rick in this very risky endeavour.
So, one extremely gory walker-gutting scene later, here they are, covered in guts, walking among the dead.
What makes this scene so thrilling to watch is the huge amount of tension. At this point in time, viewers have not often seen the heroes coming into close contact with walkers. Seeing Glenn and Rick move among a big herd of walkers, not really knowing how well the camouflage is going to work, is truly nerve-racking. Bear McCreary’s soundtrack beautifully sets the mood. You find yourself holding your breath every time a passing walker starts sniffing at Rick or Glenn, expecting him to suddenly bite.
A welcome moment of comic relief is when Glenn, after drawing attention to him by speaking a few words to Rick, starts growling and imitating the facial expressions of walkers, in an attempt to appear more convincing.
In spite of this momentary fright, Glenn cannot believe how well the plan is working, and neither can we… Then comes the rain. And with it, this rather funny exchange, as a panicking Glenn asks Rick: “The smell’s washing off… isn’t it? Is it washing off?” “No, it’s not!”, says Rick, trying to sound confident, until he adds: “Well… MAYBE.”