4. 18 Miles Out Season 2, Episode 10
If there is anything this one episode is known for, its that it introduced us to the notion that less is more. It was the first time that not all of the established cast appeared in an episode, and showed that a greater focus on individual character arcs per episode was a winning formula. Rick and Shane drive off with hostage Randall to cut him loose in a remote location. It ends up becoming a bigger confrontation for the two men, as the two finally came to blows at each other as they assert their dominance as the better man. Shanes true colors are finally out and about this episode, and Ricks assertion at compromise toward Shane showed that he isnt about to back down. The polarizing of Rick and Shane was at the forefront in this episode, and meaningful symbolism was rampant. From the lone walker out in the field Shane connects with to the two dead cops lying side by side that eventually compelled Rick to go back and save Shane who was trapped in a bus. In a less exciting B storyline, a select few at the farm dealt with social standing now that civilization has been rearranged, as well as the problem of Beths suicidal tendencies. This arc worked to show that Andrea has come far from her own suicidal self at the beginning of season 2, and found new purpose in wanting to stay alive. This episode is the perfect example of a good balance between zombie action and character moments that accelerate the plot, and we begin to see more of this kind of storytelling later in season 3.