While Brian Harriet is teaching his new daughter how to play chess, he refers to her as “pumpkin”. I always love when fathers call their daughter’s “pumpkin”, but this is just making me uncomfortable. I understand that this story line with Brian and his new family is necessary to illustrate his history, but all of these super obvious symbolic conversations are a little over the top.
“Can’t think forever. Sooner or later you’ve got to make a move.”
“You never let me win, anyway.” “Well, that wouldn’t be winning.”
“He used to beat me at chess, too. In fact, he used to beat me at everything.”
WE GET IT!! Brian had a rough childhood. I am truly sorry about that, however, that doesn’t really explain away or excuse his reign of terror as The Governor. Just be evil; sometimes that’s much more interesting.
Brian and his family are settled in rather nicely in Martinez’ lovely trailer park. While on a supply run (note to self:never go on a supply run with Brian/Governor) the men stumble upon a house with dead people and walker heads. As the men sit around talking, Brian listens closely. It isn’t until the end of the episode that we realize just exactly what is going on in that head of “One Eye Bri”.
After a delightful lunch together, Brian and Martinez have a verbal face off that results in the full on return of The Governor. As he feeds Martinez to the pit of walkers, The Governor keeps yelling, ” I don’t want it!” This sums up his character perfectly. Brian doesn’t want the responsibility, but The Governor is good at what he does and someone needs to be in charge, making the tough and unpopular decisions. The Governor is Rick without a soul.
While trying to escape with his family, Brian is met with a road block of walkers trapped in mud. It is this very literal and obvious visual that makes up his mind for him. He goes back to the camp and takes care of business. He swiftly makes it very clear to everyone that he is the best leader. His cunning use of murder and fear mongering to get Mitch on his side is especially chilling. The Governor is back and he is not to be trifled with.
I’d like to address the overwhelmingly negative response to two Governor centric episodes. Yes, the first one was a bit of a doldrum, but these two episodes (only two!) wrapped up beautifully into the impending Rick/Governor standoff. The Governor had this ENTIRE thing planned. He played the part of Brian, he built himself a new community and all of this was done with the prison in mind. He is an evil genius and that can only mean one thing:next week will be EPIC! The Walking Dead is a drama, first and foremost; sometimes that means we must endure a little extra storytelling. This is how we all become so emotionally invested in these characters. It’s my humble opinion that all of the talking that went on in the second season, that everyone is always quick to complain about, is the reason everyone was so up in arms about these last two episodes. “Where is our group at the prison?!” We only love them so much because we got to know them so well back on the farm. Now that we have an even deeper understanding of the true pit of evil and revenge that is The Governor, the ultimate face off between the two groups will be that much more riveting and satisfying.
Side note: thank you to the writers for including a same sex relationship without any fanfare or “hey, look at us!! we like the gay community, too!”. A relationship is a relationship. Pure and simple. Black and White.