Luckedout

I originally posted this on TWOP, but I think it can fit here too. I'm getting on the "It's more than cannibalism" bandwagon. Like Daryleena said, it's too scripted: ~~~ On the episode thread someone mentioned that they haven't seen conclusive proof that the Termites are cannibals, just a lot of allusions. Others have mentioned and we've seen deer and other game still kicking about, so not really noticing scarcity for food yet. Someone else posted that TPTB stated that Terminus has some surprises in store and isn't what it seems. I don't remember where but someone had mentioned that Terminus must have a copywriter with their catchy slogans on the sign. In the speculation without Spoilers thread, I had this brain fart. Gareth very easily lied about the Riot Gear (off a cop) and the poncho (off a clothesline). No twitch, no hesitation. Quick improvisation under high pressure in front of a crowd. Now, this all leads me to believe... that he was a theater major and Terminus is an elaborate Haunted House. Before you roll your eyes away, let me explain. It makes a twisted funny logic that has no place with the Walking Dead tone, I just need to put it out there. Through a set path, the group is sent through the shot up backlot *look at our firepower OOOOoooooOOOh*, then the Candle Room *Dark flickering lights, creepy ritualistic decoration, threatening mantra-like phrases AAAAAAAAAAAHHhhhhh* then by the Field of oddly visible Gristle and Bone (that might be skinned walkers) *aren't you intimidated yet? Crazy stuff is going on!* The screaming boxcar for help *Terminus is super prepared, this is easy to fake with motivated Termites*. Finally, the group is herded into a dead end surrounded on all sides. The characters are named (Ringleader, Samurai, etc) and the stage curtain falls. Possible bad guys are incarcerated, no blood spilled. We've never seen a Termite kill. Just insinuations. What if it's all camouflage? Like a harmless milk snake trying to look like a venomous coral snake. ETA: Path B might just be rooms of laughing children and daisy-chains kumbaya. Grab a hot shower and a plate of mystery meat. Those who arrive (and are approved of), survive.

I think that experiences while heading towards Terminus determined how they'd react to it. Glenn and Tara met up with helpful people that did them no harm, and Maggie/Sasha/Bob wouldn't have saved them if not for Eugene, Rosita and Abraham connecting the two groups. On the other hand, Rick/Michonne/Carl went through the Merles twice, (that night scene had me tensed up). So they'd be wary of any new people. Since Glenn vetted the others in the boxcar, they automatically became part of "us" against the Termites (great name!). I think that the candle room is a memorial/grave for Termites that died because of outsiders. There's a doll, a guitar and other keepsakes by the names. It's kind of odd to send the "cattle" through that room. It has to be on purpose since they have A painted by the door. Maybe it's a reminder to the newcomers of what they're paying for, the sins of their predecessors. The Termites considers all outsiders untrustworthy. As they've said, they've been there from the start and unlike the refugee camp Michonne was at, they kept it together and are pretty tight knit. Hearing them on the walkie-talkies was oddly chilling. I don't think Gareth is the leader since he was working on the signs. One of the voices of Terminus, sure. Part of the welcoming committee. I kinda feel it isn't a dictatorship, more of what they'd tried at the prison when Rick stepped down. Also didn't get a religious vibe from them. Definitely an "us vs them" cult vibe, but I don't think they care too much about indoctrination.