Episode 201 of The Walking Dead is regarded as one of the most disappointing episodes in the history of AMC's long-running series. The episode was released in February 2012 and was written by Scott Gimple & Glen Mazzara and directed by Ernest Dickerson. The primary focus was Rick (Andrew Lincoln), Shane (Jon Bernthal), and a captive Randall (Michael Zegen).
The episode title, "18 Miles Out," derives from the plan to take Randall, a young man held captive at Hershel's farm, miles away from Rick's group so that he no longer poses a threat to them. He was a member of the unsavory group, which included Dave (
Michael Raymond-James) and Tony (Aaron Munoz), the men Rick killed in the bar.
The episode featured many arguments between Rick and Shane about who is the better man to take care of Rick's family etc. And the continued argument regarding Randall's fate. This would lead to an all out brawl between the two, and in the end they returned to the farm, with their captive.
The main take away from the episode was the fact that Shane couldn't locate bite marks on the police officer walkers, proving Dr. Jenner's (Noah Emmerichs) words to Rick were true, that everyone is infected. But the scene was brief, and even though Rick had the information, blamed their transformation on the scratches he saw on their bodies.
The Lone Walker - what's his story?
The Walking Dead creators have done an exceptional job throughout the series of using elements to create iconic moments within the storyline. One such symbol is that of what is known as the Lone Walker featured in episode 210. Shane first spies the walker while en route to the drop-off point and then again on their return trip.
Sadly, we never learn anything personal about who this walker was before the outbreak, a topic many fans wish had an explanation. Clad in a suit, the walker is seen in the distance roaming aimlessly through the fields with nothing or no one to accompany him. This is symbolic of Shane's detachment from Rick as their relationship continues to spiral downward. Shane is looking forward, trying to find ways to survive as the remaining members of the group, Rick included, try to recapture what was.
This simple moment proves that a scene doesn't have to be over-the-top to achieve cinematic greatness and leave a lasting mark on viewers. Without words, viewers can understand Shane's feeling of being a lone wolf. The song that plays during the final scene is "Civilian" by Wye Oak. The song gives feelings of intense loneliness that come from battling your inner demons. This describes Shane and his desire to remove Rick from the picture so he can step into Rick's role with his family.
I wonder if the creators had any idea that this simple scene would have such an impact on viewers. Years later, the Lone Walker is featured in the intro sequence from Season 5 to Season 8 of The Walking Dead.
"Civilian" by Wye Oak lyrics
[Verse 1]
I am nothing without pretend
I know my thoughts
Can't live with them
I am nothing without a man
I know my faults
But I can't hide them
[Verse 2]
I still keep my baby teeth
In a bedside table with my jewelry
You still sleep in the bed with me
My jewelry and my baby teeth
[Verse 3]
I don't need another friend
When most of them I can barely keep up with
I'm perfectly able to hold my own hand
But I still can't kiss my own neck
[Verse 4]
I wanted to give you everything
But I still stand in awe of superficial things
I wanted to love you like my mother's mother's mothers did
Civilian
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