The Walking Dead 413: Remember when ‘Alone’ made Bob an optimist?

The Walking Dead episode 413 revitalized Bob Stookey from an alcoholic to an optimist.  How and why did that happen?

The Walking Dead‘s season 4 episode “Alone” pays more attention to the character Bob Stookey, and it pays off. What’s great about Lawrence Gilliard Jr.’s acting is that he never overdoes anything. He really tends to play it natural, which is very much in line with his character. In contrast to so many characters on The Walking Dead, Bob comes across as a “roll-with-the-punches” kind of guy. In other words, it’s not like Gilliard couldn’t bring more drama into the mix. He just understands Bob and what he represents. What’s refreshing about “Alone” is that it’s a subtle shift away from Bob’s alcoholism issues, as we see a renewed sense of purpose. No longer does he accept the idea of being on his own, as being a sole survivor, cursed to pathetically witness others die in the walker plague.

Now he has Sasha and Maggie with him, and recognizes the importance of group cohesion. While he may still be capable of self-absorption and self-pity, it seems like he’s walking away from that through self-realization. Perhaps it’s because he’s survived through so much, and he now feels it must have been for a purpose. It could also be because, really, this could be his last chance to build a new future, and he’s fearful of losing it. However, it’s more fun to think he just said to himself, “You know what? I’m not going to be like that anymore! From now on, I’m going to be in my element.” By the end of the episode, his optimism becomes about as infectious as a zombie bite!

Maggie’s quest

While worthwhile unto itself, Maggie’s quest for Glenn is an obvious inkling of faith and determination. In contrast, Sasha seems to embrace a totally indeterminate future, full of unknowns, loopholes and almost grudgingly pressing forward. Maggie actually believes in something. At first it seems she’s too determined to find Glenn, going so far as to initially leave Bob and Sasha behind. However, when it’s revealed that she hasn’t left them, it seems to verify Bob’s newfound drive to have purpose.

Of course, The Walking Dead will inevitably crush Bob’s optimism into a million tiny bits, as the show is either “cynical” or highly realistic. However, there is the underlying positive message that, no matter how tough life gets, you might as well keep going until it finishes for you. In that sense, this is The Walking Dead‘s way of addressing despair and suicidal thoughts.

Daryl and Beth

The episode has similar sentiments between Daryl and Beth, although Beth’s (rather disappointing) kidnapping disappearance has Daryl almost shut down. While Daryl’s reaction is understandable and humanizing, it’s an interesting contrast to Bob’s response. The question is, if he were to have been left entirely alone after the prison, would he have similarly shut down? It seems likely. In fact, Beth’s presence was about as optimistic as Bob, despite her having similar depression at various points.  When Daryl meets an obnoxious bunch of wannabe alpha males, he’s faced with some interesting new social decisions, too.

Perhaps the overall point is that we are social animals, and it’s a blessing and a curse to (at least sometimes) depend on others for our social and psychological well-being.  The point isn’t just that Bob is cheering up in this episode.  It’s that he actually has the support he needs. Not everyone can say that. So, for a show that often depicts some depressing and tragic moments, this episode reminds us to take the good with the bad…especially when the good is fleeting. Of course, the next episode has something a little darker in store…something quaint about looking at flowers.

What are your thoughts on this Walking Dead episode? Let us know in the comments!