The Walking Dead: Save The Last One

     Whenever a movie or television series is adapted from a piece of literature those of us who were fans of the original print material can't help but hold the new production up to it.  In The Walking Dead, one of the most obvious and controversial differences between the comic book and the television series is the fact that Shane didn't meet an early demise at the hands of Carl after going into a jealous rage with Rick over Lori.  Robert Kirkman, the creator of the comic book, has said working on the TV show and keeping Shane alive lets him play George Lucas and play with his original creation.  In a way, what Kirkman has done is create parallel worlds or universes, one where Shane dies and one where Shane lives.  Kirkman has also said that Shane's presence fundamentally changes the show, as he can't help but be a major player in what happens to the group.  "Save The Last One" is the perfect example of how this true this statement is.
     As surprising as the death of Otis was to many, he had a long life in the comic and was being played by a somewhat known character actor in the show, when Shane turned up at the farm alone I had a feeling he was behind Otis' death.  Reading the comic, even though he was in it very briefly, has left me with a strong distrust for Shane and his motives.  Whether a short stint in the comic or what is looking to be a long sojourn in the show, Shane has a dark journey to take and it's pretty obvious that the sacrifice of Otis is just the beginning.  I guess the better question is, in the zombie infested world of The Walking Dead, will this journey end as tragic or heroic?
     As I tend to point out ad nauseum, what makes The Walking Dead so special is it's look at humanity in the face of extraordinary circumstances.  A zombie apocalypse would obviously establish new rules for society and Kirkman and friends have never shied away from tackling what those changes might be.  One of the biggest issues the writers deal with is, at what price and to what extent does one go to for survival.  In terms of the events in "Save The Last One," were Shane's actions heroic because he did what was needed to save Carl and himself or is he a cold blooded murderer or, in the new zombie society, is there a difference between the two?  Is this the beginning of Shane spiraling deeper and deeper into darkness and insanity (some people suggest he will become the Governor... I think it's going to be Merle)?  Or will he become a rock the group can depend on to do what needs to be done when the more emotional wishy-washy Rick can't?
     These are questions that can only be answered over time (or sitting in the writer's room as they hash out plot lines), but the fact that the show is willing to explore them and sacrifice any character in the process excites me.  The Walking Dead is more then just a zombie show, it's a exploration of society and episodes like "Save The Last One" that dive into these themes are what makes it one of the best shows currently on TV.