Season 2, Episode 6—Secrets

Wanna know a secret?

I never know how to respond to that question. On one hand I hate getting caught up in gossip and drama, yet it’s at the center of human nature to be curious about undisclosed information.

“Our secrets” is the theme that drives the midseason finale in episode 6, and we really discover how the different characters handle them as the show progressed. Glenn is obviously not wired to keep a lid on things, both the zombies in the barn and the pregnancy. But Glenn telling Dale about the pregnancy brought important decisions to the surface; I think we can expect a culmination soon.

What I really liked best about this episode was the way it portrayed both the power of information and the freedom that comes from getting things off our chest. Sometimes secrets are things we feel guilty about. No one likes carrying that stuff around.

The most powerful scene in particular is at the 41:00 mark when Rick and Lori are discussing her pregnancy and secrets in general.  As you recall, Lori took some “morning after” pills, but threw them up right after.  Rick discovered the pills and confronted Lori about that ‘secret’, which then led to the ending scene when Lori confesses her affair with Shane.  I’m glad that they gave Rick enough credit for figuring out that something must have happened with Lori and Shane.

Rick: Maybe that’s true, but I can’t live like this anymore, Lori. We can’t live like this. Is there anything else I should know about?

Lori: Shane and I.

Rick: I know. Of course I know. You thought I was dead. The world went to (expletive) and you thought I was dead. Right?

Lori: Yeah.

SEASON 2, EPISODE 6 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Why are we so curious about secrets?
2. Do you think everyone is keeping secrets?  Explain.
3. Is there ever a good time to keep things on the down low? Why or why not?
4. Which character is doing the most damage by keeping information undisclosed?
5. What did you think about Rick’s reaction to Lori’s confession of the affair with Shane?

Read the following passage from Scripture:

When I refused to confess my sin,
    my body wasted away,
    and I groaned all day long.
Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
    My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
    and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.”
    And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
(Psalm 32:3-5)

6. What is David saying about the physical effects of keeping secrets?
7. Why does withholding information take such a toll on us?
8. Why is it a foolish notion to think that we can keep a secret with God?
9. If we confess our secrets to God, does that mean we have to tell our friends and/or family as well?  Why or why not?
10. How does David describe God’s reaction when we are honest with Him?

Wrap up
Even though we all keep secrets, it is important to remember that God knows everything about us, and He is ready and willing to forgive us and free us from guilt and the consequences of hiding information from Him.  Take some time this week to think about what God might be telling you about your secrets and what might be healthy for you to do for your relationship with Jesus and others.