The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live – Become review S1 E5

Become was a tricky episode of The Ones Who Live. Mainly because Jadis is such a weak and weaselly villain. The Walking Dead universe is typically only as good as the main villain for a particular arc. TOWL has managed to thrive in spite of lacking a true strong antagonist since the reunion of Rick and Michonne was its driving purpose.

While the CRM can play that looming overhead menace, a more personal threat is essential. And on that front, Jadis has been underwhelming. It’s tough when the bad guy’s main weapon in her arsenal is petty blackmail. And then there’s the matter of both Beale and Thorne being far more interesting series bad guys.

But there’s no time for recriminations. Not with Become in the penultimate episode position.

First up, a flashback. Father Gabriel (!) sees a CRM helicopter flying overhead. It’s just Jadis. Every year they link up to chat and shoot the breeze. Going from Rosita to Jadis sure feels like a tumble down a mountain size downgrade.

These meetings are an ongoing theme for Become. It’s too late to redeem Jadis in any meaningful way. Just because she’s cool with Gabriel certainly doesn’t excuse her for the crap that she’s put Rick and Michonne through in this series alone. She’s not exactly forthcoming with Gabriel when he mentions that Rick is dead either.

He mentions a ring Rick found that he planned to propose to Michonne with, but the bridge happened, and it turned into a very long engagement. Why Gabriel let Jadis have the ring is a mystery. Jadis can’t offer any supplies or other assistance while Alexandria is dealing with The Whisperers either. This is not a 50/50 partnership, Gabriel.

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Michonne and Rick encounter three campers who need help from walkers with calcified heads. These stone walkers seem like they’d make for a good menace if they were tangling with anyone but two of the series’ main six heroes.

The two dudes show their appreciation by trying to rob them for their food. This ends as you’d expect. Michonne did offer them up a little food, but takes it back. I’m here for the petty. Rick and Michonne make them promise to do right by other folks they might encounter, and the leader reluctantly agrees. Not like there was a better option.

Car sleeping is for the birds so Michonne and Rick stay at the cabin not far off from the campers. Naturally they’re awakened by Jadis, who has become a heck of a tracker over the years. The writers try to explain her prowess, but it just felt like Jadis had to be the one who encounters them for yet another talky showdown.

This time, Michonne gets the drop on her and gets a good slash with an axe. Rick is worried about Jadis’ secret Alexandria file and stops Michonne from killing her. At first. He’s ok with a car chase that ends with Jadis crashing into a tree. Despite Jadis’ wounds and impact with the tree she’s able to get away from them. Not only that, she encounters the campers and convinces them to lay a trap for Rick and Michonne.

Too bad Jadis didn’t think to clue the walkers in on her plans as well. They make a meal of the campers before Rick kills them. Jadis is still holding her “I’ll tell everyone back at CRM” blackmail card and Rick agrees to go back with her. It’s a Trap! Wait, from the good guys. Jadis was trying to set them up, but it doesn’t work out too well as the now walker campers take a nice bite out of her neck.

Well, it looks like Jadis’ plot armor has effectively cracked. She’s big on confession time now telling where her secret files are located. And she gives Rick the ring.

Jadis reminds Rick of the promise he made to her and he draws his gun and puts Jadis out of her misery. Not gonna miss her at all. Now there’s just one thing left on the to-do list. Getting that dossier back and if possible, make it very hard for the CRM to even potentially stumble onto Alexandria. Seems like a tall order for a series finale. Let’s see how this plays out.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: AMC