The Walking Dead' Season 5, Episode 12 Review: Closer to the Point of No Return?

The latest installment of The Walking Dead left fans of the show's beleaguered heroes wondering just how much longer the main characters could be described as heroic.

The group led by Rick Grimes had already entered into questionable moral territory when they killed the last remnants of the murderous band at Terminus in an abandoned church. At that time, viewers could reassure themselves the group was in an, "us or them," type situation.

The show's introduction to the community of Alexandria suggests that the group won't face any existential threats from their new neighbors. This effect is magnified by the fact that the head of Alexandria interviews each member of Rick's group on camera. For his part, Rick warns that the only thing that matters is survival, and people who have been trying to survive can only think in zero sums.

Deanna, the leader of Alexandria, does not seem phased by Rick's monologue. She believes he has what it will take to protect Alexandria and its inhabitants. She even offers to give Rick his old job back by offering to make him sheriff.

It doesn't seem as if things will go hell too quickly in Alexandria, as the group quickly determines that the community is made up of primarily weak people. For example, the young boys ask Karl if he wants to play video games, while an elderly couple fawns over Judith. In a worrying sign though, the gun Rick hid in a pile of trash outside Alexandria was missing when he went to check on it.

Even without the gun, Rick seems to be acting like more of a survivor than a sheriff. The episode closes with a discussion between Rick, Carol, and Darryl about their new neighbors and living situation. The conversation ends with a foreboding suggestion that the group will take the town for themselves.