Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Michael Cudlitz, Sonequa Martin-Green, Josh McDermitt, Christian Serratos, Alanna Masterson, Seth Gilliam, Tyler James Williams
Writer: Seth Hoffman
Director: Larysa Kondracki
Network: AMC, airs Sunday @ 9:00 p.m.
Original Telecast: Feb. 22, 2015

The crew travels to a new location after hearing about it from Aaron on THE WALKING DEAD "The Distance" | © 2015 Gene Page/AMC

Warning massive show spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.

After two straight weeks where we received two so-so episodes, THE WALKING DEAD got good again with “The Distance.”

It is funny how much a few new characters can bring a new energy to a show such as this. With the arrival of Aaron (Ross Marquand) and Eric (Jordan Woods-Robinson) in two scouts for a larger community seeking out survivors that are good people that can be added to their own community.

There were two main themes of “The Distance”— one being the introduction of these two new characters and their motives and the issue of trust, specifically among Rick (Andrew Lincoln) who at this point after everything they have gone through, trust absolutely no one. Aaron (and later Eric) approached the group last episode but in this episode he reveals he comes from a walled off community that has a lot of resources and his job is to recruit survivors deemed worthy to be included in the community in order to expand security and resources.

Of course, Rick, as stated above, doesn’t trust him and neither do the rest of the crew as they expect to be attacked at any minute. Aaron says he is only with one other (Eric and we would find out they are a couple later in the episode) and he has two vehicles that can transport everyone back to the walled off community if they want to go.

After much discussion about whether he is telling the truth or not. It boils down to Michonne (Danai Gurira) saying they are going because at this point after the recent struggles to find water, food and security, what do they have to lose and if he is telling the truth, they could all benefit. No one disagrees but Rick wants to take a safer approach to the community which takes them in the path of a horde. After a slew of gnarly zombie deaths, they regroup and finally make the distance to the community.

That’s where the episode ends and we’ll see the inside of the complex and the other characters inside on the next episode. If you have read the comics you know what happens, Rick and the group find this place has survived the apocalypse in rare fashion and it could become something special with a little work. However, some within the walls aren’t exactly the most stable and Rick’s own emotions and values rub some the wrong way. Now will this play out the same way in the TV universe? Hard to tell since everything has been similar but different so far in the TV universe. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

But this story arc is fun and opens up a new range of opportunities for growth for the show in whatever direction they take it. Hopefully with some fresh characters and a fresh place to call home, we will continue to get good episodes of the show after a few weeks that were frustrating to say the least.

Related: TV Review: THE WALKING DEAD – Season 5 – “Them”

Related: TV Review: THE WALKING DEAD – Season 5 – “What Happened and What’s Going on?”

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Article: TV Review: THE WALKING DEAD – Season 5 – “The Distance”

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