Honesty Optional: The Walking Dead's Take on Truth

[@AwesomerArtie]

Really really great work! Makes me so happy seeing someone do a concise thematic analysis on a game like this. It's night and day from most of what you'll find here on youtube. To add to what you've said, though, I'm surprised you didn't bring up how The Stranger fits into all this. Remember in the first scene, when the cop asks Lee about his wife, and all three dialogue prompts lead to grumbling and silence? Lee, regardless of player choice, will spend the entire length of the game skirting around the subject of his wife and what exactly happened with the senator until you get the prompt about people you've hurt at the very end. It takes until that last interaction with a guy he's never met before for him to finally open up about his guilt to someone. He spares no details about how the murder went down, what motivated him, how culpable he is. And that's the most powerful thing *about* The Stranger as a villain, I think, because he's just as upfront to Lee about his own story. It's taking Hershel's line about relying on the honesty of strangers and making it literal! To me it really solidifies Lee's character arc as well as your theme of honesty.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@AwesomerArtie Well said, friend. Originally, I was going to bring in The Stranger as an example of a man incapable of being honest with himself, but I couldn't quite make it fit. Basically, while Lee struggles with honesty to others, the Stranger struggles being honest with himself. He can't be honest about the state of his wife, or about the fault of his shortcomings, or even about his "redemption" with Clementine. It ultimately didn't fit in the video, largely because I struggled to make it work. But you raise an excellent point! Especially tying it back into Hershel's advice. I'd never even considered that!

[@AwesomerArtie]

@LawrenceInArabia4 That's exactly right! In an exchange where The Stranger leverages all of Lee's mistakes against him, what ultimately proves Lee as the better person is the fact that he's willing to actually take responsibility for what he did and admit that he was wrong, rather than shift the blame or delude himself into justifying his actions (which is a recurring thing characters like Kenny and Lilly will do, versus someone like Ben who inspires change in the former through honesty and owning up to his mistakes).

[@levidinh29]

This vid will hit thousands of viewers for sure.. The dedication and love for the game is clear. TWD moved us like no others.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@levidinh29 Absolutely. I'll have to check out the rest of the series some day.

[@yolomcschwegg]

“i was on my way to prison 3 months ago.” “it wasn’t for touching kids, was it?” “jesus kenny come on man”

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

I'm convinced Kenny has never heard the word "filter"

[@dillydraws]

@@LawrenceInArabia4 I mean he did call Lee "Urban"

[@joshuavillagomez8369]

​@@LawrenceInArabia4He's Local Florida Kenny! :D

[@squiggledick5934]

when you said “one of whom is a child resigned to a fate of slowly devolving into a mindless husk..." 20:43 I was anticipating that you were referring to Ben and how dishonesty can eat you up inside with guilt. I enjoyed how this video strings the theme of honesty

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

Certainly applicable, and that's a great observation. Ben's most tragic moment is when he asks Lee to drop him and says something to the tune of "We know it has to be this way." It just goes to show how guilt causes an essential loss of soul.

[@gateboy9]

He later on said how Ben got eaten alive by guilt. While that was his actual fate (sometimes), it happened to him twice.

[@Mia-nu6ev]

I loved this video a lot I’ve never really thought about this concept before. I think it would be interesting if you looked at the impacts of “ truth “ and “honesty “ that clementine has with AJ and other characters in season 4 and how Lee impacts clementines honesty.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@Mia-nu6ev I've actually never played any of the other seasons! But now, I own all of them, and I'd love to give them a look in the future. Maybe make a mini-series on the remainder of the saga.

[@vegetableman3911]

@@LawrenceInArabia4the rest are phenomenal. Season 4 is by far the best out of 3 you haven’t tried and season 3 is, in my opinion, the weakest (but still gripping). Season 2 is incredibly dark and definitely worth your time

[@Mia-nu6ev]

@ yes that would be great although you can see the decline though the saga due to the studio’s drama mistreatment and eventual downfall clementines story is the best thing that they created and season four is such a good season because it makes a point to show lee’s impact on clementine. I think it would be interesting to see a series where you go over the topics as I think season four has the most complex characters and although it’s not the same it kinda brings honesty and the importance of it all back into the fold .

