Here's Not Here

Last updated
"Here's Not Here"
The Walking Dead episode
Morganeastman.png
Morgan and Eastman practice aikido.
Episode no.Season 6
Episode 4
Directed by Stephen Williams
Written by Scott M. Gimple
Original air dateNovember 2015 (2015-11)
Running time64 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Thank You"		Next →
"Now"
The Walking Dead season 6
List of episodes

Here's Not Here is the fourth episode of the sixth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead , which aired on AMC on November 1, 2015. The episode was written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Stephen Williams.

Contents

This episode is the second episode in the show's history to feature only one main cast member (after "Live Bait", which is centered on The Governor), and it focuses on the experiences of Morgan Jones (Lennie James) between the episodes "Clear" (season 3) and "No Sanctuary" (season 5).

Plot

After the Wolves attack on Alexandria is repelled, Morgan secretly imprisons the Wolf he had captured in the unfinished ground floor of an unoccupied Alexandria townhouse. To redeem the Wolf by convincing him to renounce his violent ways, Morgan decides to tell him about his past.

Flashbacks show Morgan's life sometime after Rick's brief reunion with him. Morgan exhibits deranged and obsessive behaviour and accidentally burns his house down when he knocks over a lamp. Morgan then camps out in the forest where he lives with his illness and kills any walkers or humans that intrude upon his marked territory, including a father and son who cross his path.

While further exploring the forest, Morgan follows the bleating of a goat, named Tabitha, and finds the remote cabin of Eastman (John Carroll Lynch) who calls out to him, offering to talk and feed him despite Morgan's attempts to shoot him, eventually knocking Morgan out with a bō stick. Morgan awakens in a cell in the cabin, behind bars, and orders Eastman to kill him. Eastman instead feeds Morgan and gives him a tract, The Art of Peace. Eastman goes about his peaceful life, taking care of Tabitha and trying to make cheese. After giving Morgan a while to adjust, Eastman explains that he was a forensic psychiatrist employed by Georgia to evaluate convicts before release. Though Morgan admits to being an unrepentant killer who lives only to "clear" areas of walkers and the living, Eastman sees that Morgan has PTSD over the loss of his family. He also reveals that the cell was never locked and Morgan is free to go. Morgan attempts to attack Eastman who proves capable of reading intent and defending himself with aikido. Beaten, Morgan returns to his cell.

Eastman begins talking about a trip, though he has no specific destination in mind, and leaves to scavenge supplies. Morgan leaves the cell to rescue Tabitha from attack by a pair of walkers and discovers a graveyard where Eastman has buried at least two dozen bodies. Eastman thanks Morgan on his return, they repair the damage together, and Eastman gives Morgan a bō stick and begins teaching him aikido.

Eastman begins recounting more of his personal life to Morgan, and how his job had him suffering emotional distress over working near violent offenders. Practicing Aikido helped him, and he realized that all life is precious. Morgan later recounts how he lost his wife and son to walkers. Eastman tells of the one true psychopath he'd met, Crighton Dallas Wilton, who attacked him during an interview and later escaped to kill Eastman's wife, son, and daughter. Eastman reveals he had the cell built to hold Wilton, but evades whether he did it, repeating that he believes all life is precious.

To gather supplies for their trip, Morgan takes Eastman to his camp. The setting brings back old feelings and behavioral patterns, and Morgan freezes when the walker of the young man he'd strangled comes at him. Eastman saves Morgan but is bitten, and Morgan lashes out at Eastman, wanting to die again. Eastman subdues Morgan and the two part ways. Morgan regresses and resumes patrolling his territory, killing a walker and inadvertently saving a couple who reward him with a large can of soup and a battery.

Morgan takes up the bō staff, recognizing that Eastman's way is better, and returns to the cabin only to find a walker feasting on Tabitha. Morgan kills the walker and takes its body and Tabitha's to the graveyard where he finds Eastman succumbing to the bite. Morgan spots a grave marker with Wilton's name and Eastman confesses to kidnapping Wilton and starving him to death over 47 days, over which Eastman lost himself, and when he went to Atlanta to turn himself in he found that society had collapsed. Eastman bequeaths all he has to Morgan, including a rabbit's foot his daughter gave him, but advises Morgan to find more people and live. After burying Eastman and Tabitha, Morgan begins searching and finds a sign that leads to Terminus.

In the present, Morgan finishes his story. The Wolf prisoner reveals that he has an infected gut wound and probably doesn't have time to change, though he doesn't want to, and isn't repentant about following his code to kill everyone in Alexandria. Morgan locks the door as he exits the townhome. In the street, Morgan hears Rick screaming to open the gate.

