the walking dead

The Walking Dead: “The Distance” Travelled

the walking dead season 5

So5xE11: “The Distance”

We have come across all types in the Walking Dead universe, from cannibals to crazies, but no one as clean and downright suspicious as Aaron. The Tribe is weary and in desperate need of redemption from the foot travel lifestyle they’ve been leading since the prison was overrun. Starvation, dehydration, shelter and safety are basic needs that they struggle to meet, and what Aaron represents (peace, comfort, friendship) feels foreign and difficult to comprehend for Tribe members. Trust and hope are hard emotions to wield in a post-apocalyptic society in which individuals are often out only for themselves. For the Tribe, decisions have to be made and barriers must be broken in order for everyone to survive.

Spoilers ahead, Sweetie…

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The Walking Dead: “Them” and Us

the walking dead season 5

So5xE10: “Them”

Post-apocalyptic life has never been more clearly defined as in this episode of The Walking Dead. For the living, it is heartbreak, hunger, loneliness and fear, punctuated by moments of reprieve that include family and friends. For the Tribe, the basic physiological needs must be met in order to move forward on their journey to Washington D.C., while psychological issues threaten to tear the group apart. After the recent losses to the Tribe, what will it take to keep them together, sane and safe?

Spoilers ahead, Sweetie…

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The Walking Dead: “What Happened and What’s Going On” and The Way It Has To Go

the walking dead season 5

So5xE09: “What Happened and What’s Going On”

The Tribe is back together but inevitably broken after the losing Beth in Slabtown. With not enough time to grieve, the group is forced to continue moving in order to find food and safety. It seems the troubles of the Tribe are, once again, focused on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, with physiology and safety being of the utmost concern. This episode reiterates that things go “the way [they] have to, the way [they] were always going to”, but what does that mean for the members of our tribe? Will they find shelter? Will the group retain their emotional fortitude to continue roaming the lower United States in search for friends, family and a home? Are there such things in a post-apocalyptic world?

spoilers ahead sweetie…

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The Collectiva Diva’s Favorite 5 Scary Series on Netflix

Instead of the sappy Valentine’s day fodder you’re going to be bombarded with all weekend, I come bearing some seriously scary shows that will terrify you more than the price of a dozen roses on this ridiculously overpriced Hallmark holiday. Cuddle up with your significant other, and watch these films with a bucket of popcorn, a fluffy blanket and a flask of holy water.

Enjoy!

xoxo The Collectiva Diva

Follow me on Twitter @collectivadiva or Tumblr if you DARE!

1) American Horror Story

The first 3 seasons of American Horror Story are available on Netflix and season 1 is a terrifying introduction to the actors who will create 3 very different stories with very different characters throughout. Pleather-covered killers, creepy doctors and unsolved murders make this a go-to for the burgeoning horror aficionado.

2) The Walking Dead

We here at The Collective LOVE The Walking Dead and, if you haven’t started the show yet, now is the time, my friend. Netflix has Seasons 1-4 and AMC is currently broadcasting season 5. If you love zombies and dystopian narratives, this is definitely the show for you.

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The Walking Dead: “Coda” and Contrasting Tribes

the walking dead season 5

S05xE08″: “Coda”

As the Tribe attempts to move forward through continuous obstacles that do not end with walkers, but include sickness, familial issues, mental health problems, hunger, and violent adversaries among other things, we are reminded that even the best of us is destined to pass through this mortal coil into the world beyond. As I mentioned last week, this is the nature of life; death is at the other end of the sentence as a closing parentheses that we all must attend to at some point. For those living in this post-apocalyptic universe, death may come at any moment, by any means. All Tribe members can do is attempt to discover value in experiences and move forward, learning from the past in order to construct a future.

As we reflect on the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead, we are reminded that, since the infestation of zombies into this universe, society has been precariously balanced on the precipice of change. For the Tribe, this has meant each member finding strength within, constructing individual value systems and then learning how to adapt those values to fit into the group. The question becomes, who have the members of the Tribe become? What endings have taken place, and what new beginnings will emerge?

Spoilers ahead, Sweetie! (Seriously, if you haven’t watched “Coda”, you are going to be spoiled in 5..4..3..2..1)

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The Walking Dead: “Consumed”, “Crossed” and the Character Development of Carol

the walking dead season 5

S05xE06 “Consumed” & S05xE07 “Crossed”

As the Tribe continues to establish their unity and strength, we also begin to see cracks in the chassis (so to speak) in regards to leadership, and the question of a values hierarchy is once again addressed in terms of who deserves to survive and what determines one’s worth. We return to Slabtown, and now that we have seen what goes on inside and the dual roles of the hospital (haven and hell), it is not difficult to gauge what the Tribe will be willing to do to keep themselves and the ones they care for safe.

Since I missed a post and this is going up rather late, we will take a quick and dirty look at the themes in both episodes by focusing on one particular person–Carol.

Spoilers ahead, Sweetie!

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The Walking Dead: “Self Help” and the Characteristics of the Survivor

the walking dead season 5

S05xE05″: “Self Help”

Survival is a theme this season, and each member of the Tribe has proven to be brave, cunning, downright ruthless or all of the above. The group headed to Washington D.C. is used to being on the ground, traveling on foot, not settling down and they are moving with a purpose, which gives them vigor and the hopefulness necessary to keep one foot in front of the other, even through zombie hordes and exploding buses. Still, when purpose shifts in meaning and complications arise, individuals must rediscover their reasons for moving forward, realign expectations, and determine how to best reconnect with like-minded groups. In a post-apocalyptic world without easy means of communication or travel, options are limited and the paths are few.

Spoilers ahead, Sweetie!

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