A 90 minute episode filled with Morgan, learning that all lives are precious, and just who was responsible for Morgan’s change. Here is our recap to episode 4 of season 6 and insight. 

The Walking Dead fandom were treated to a 90 minute episode that revolved around Morgan Jones [portrayed by Leenie James]. The writers tied the loose ends as to how Morgan survived after his run in with Rick and the group in season 3 episode 12 appropriately titled at the time “Clear.” Something Morgan continued to write and say while on his journey through the woods after his sanctuary was burnt down [due to his paranoia].

While in the woods, Morgan, in his crazed state of mind, continued to ‘clear’ areas, whether it be people, walkers or vermin that got in his way of clearing. One day while out in the woods, Morgan hears a goat baaing. Following the goat’s call he finds himself at a cabin in the woods, with the infamous goat tied down just outside. Morgan getting close to the goat, is quickly warned by the cabin owner. Politely asking Morgan to put the gun down and at one point offered falafels.

After a stand off, Morgan is knocked unconscious, and placed behind a prison cell that had been built inside the cabin. Sure the self-made prison looked suspicious, and left viewers wondering about the owner of the cabin. We learn that the man [owner of the cabin] is good hearted: feeding Morgan homemade meals, handing him literature to read about finding inner peace, and later offers him freedom of the cabin. Offering Morgan the coach to sleep on, rather then the hard floor of the jail cell.

Morgan, still in his crazed state of mind, goes after the man, tossing each other around and chocking each other out. “Kill me!” Morgan shouted at the man, however his pleads were not obliged and was let free. The man later revealed his name as Eastbound after picking up dry wall that had children artwork. Morgan catches what was taking from their fight and watched Eastbound retreat with the precious artwork.

Eastbound shows a great deal of trust for Morgan, giving him free reign of his home and the duty to take care of ‘Tabitha’ the goat. After Morgan decides to save a life [even in the form of a goat named ‘Tabitha’] Morgan realizes the philosophy and teaching that Eastbound was implying through Morgan’s stay, “That all life is precious.”

Some highlights of the episode was the reveal of Eastbound and his story. Being a court issued psychiatrist that worked with the criminally insane. Eastbound believed that he could get through to his clients and help them. Until he met one criminal, Eastbound described as cunning and one to get his way to the point that he was released on probation. The criminal was so angry at the thought of Eastbound being the key to his freedom that he sought to bring Eastbound harm, and killed his wife, and two children.

Eastbound went insane himself and kidnapped that same criminal that killed his family. He brought him back to the cabin in the woods, and watched him starve to death for 42 days. After getting the justice he wanted, Eastbound went back to the police station to turn himself in and discovered the world in an apocalyptic state. His story was relatable for Morgan as both characters lost everything they loved.

I enjoyed the bond Morgan and Eastbound shared, the true devotion to Eastbound’s ideals and ultimately sacrificing himself to save Morgan. In return, Morgan leaves Eastbound to die in peace and carries his teachings with him. Morgan, hoping to get through to one of the Wolves by his story of Eastbound, discovers that the man is not one open to salvation.

What did you think of tonight’s episode? Will Morgan be able to protect the people of Alexandria with his philosophy?