The Distance

"The Distance" is the eleventh episode of the fifth season of AMC's The Walking Dead. It is the sixty-second episode of the series overall. It premiered on February 22, 2015. It was written by Seth Hoffman and directed by Larysa Kondracki.

Plot
Lasting through a spectacular storm, Rick and the group meet a seemingly friendly person. Can this stranger be trusted?

Co-Stars

 * Jordan Woods-Robinson as Eric Raleigh

Uncredited

 * Charlotte & Clara Ward as Judith Grimes
 * Andrew Jenkins as Walker

Deaths

 * None

Trivia

 * First appearance of Eric Raleigh.
 * First appearance of the Alexandria Safe-Zone.
 * The title of the episode, "The Distance", refers to the distance from the barn to Alexandria.
 * This episode marks Chandler Riggs' 50th appearance on the show.
 * When Abraham asks Glenn how he knew about the RV's extra battery, this is a reference to Dale and his Winnebago as Dale was seen teaching Glenn about the vehicle in Seasons 1 and 2.
 * It was revealed on the Talking Dead segment for this episode that Aaron most likely followed Rick and the group for two to three weeks prior to ultimately approaching them.
 * Fox South Africa accidentally released a promo for episode 12, "Remember", instead of this episode's promo before its premiere, indirectly spoiling the end of this episode.
 * On their way to Alexandria, Rosita and Abraham see Washington D.C. close by. Abraham is distracted by this, so Rosita tells, "Eyes on the road, Champ." Ironically, Negan says to Abraham, "Look at that. Taking it like a champ." as he's being bashed in with Lucille.

Comic Parallels

 * Aaron introducing himself to Rick's group and inviting them to Alexandria is adapted from Issue 68.
 * Rick punching Aaron and Michonne's response afterward is adapted from a similar scene in Issue 68, where Abraham responds to Rick instead.
 * Rick questioning Aaron about his true intentions is adapted from Issue 68.
 * Michonne convincing the rest of the group to trust Aaron is adapted from Issue 68.
 * Aaron kissing an injured Eric is adapted from Issue 79.
 * Glenn saving Aaron's life and giving him a gun to help fight the walker herd on the road is adapted from a similar scene in Issue 68, where the group is attacked on their camp instead.
 * Eric sending a flare into the sky and his subsequent rescue is adapted from a similar scene in Issue 69, where Heath asks for the help instead.
 * Rick's group arrival at Alexandria is adapted from Issue 69.
 * Rick hearing kids laughing from inside Alexandria is adapted from Issue 69.