Ep 6. Live Bait
- TV-MA
- November 17, 2013
- 43 min
In season 4 episode 6 of The Walking Dead, titled "Live Bait," viewers are taken on a journey with the character of the Governor, who was last seen in the season three finale being abandoned by his followers after an unsuccessful attack on the prison where Rick and his group were holed up.
The episode begins with the Governor wandering in the woods, visibly shaken and alone. He appears to be on the verge of death, with unkempt hair and a scraggly beard. He stumbles upon a family holed up in an apartment building, including a young girl who reminds him of his own deceased daughter. The family takes him in and begins to care for him, despite their initial reservations about his past.
As the episode continues, it becomes clear that the Governor is struggling with his own demons. Flashbacks show moments from his past, including his rise to power in Woodbury and his relationship with his daughter. These flashbacks give viewers a better understanding of the Governor's motivations and actions throughout the series.
Meanwhile, the Governor helps the family fortify their apartment building against the walkers that surround them. He becomes a protector figure for the young girl, who he takes under his wing and teaches survival skills. The Governor even sacrifices his own safety in order to obtain oxygen tanks for one of the family members who needs them for medical reasons.
Despite his efforts to start anew, the Governor is unable to fully escape his past. He is haunted by the memory of his former henchman Martinez, who he killed in a fit of rage. The family eventually discovers the Governor's true identity and forces him to leave.
As the episode comes to a close, the Governor sets out on the road once again. It is clear that he is a changed man, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to fully leave his past behind and make amends for his actions.
Overall, "Live Bait" is a character-driven episode that sheds light on one of the show's most complex and intriguing characters. The episode allows viewers to see the Governor in a new light, and to gain a deeper understanding of his motivations and inner turmoil.