Season 2, Episode 10—18 Miles Out

This week’s episode really delves into some of the deeper emotional conflict that has been a consistent undercurrent during season 2. We finally have the confrontation between Rick and Shane that needed to happen, and once again Rick demonstrates his resolve and wisdom in a difficult situation.

Shane’s reaction was almost surprising- he looked more humiliated than defensive. What great symbolism to have him staring at the lone walker meandering in the field when they were driving back.

The other plotline involved another hot mess with the female characters, where all kinds of issues were raised. Well maybe not raised- rather rehashed as questions about female roles, suicide, and other existential matters surfaced.

They never really seem to resolve much in these discussions, but I did like the scene where Lori is trying to encourage Beth in the midst of her hopelessness at 16:02:

Beth: It’s just so pointless

Lori: Oh, you have Maggie, and your father, Patricia and Jimmy. And you gotta stay strong for them. I wish I could promise you it would be all right in the end. I can’t, but we can make now all right. And we have to.

Beth: Thank you

SEASON 2, EPISODE 10 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. On most days, do you relate more to Beth or Lori when you think about life? Why?
2. If you were Beth, would Lori’s counsel encourage you? Why or why not?
3. How else could Lori encourage Beth?
4. What is the difference between making “now” all right, and trying to make everything all right?

Read the following passage from Scripture:

I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. (John 16:33 The Voice)

5. How does the trouble in our lives sometimes make us feel like everything is pointless?
6. How are the words of Jesus and Lori’s encouragement similar? Different?
7. In what ways has Jesus triumphed over this “corrupt world order”?
8. Would these words of Jesus take on new meaning if you read them during the zombie apocalypse? Why or why not?
9. How can these words give you new courage with the troubles you are facing now?

Wrap up
Just like Beth, we all face times when everything seems pointless. And while Lori’s advice about going on for the sake of our family and friends is helpful, as believers we also have the incredible promise from Jesus that He has overcome the world to give us the strength to make “now” all right on a daily basis.