Production

Lennie James who portrays Morgan Jones was praised by critics for his performance in this episode. LennieJames2015.jpg
Lennie James who portrays Morgan Jones was praised by critics for his performance in this episode.

Showrunner and executive producer Scott M. Gimple wrote the episode in July 2015, during San Diego Comic-Con, and said about "Here's Not Here": "Working on that episode was one of the great pleasures of the season for me." [1] The episode was Stephen Williams' first directing credit for the series. Out of 17 credited series regulars, only Lennie James appears. Andrew Lincoln's voice is briefly included at the end, and the episode features a guest appearance by John Carroll Lynch. Steven Yeun, who portrays Glenn, is removed from the opening credits with this episode; commentators speculated whether this was done intentionally to further indicate Glenn's fate (dead or alive). [2] Despite airing as the fourth episode of the season, this was actually the ninth episode filmed. [3] The episode was also the second expanded 90-minute (with commercials) episode this season, after the season premiere. [4]

Reception

Critical reception

Upon airing, the episode received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 93% rating with an average score of 8.9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus that "'Here's Not Here' is a stand-out installment of The Walking Dead, using Morgan's backstory as a powerful reminder of what it means to be human." [5]

Particular praise was given for the performances of Lennie James as Morgan Jones and John Carroll Lynch as Eastman. Jonathon Dornbush of Entertainment Weekly notes that during the episode, "The Walking Dead becomes a two-man play that succeeds or fails based on the performances of Lennie James and guest star John Carroll Lynch...And wow, does it succeed." [6]

For his role as Eastman, Lynch was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television.

Ratings

The episode averaged a 6.8 rating in adults 18-49 and 13.339 million viewers overall, [7] a rise from the previous episode, which averaged a 6.7 rating and 13.143 million. [8]

Related Research Articles

Morgan Jones (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) Fictional character

Morgan Jones is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead, portrayed by Lennie James in the American television series of the same name and its companion series Fear the Walking Dead. In both the comics and television series, he is a devoted father struggling to get over the recent death of his wife. He and his son, Duane, seek refuge in Rick's hometown after the outbreak occurs and are the first survivors that Rick encounters after awakening from his coma. Morgan is characterized by his catchphrase "you know what it is", which he repeats regularly throughout the television series.

The Walking Dead is an American zombie apocalypse media franchise centered on a number of television series based on the comic book of the same name. Set in one fictional shared universe, the franchise has developed into seven live-action television series, with one additional series in development. The franchise also includes eight web series that tie into the first two television series. The series all air on AMC and AMC+.

Clear (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 12th episode of the 3rd season of The Walking Dead

"Clear" is the twelfth episode of the third season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which originally aired on AMC in the United States on March 3, 2013. The episode was written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Tricia Brock. In this episode, Rick Grimes, Carl Grimes, and Michonne go on a supply run to Rick's hometown, initially to his old police station, for more weapons for the upcoming battle against The Governor.

<i>The Walking Dead</i> season 4 Fourth season of comic book-based television series

The fourth season of The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series on AMC, premiered on October 13, 2013, and concluded on March 30, 2014, consisting of 16 episodes. Developed for television by Frank Darabont, the series is based on the eponymous series of comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It was executive produced by Kirkman, David Alpert, Scott M. Gimple, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse, and Gale Anne Hurd, with Gimple assuming the role of showrunner after Glen Mazzara's departure from the series. The fourth season was well received by critics. It was nominated for multiple awards and won three, including Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series for the second consecutive year, at the 40th Saturn Awards.

<i>The Walking Dead</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series on AMC, premiered on October 12, 2014, and concluded on March 29, 2015, consisting of 16 episodes. Developed for television by Frank Darabont, the series is based on the eponymous series of comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The executive producers were Kirkman, David Alpert, Scott M. Gimple, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse, and Gale Anne Hurd, with Gimple as showrunner for the second consecutive season. The fifth season received widespread critical acclaim. It was nominated for multiple awards and won three, including Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series for the third consecutive year, at the 41st Saturn Awards.

No Sanctuary (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 1st episode of the 5th season of The Walking Dead

"No Sanctuary" is the fifth season premiere of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on October 12, 2014. It was written by showrunner Scott M. Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero. In the episode, Rick Grimes' group struggles to figure out a way to escape Terminus, whose inhabitants have resorted to cannibalism to survive. Concurrently, Carol Peletier devises a plan to rescue Rick's group after learning they are in danger.

<i>The Walking Dead</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series on AMC, premiered on October 11, 2015, and concluded on April 3, 2016, consisting of 16 episodes. Developed for television by Frank Darabont, the series is based on the eponymous series of comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The executive producers are Kirkman, David Alpert, Scott M. Gimple, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse, and Gale Anne Hurd, with Gimple as showrunner for the third consecutive season. The sixth season received positive reviews by critics. It was nominated for multiple awards and won three, including Best Horror Television Series, at the 42nd Saturn Awards.

