Walking Dead: Secrets

     The revelations in "Secrets" brings more into focus the yin and yang approach to the new world that is being represented by Hershel and Rick's group.  In Hershel we see a man of faith who so believes that things can go back to the way they were that he is keeping and feeding family and friends that have turned in hopes that they can be cured of their "illness".  On the other side we have Lori, who is willing to abort her child because of the horrible future she sees for it and Shane, who is willing to sacrifice people for the good of the many.  Even though two beliefs are being presented, you can't help but feel the more cynical will win out.  Hershel, as good hearted and well intentioned as he seems, has put himself and his crew in a position where things can only get worse.  In that regard, Walking Dead seems to be a parable about losing faith.  Hershel is headed toward the same realization that Rick and Shane and Lori and the rest have already come to, that they are on their own, that no amount of faith will bring back normalcy.  I hope the writers don't follow down that road.  I hope they show that as horrible as life may become there is always room for faith.  Even in a zombie apocalypse their are ways to bring about a new normalcy, one that would be safe for future generations, it's just up to this generation to establish it.  The show is doing a great job showcasing the hardship and the horror, but it could use a little dash of hope to keep things going.
     In other notes... I'm finding Dale's ability to figure everyone's secrets out a little silly.  I find it very hard to believe that he is able to know everything we know from the little bits that he has seen or been told.  There is no way he would doubt Shane's story about Otis or at least not enough to vocalize it yet.  I know I shouldn't be expecting a zombie show to be true to life, but a little bit of credibility here would go a long way.
     Are we heading toward Shane's death?  I got the feeling that Shane was going to be with us for a while, but now Carl is learning to shoot and Rick knows he slept with Lori.  I think it would be more interesting to keep him around, but as was pointed out to me by a friend, some needs to die soon and for those of us who read the comic, it seems to be pointing towards Shane.