The Walking Dead: Episode 605, Now was the quiet before the storm

On November 8, 2015, The Walking Dead season 6 episode “Now” arrived in stark contrast to the previous episode, “Here’s Not Here.” Obliged to return to the show’s main storyline, it still left viewers hanging. What happened to Glenn? Basically, his fate was still up in the air.

After a brilliant episode, prominently featuring Morgan Jones (which was a palpable re-introduction to actor Lennie James), left us pondering a possible future. “Now” arrived as a way of meeting in the middle.

We still wouldn’t find out what happened to Glenn in this episode, but we’re essentially dragged along into the uncertainty/anxiety of Glenn’s wife, Maggie (someone who, frankly, had been largely overlooked through much of the 6th season). In many ways, this is a continuation of the show’s overall emphasis on mental strength and weakness; determination versus deterioration.

Where ‘Now’ fits into The Walking Dead

To a large degree, “Now” revisits the storytelling technique of suspense. There were other episodes where we didn’t know what happened to someone. Some of the biggest suspenseful moments surely boosted the careers of actors Emily Kinney and Madison Lintz (remember season 2’s great quest for Sophia?). Another season 2 moment that left us wondering was if Chandler Riggs would return in future seasons.

Glenn’s disappearance was a bit refreshing for season 6, as Maggie Greene hadn’t really done that much in the previous season before she attempted to leave and find her husband.

Interestingly, this 72nd episode of the series doesn’t prominently feature Daryl Dixon, continuing a surprising pattern of diversifying the series’ focus. Instead, we’re really encouraged to think of everyone as a cohesive unit within Alexandria’s gates.

Final thoughts: A relatively quiet episode

“Now” is a totally boring episode, we do see Jessie killing a walker and she also kisses Rick. And, Denise and Tara seem to begin a relationship, while we’re still left wondering about Glenn’s fate. Also, Carl seems interested in possibly heading off to rescue Enid. No one would consider this the most exciting Walking Dead episode.

At the risk of sounding critical, this is almost like a transitional episode. That’s actually not as bad as it sounds, especially when the episode still contains character development. Every episode of The Walking Dead features events and typically, at least a handful of shocks, but this episode sort of lets the characters breathe a little bit, especially after all the recent chaos that’s taken place.

Basically, it can’t be mischief, all the time, though the drama definitely is there as a constantly lingering presence.  Of course, the episode also helps familiarize us with Aaron’s character, who is there to help Maggie cope.  Obviously, he’s quite different from the villains she has encountered along her journey, and it’s perhaps a breath of fresh air to have some human characters not hellbent on destroying each other.

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