[@FishesFlyTillTheWorldDies]

All of that happened because of Kenny and Lily, and Ben is just the fuse. He is directly responsible, but the two who are indirectly responsible are the real cause of what went down at the motor inn.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@FishesFlyTillTheWorldDies Certainly a compelling case to be made. I'm sure seeing the two of them constantly go to war didn't exactly fill him with confidence in their compassion.

[@FishesFlyTillTheWorldDies]

@@LawrenceInArabia4 And all he talked about was confidence towards the end too Sorta funny, but sorta sad, I liked Ben.

[@freezasama5802]

The walking dead is such a beautiful game about redemption and Lee redeeming himself for his past actions it's such a beautiful story and the message is true like you said the group constantly either suffers when someone betrays them or succeeds when trust is equally shared it's a powerful message and really goes to show how great this game is such a masterpiece

[@tuttiman55]

My favourite game in the franchise was season two, people have their issues with it and so do I, but the reason I love it so much is because Clem isn’t as strong as Lee, you feel less safe, the characters around you seem stupid and unreliable because you compare them to Lee, it’s a game that is mediocre on its own but it’s held up by how great the first game is

[@dio7238]

Telltale TWD is one of my favorite games of all time and I’ve replayed it countless times and some how it’s theme of honesty has escaped me. Great video man I really hope this blows up.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

Your kindness means a lot to me, I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@DD-ko1nn]

I never really thought about this story through the lens of honesty (and I LOVE this game). Thanks for opening my eyes to this way of viewing this story. I know these sorts of vids can take a lot of time to make, so thanks for spending it to share this with us.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@DD-ko1nn I actually hadn't thought about the story that way either until recently. I was playing through the game for a different video when it hit me! Thank you so much for your kind words

[@Candice-San]

people respect honesty because its hard, its hard to be honest and even harder to accept that honesty. Thats a really beautiful message tbh, even in a life or death situation the most important thing you can do is be honest

[@The_Gamebuster]

Damn. You definelty deserve more attention! This put a new light on the first season that I've never really thought about before, truly unique takes from all the other summary videos that are being made right now on this series. Much love :D

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@The_Gamebuster Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad the video was able to help you see the first season in a new light, that's awesome.

[@masterjackson536]

Man I remember waiting for episodes to drop on the Xbox 360 and good times

[@majorleaguegames9129]

aint now way you only have 204 subs, im less than a minute in and the quality is 100% there. earned a sub keep it up brother

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@majorleaguegames9129 Thank you, I really appreciate that! Means a lot to me.

[@bant6920]

Unexpectedly good watch

[@gloveboxnapkins2866]

Never heard it put like this, very well done broseph💪

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@gloveboxnapkins2866 Thank you!

[@kingdevin_]

I was just recommended this video and you explained the complexity of choices and honestly in this awesome game series beautifully!

[@reubenthompson2854]

This was the best walking dead video and one of the best YT vids in general ive seen in a long time, I hope this video blows up but even if it doesn't quality and insight like this will be recognised in time. Keep it up mate 👍🏼

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement, it really means a lot. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Onyx-tx1gq]

Ive been stumbling on channels like this that are so good. Keep it up man.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@Onyx-tx1gq Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@fryerbrown4809]

"Walker's" that's what you call them we call them some weird looking humans.

[@noahdenisar5016]

Amazing video man! I’ve never seen the game like this after all this time but this video just shined a whole new light on the game for me. I never thought this deeply even though I’ve replayed the game who knows how many times. I would always pass off what Hershel said and never really think about it and that the whole story revolved around those words. Great video, I hope to see more like it. Maybe if you can find a dominating theme In season 3

[@eclipsedboii]

I liked this, it was in depth and it was a great way to analyze the take of 'truth' in video games. It's insane how powerful that one word is when it comes to video games after TT's TWD.

