Clinging to Hope And Humanity

"I don't want to be afraid of being alive." — Maggie, The Walking Dead

"The Walking Dead" is a ratings giant, but some have complained that it's not that fascinating as a show. There were times during its run when that's been the case, but the thing that has interested me most in this fourth season is the exploration of what it means to be alive in a world like this. It's been about how you maintain a sense of hope and purpose when all around you seems lost.

Sunday night's episode was another great reminder of that, and also of maintaining our faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And that has been, mostly, seen through the eyes of Herschel, a man of faith and convictions in a world that's seemingly been turned upside down.

Herschel presented the most beautiful moment of the season a few episodes ago when he pointed out that the only thing in ones control in a world where everything can kill you is what you'll risk your life for. He chose to risk his life to bring aide to those in need in the hope of saving a few lives.

On Sunday, he wanted a sense of hope, compassion, and decency to remain in a dangerous world. When people passed away due to illness they needed to be stopped before they turned, but it didn't need to be a public spectacle. He sought to maintain a sense of order and decency, even for those no longer among the living.

At one point, the world was literally crumbling around them. The disease was taking the lives of many of the survivors, while the legion of walking dead were literally tearing the gates of the prison down. It would have been easy to lose hope, to lose faith. But Herschel didn't, and his example has helped to inspire others.

Rick and Carl, long seemingly lost in a world gone mad, have learned to appreciate the little blessings. They held fast and saved lives, but then took time to enjoy the miracle of fresh produce in the midst of the apocalypse. Some might find it trite or laughable, but to me it's those ideas that make "The Walking Dead" a fascinating hour each week.

But perhaps the most beautiful moment was Herschel, who spent the hour clinging to the idea that all of this was still part of a larger plan and purpose, sitting quietly with his Bible by the light of a lamp. He quietly wept as he turned to God for answers and hope. It was a beautiful moment and, to me, a great example of faith in hard times.

For a while I thought "The Walking Dead" provided one of the most dark, hopeless worldviews I had ever encountered. But at least at the beginning of this fourth season, it's providing reason for hope, faith, and endurance again.