Coda (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 8th episode of the 5th season of The Walking Dead

"Coda" is the eighth episode and mid-season finale of the fifth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on November 30, 2014. The episode marks Lennie James's second uncredited post-credits appearance in the fifth season as Morgan Jones. The episode was written by Angela Kang and directed by Ernest Dickerson.

Conquer (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 16th episode of the 5th season of The Walking Dead

"Conquer" is the sixteenth and final episode of the fifth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on March 29, 2015. It was written by showrunner Scott M. Gimple and Seth Hoffman, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Time Again</span> 1st episode of the 6th season of The Walking Dead

"First Time Again" is the sixth season premiere of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on October 11, 2015. The episode was written by Scott M. Gimple and Matthew Negrete, and directed by Greg Nicotero. The episode aired in an expanded 90-minute time slot.

Thank You (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 3rd episode of the 6th season of The Walking Dead

"Thank You" is the third episode of the sixth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on October 25, 2015. The episode was written by Angela Kang and directed by Michael Slovis.

No Way Out (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 9th episode of the 6th season of The Walking Dead

"No Way Out" is the ninth episode and mid-season premiere of the sixth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on February 14, 2016. The episode was written by Seth Hoffman and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Last Day on Earth (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 16th episode of the 6th season of The Walking Dead

"Last Day on Earth" is the sixteenth and final episode of the sixth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on April 3, 2016. The episode was written by Scott Gimple and Matthew Negrete, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bury Me Here</span> 13th episode of the 7th season of The Walking Dead

"Bury Me Here" is the thirteenth episode of the seventh season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on March 12, 2017. The episode was written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Alrick Riley. The episode focuses on The Kingdom delivering goods to the Saviors during a routine supply drop-off, but things don't go as planned. It also marks the final appearances of Benjamin and Richard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Big Scary U</span> 5th episode of the 8th season of The Walking Dead

"The Big Scary U" is the fifth episode of the eighth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on November 19, 2017. The episode's teleplay was written by David Leslie Johnson and Angela Kang, from a story by Scott M. Gimple, Johnson and Kang, and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

"Wrath" is the sixteenth and final episode of the eighth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on April 14, 2018. It was written by Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang and Matthew Negrete, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

<i>The Walking Dead</i> season 9 Season of television series

The ninth season of The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series on AMC premiered on October 7, 2018, and concluded on March 31, 2019, consisting of 16 episodes. Developed for television by Frank Darabont, the series is based on the eponymous series of comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The executive producers are Kirkman, David Alpert, Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse, Denise Huth, and Gale Anne Hurd, with Kang taking over the role of showrunner from Gimple after his promotion to chief content officer for the franchise.

"What's Your Story?" is the first episode of the fourth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series Fear the Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on April 15, 2018.

What Comes After (<i>The Walking Dead</i>) 5th episode of the 9th season of The Walking Dead

"What Comes After" is the fifth episode of the ninth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on November 4, 2018. The episode's teleplay was written by Matthew Negrete, from a story by Scott M. Gimple and Negrete, and it was directed by Greg Nicotero. In the episode, a heavily wounded Rick Grimes struggles to divert a zombie herd while he questions his legacy in maintaining his vision of the united communities.

"Rest in Peace" is the twenty-fourth and final episode of the eleventh season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead. The series finale and 177th episode overall, it aired on AMC on November 20, 2022, and was simultaneously released on the network's streaming platform AMC+. The episode's teleplay was written by Corey Reed and Jim Barnes, from a story by Angela Kang, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

References

  1. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (October 13, 2015). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on NCIS, Looking, Vampire Diaries, Castle, Arrow, Scorpion, Once, S.H.I.E.L.D. and More". TVLine. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  2. ↑ Jung, E. Alex (November 2, 2015). "The Walking Dead's Opening Credits Had a Major Omission". Vulture. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Here's Not Here". Talking Dead . November 1, 2015. AMC.
  4. ↑ Chavez, Danette (October 23, 2015). "AMC to debut Preacher trailer during supersized episode of The Walking Dead". The A.V. Club. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Here's Not Here". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  6. ↑ Dornbush, Jonathon (November 1, 2015). "'The Walking Dead' recap: Morgan's past is revealed". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  7. ↑ Porter, Rick (November 3, 2015). "Sunday cable ratings: 'Walking Dead' stable, plus 'The Librarians' premiere". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  8. ↑ Porter, Rick (November 3, 2015). "Sunday cable ratings: 'Walking Dead' and 'Homeland' rise week to week". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.