Episode 2.05 “Chupacabra” Recap and Analysis by “The Wilf”
A Little Introduction
After last week’s relationship heavy episode, we are treated this week to one of most unique episodes of the series so far; taking the focus off of many of the subplots to delve more deeply into Daryl Dixon; the crazy redneck with a heart of gold.
The title may seem strange at first, given there are only two small moments mentioning the legendary “goat sucker”, but its meaning becomes crucial for the characters later on. The chupacabra doesn’t mean a literal creature in this episode; it refers to the fear of the unknown each character is dealing with.
Air Raid
This week we begin with another flashback, again featuring Shane and Lori. At this point, the survivors know about the outbreak, Rick is laying in a hospital bed somewhere and the government had begun taking drastic measures to ensure the virus doesn’t get out.
This may be the beginning of the Shane and Lori relationship. After seeing the horrors committed by the government choppers, Lori needs someone to lean on. Shane is obviously more than happy to oblige and as I’ve said before, probably had feelings for her well before this flashback took place.
I enjoyed seeing Carol’s douche bag husband Ed again, especially knowing his fate. I also felt there was a lot to gain from Carl’s quick response to Sophia mistaking Shane as his dad. Carl likes Shane, maybe even loves him, but one thing is clear: if a confrontation does take place between his the two men, he’ll be rooting for his father.
Bun in the Oven
After the revelation of Lori’s pregnancy in last weeks’ episode, she has to deal with a lot of stress and fear this week. When Glenn confronts her, she immediately tells him to keep his mouth shut. For Lori, this baby represents a fear of the unknown.
She has no way to tell anyone, later confiding in her unconscious son just to let off some pressure. She also has to raise a child in a world where death takes precedence over life. Not to mention the practical dangers of having a crying baby around in a place where silence often times equals survival. And of course the identity of the baby’s father is still a mystery. That is a lot for anyone to take.
Lori has no idea what will come from this shocking news, and that fear could be her breaking point. What she hasn’t thought about is that this child that is seemingly a curse could prove to be a blessing. If the group finds out about her situation soon, it could give them the reason to organize and unite for the common purpose of protecting this new life.
Bad Neighbors
Sadly, no one showed up to Glenn's first show.
Herschel is another character facing a fear of the unknown. Rick and his group could easily upset his beliefs that the walkers shouldn’t be killed, and they pose a very real threat to Herschel’s supplies as well.
He mentions many times over the course of the episode about lack of communication and the use of supplies. In one day, Herschel loses a horse, more antibiotics and the secrecy of the little operation he has at the barn.
Herschel also has to deal with his fears of Glenn. The boy has clearly taken a liking to Maggie, feelings that she reciprocates. He fears the unknown element that Glenn brings to the table. What will happen if she becomes attached and decides to leave with the group? What if she begins to take on their beliefs in killing the undead? There are many questions Herschel must be asking himself.
The bottom line is that Herschel believes Rick and Co. are overstepping their bounds. His generous and charitable nature will only go so far, and Herschel’s fears are causing him to reach that breaking point. When he does decide to kick them out, his problems will probably only escalate.
Alpha Males
Rick and Shane fear each other, more than anything. In a trip through the woods, the two ex-cops have a nice moment of levity, talking about Shane’s lady loving ways and Rick’s apparently naïve nature. I did laugh out loud when Rick asked if the PE teacher was married. If he only knew…
Shane’s fear of Rick stems from two things: Rick’s choices as a leader, and his position as father and husband.
Shane knows that with Rick around, Lori and Carl will always defer to him. His loss of his “provider” function to the family has led him to see and fear Rick as a usurper of his role in the group. Consequently, he is making small motions (conscious of them or not) to take back his spot.
He also fears that Rick makes a poor leader in this world. He believes that Rick cannot make the tough decisions to keep the group alive. His lack of faith has made him fearful of what may happen if Rick continues to think and act with this moral code. This has given Shane another reason to assert his dominance over Rick.
Rick fears that Shane has lost his humanity. Shane is quick to leave Sophia, and despite his practical thinking, Rick can’t believe that his friend could leave her behind. It is easy to see that Rick is growing concerned about the changing behavior and moral code that Shane has displayed.
Later in the episode, it was great to see Lori once again stand up for Rick and his decisions. She makes a great case that by choosing to continue their search; Rick is making the harder decision. Choosing to cut and run is too easy a solution for him, and despite the danger it may put the group in, he won’t rest until he finds her.
Vision Quest
Daryl gets a rude awakening.
Daryl and his struggle to survive provide as the focal point for this episode, and once again, fear of the unknown is a crucial factor.
After being wounded in the woods during his search for Sophia, Daryl must summon all of his strength to make his way back to camp. After handily dispatching some walkers (continuing his streak as #1 zombie killer on the show) Daryl finds a doll that belongs to Sophia.
He is plagued by visions of Merle, the brother he left behind in Atlanta.
Merle is the chupacabra for Daryl. In his childhood, Daryl probably had a fear of Merle and his abusive ways. Merle appears to him, taunting him and making him doubt himself. He also feels a great deal of guilt for Merles disappearance. He doesn’t know what happened to his brother, and fears for his safety.
The titular creature comes into play again when Daryl returns to camp. He has essentially become the chupacabra, after drinking the blood of the squirrel and adorning himself with a homemade ear necklace. He is so rabid and lost in the wilderness that even his fellow survivors don’t recognize him until he is only feet in front of them.
When Andrea shot Daryl, I honestly thought that might be the end for him. I know he is a popular character and seemingly has a lot of development left for him; this is a show that can take anyone at anytime.
I am getting frustrated with Andrea. I know her heart is in the right place, wanting to help the group and choosing to live, but the writers need to start proving her worth a little. I did enjoy that she and Dale seem to be on better terms, but for a character that is so strong and useful in the comics, she deserves more on the show.
Carol and Daryl share another great scene, with Carol paying him back for his encouraging words last week. She gives him a feeling of self-worth that he is lacking, made clear by how he views himself earlier through Merles eyes. He can be every bit as good as Shane and Rick, but he needs to want it first.
Dirty Little Secret
After what may be the most awkward dinner of all time, Maggie and Glenn decide to go for another round of “recreation”, and Glenn heads to the barn. When Maggie discovers his choice of venue, she freaks out, running to greet him at the hayloft as he discovers a large group of walkers locked within.
This scene was a huge payoff for all of the creepiness and secrecy that Herschel’s family has given off. The secret is out, and the trouble it may bring to both groups could be catastrophic.
I loved that the episode ended with that shot of the barn doors, echoing Rick’s encounter with a similar set of doors back in the series premiere.
Chupacabra
This episode was great for Daryl fans, and offered a very nice payoff for the viewers wondering what Herschel was up to. Next week looks more action packed, and I can’t wait to see how the secrets of Shane, Lori and Herschel could come into play.
Though I have some gripes about the handling of certain characters this week (Andrea in particular), this episode blended the character building of last week with some much needed action to the mix.
This episode was great, but if the writers can give us a satisfying midseason break, I have a feeling next week will blow it out of the water.
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Will Gibbs is a Michigan native and journalism student at Oakland University. He is a long time Walking Dead fan and self proclaimed "zombie survival expert." When he's not writing, Will enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and reading comic books. |
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I really enjoy your well-written recaps. Please keep up the good work!
i love the walking dead it should come on every night