The Walking Dead episode 311, "I Ain't a Judas," was written by Angela Kang, who would eventually become showrunner for the series and SFX guru and director, Greg Nicotero. The episode premiered on February 24, 2013, and features the reunion between a long-lost survivor and Rick's (Andrew Lincoln) group.
This episode begins with the survivors reeling after the Governor's (David Morrissey) recent assault. The group is divided on whether to stay at the West Georgia Correctional Facility or flee. Merle (Michael Rooker) has returned after breaking ties with the Governor, but he isn't the only long lost person to appear.
In season 2, Andrea (Laurie Holden) was left behind during the exodus from Hershel's (Scott Wilson) farm. She was believed to be overran by walkers, but she was able to escape. She would be saved by Michonne (Danai Gurira) and the two become close friends.
Fast forward to "I Ain't a Judas," and Andrea is comfortably situated at Woodbury, the community led by the manipulative and dangerous Governor, with whom she has entered a relationship. After he attacks her friends at the prison, she pleads for him to honor his promise to leave Rick alone, but he lies and tells her that Rick shot first.
Eventually, Andrea makes her way to the prison in an attempt to broker a truce between Woodbury and the prison group. Carl (Chandler Riggs) spots her in the prison yard, and Rick "welcomes" her.
When she comes face to face with her old group, who have been victims of her boyfriend's psychopathic behavior, she is overcome with guilt. She tries to shift the blame to Merle and doesn't understand why they won't believe she is on everyone's side, even though she doesn't have a concrete plan for achieving peace.
This is also Andrea's first meeting with Michonne since she left Woodbury. Michonne fills her in on the fact that her boyfriend sent Merle to kill her and would have done the same to Andrea. Michonne lays out the truth to Andrea, telling her, "You chose a warm bed over a friend." OUCH!
Carol appears to have the only logical solution, she tells Andrea to give the Governor the night of his life and then kill him.
Key points in The Walking Dead "I Ain't a Judas"
Rick's group continues to be divided on their next step, with many wanting to stay while other want to run. Running isn't really an option as they have Hershel who only has one leg and baby Judith.
Carl tells his dad that he should step down as leader. It is interesting that a child had to come up with this idea. Rick was in a bad state after losing Lori and not fit for leadership.
Merle tries to make amends with those he previously wronged. Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Michonne are certainly not on Team Merle and Carol reminds Daryl that his brother is bad for him.
The Governor begins to form his army, which includes children ages 13 and up. It's difficult to say who is crazier at this point, Rick or the Governor. (likely the latter) As he begins his plans to come against Rick, yet again, he enlists children and gives the orders, "Give them sidearms and plenty of ammo."
The episode helps builds the tension between Woodbury and the prison
"I Ain't a Judas" trivia
- According to The Walking Dead wiki, the title refers to Carol telling Andrea to betray the Governor as Judas betrays Jesus in the Bible.
- This episode was Melissa McBride's 25th.
- This is the first interaction between Andrea and Rick's group since "Beside the Dying Fire."
- During Walker Stalker Con 2014, Greg Nicotero revealed an alternate ending for the episode in which Andrea slashed something off-screen, which in the next episode would be revealed as the neck of the Governor.
Check out these stories and more on Undead Walking:
Follow Undead Walking on Twitter (X) and Facebook and sign up for the once-daily Undead Walking newsletter to avoid missing out on everything in The Walking Dead universe.