Season 3, Episode 1, Seed

If you’re like me, your level of anticipation approaching this premier episode of Season 3 must have been overwhelming. The previous season was a tough act to follow. Looking back in retrospect, Season 2 was probably one of the best in the series, with the introduction of Hershel, Maggie and the farm, the tension between Rick and Shane, the loss of key characters like Dale, Shane and Sofia (who is still alive and kicking in the comic, by the way), and a chilling glimpse at the immense power of a herd.

Season 2 also left us with two exciting foreshadows to the next season:

1. The introduction of Michonne (someone the comic geeks were hoping to see)
2. The ending crane shot of the prison in the distance

So it was with this anticipation, anxiety and suspense that we began Season 3… and it didn’t fail to impress. The opening scene alone was probably one of the best in the series: the slow pull from the closeup of the zombie eye, interrupted by the team barging into the door. Like a team of special ops, they moved through the house, with even Carl yielding a gun. All this, the entire opening scene, 4 minutes and 57 seconds long… with no dialogue… showing exactly how clandestine, careful and efficient they now moved as a unit.

Welcome to Season 3.

The premiere didn’t waste any time introducing one of the most significant new characters of the season—the prison. And it was that first night, after seizing the courtyard, when the group gathered and sat by the fire.

It was here that Hershel asked Beth to sing a song.

Beth timidly began singing “Parting Glass,” with Maggie eventually joining in:

Oh all the money that e’er I spent

I spent it in good company

And all the harm that e’er I’ve done

Alas, it was to none but me

And all the harm that e’er I’ve done

Alas, it was to none but me



And all I’ve done for want of wit

To memory now I can’t recall

So fill to me the parting glass

Good night and joy be with you all…

Ed Sheeran fans might recognize this traditional Irish folk song as the hidden bonus song on track 12 of his album titled “+” (yeah, the plus sign is the title of his album). Listen here.

The song seems to convey a reflection, or even celebration, of the times they had and a sadness of parting ways (which probably feels applicable to them on several levels: the family and friends they lost, and being separated from Andrea).

SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What do you think this group has learned since the farm?
2. Do you think the group has regrets? What?

The song seems to reflect a moment where the group is looking back, but sitting on the precipice of something better to come. That reminds me of this scripture in Paul’s second letter to Timothy:

Read II Timothy 4:6-8
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. (NLT)

3. What does Paul observe about his past? How would you describe your past?
4. What does Paul look forward to in the future? What do you look forward to?
5. In that last verse above, Paul says the prize isn’t just for him… so who is it for?
6. How can we “look forward to his appearing?”
7. What do you hope the words to your “last song” might say?
8. Is there something you might want to adjust?
9. What can you to today, tomorrow, this month to live a life with no regrets?