The Walking Dead: S6 Ep2 “JSS”
*Review May Contain Spoilers
Taking a break from Rick and Daryl’s failed attempt at their version of the Pied Zombie Pipers of Alexandria, “JSS” turned it’s narrative focus towards the citizens of Alexandria during last week’s herding of the zombie horde.
The events of this week’s episode run concurrently with with those in last week’s season premiere and truthfully, both episodes could have been combined to create an incredible two hour season premiere. The decision not to do so however, gave the producers the opportunity to create a more focused pair of story lines with this week’s episode highlighting two antagonists that promise to loom large this season: zombies and the Wolves.
“JSS” opens up with a montage focusing on Enid. Left alone in the wilderness after the death of her parents, Enid’s tenacity, determination and reliance on the acronym JSS led her to the oasis of Alexandria.
The episode features the return of the Wolves from last season and wastes no time reminding viewers why they are to be feared. The ambush by the Wolves places the townsfolk in peril and with Rick, Michonne, Daryl and the others leading the zombie hoard away from Alexandria, they are seriously under manned.
“JSS” also highlighted the duality of several characters, particularly Carol, Denise and Carl.
Carol’s easy going southern charm hides a matter of fact will to survive at any cost. Her ability to create wonders in the kitchen and her domestic skills are in stark contrast to her proficiency with a gun or makeshift weapon.
Denise is pressed into service as Alexandria’s new doctor and her first day on the job isn’t a quiet one. Her reluctance to revisit her past ambitions are dramatically pushed aside as the chaos of the siege lands at her front door.
Carl, his baby sister Judith’s caretaker, is at ease taking her for a walk along Alexandria’s suburban streets, but is instantly ready to defend himself when the Wolves begin their attack. The years of surviving the zombie apocalypse have hardened him and even though he is still a child, his reaction to the siege is in stark contrast to most of the citizens of Alexandria.
There seems to be a growing rift among the group in how to deal with the challenges that await them. There are those that agree with Rick’s survival at all costs attitude and others who believe there is another way. After the events of “JSS” Alexandria may never be the same and it will be interesting to see which train of thought emerges as the dominant one. Enid’s advice to Carl, if heeded, may be the only thing that gets the group through the apocalypse.