[@simondoe2772]

Fantastic video! 💯 Telltale's Walking Dead is my favorite fictional story of all time and I'm glad that you did justice to this Masterpiece of a game. The story, characters, art design, pacing, atmosphere, locations, side characters, villains, emotions, beautiful soundtrack, and character relationships are all absolutely phenomenal in this game. 🔥

[@Jay-mx6bg]

I love how this 12 year old game is still has videos talking about it that’s how important and impactful Twd season 1 truly is

[@greendoguwu9429]

This was a beautiful video man, I hope it reach’s many like it reached me ❤

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@greendoguwu9429 I'm glad you liked it! Thank you for the kind words.

[@gamerkid725]

i almost wanted to cry. being honest is important but like real life and in the game it doesn't always work out or it does. either way, damn.

[@TipOfTheBottle333]

First video I’ve seen from this guy and I’m loving it

[@BenreyAIODS]

I enjoy seeing these TWD Telltale videos, they're very soothing. You deserve more subs and views. Nice video man

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@BenreyAIODS Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@creatiful9374]

This vid made me feel a surge of nostalgia so palpable I had to sit and relook on all my past actions with each episode and chapter, perfect video man keep up the good work, Jesus loves you

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@creatiful9374 Thank you, your kindness means so much to me.

[@FishesFlyTillTheWorldDies]

Although it is painful, Kenny had it coming since the farm.

[@naytny5819]

How did he have it coming? All he did at the farm was protecting Duck.

[@AM_13-1]

Amazing video! keep it up. A great take on the first season of TT The Walking Dead, but also on the value of truth, in society. Apocalypse or not. Really the game re-enforces that all we have in this world is our word, and the trust we put in others cause of theirs'.

[@akizzy5709]

powerful video made me think back on some personal stuff

[@honeybee6606]

i havent watched the video yet but man i love video commentaries on twd! especially new takes and things to say so im excited to see this

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@honeybee6606 I hope it lives up to the expectations!

[@kamilgrunert1586]

I love the new generation of youtube, the new creators feel like actual people, not corporations

[@mohammadbenzsaydyabut1557]

Very interesting and well made video Bro 👍👍 As someone who constantly lies and trying to change it, This Video really touched me. When I First Played The Game, I Found It To be very relatble and The Thigns you do are definetly similar to the real world My Lies We're Causing some problems to other people just like the game, for example: Ben's Lying Caused 3 members to die, Their Leader to Snap and They Even lost their home, This game really teaches you about honesty and morals

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@mohammadbenzsaydyabut1557 Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@guccilix7101]

I was abt to say that theres no way you dont believe in God with a type of video like this, everytime I heard you say how powerful the truth is I knew you had some sort of faith in God or at least I was correlating it to that. Amazing video bro. Love the game and this video as well!🔥🔥🔥

[@Ralfy_fig]

Incredible video as always, Would love to see you cover cyberpunk, Night City is chock full of complex narratives that draw all sorts of parallels between a ton of different media!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@Ralfy_fig I'll add it to my list! I was never able to get into Cyberpunk because I bought the PS4 version on release. But now that it's fixed and I have a PC, it's definitely worth revisiting.

[@ethanrodriguez7353]

i love the walking dead and also the games. I could talk about both of them forever haha im a big fan of both and i even have like 50 single issue twd comics. the walking dead was my childhood and my mom also loved the show too. while she stopped watching i never did haha i was always a true fan and never stopped watching. the spin offs tho i’ve barely watched them. telltale twd is one of THE best stories

[@buddy_132]

Your content was really nice! The “Jesus loves you” won you a subscriber. Godbless man!

[@ErinJeanette]

Great video ❤ subbed and watched the whole video in one sitting

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@ErinJeanette Thank you so much!

[@ernieboy456]

I’ve always played an honest Lee and always done an honorable Arthur Morgan. I just can’t bring myself to play them any other way

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@ernieboy456 Same!

[@greenlanternneco-arc2863]

I know they probably did it for a reason. But i wish there was a way to tell the truth about what lee did before the outbreak without carly even if they made it harder to obtain that option. I just want to save doug without losing that option.

[@GreedyTurtles]

keep up the good work, you earned a sub!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@Mareewashere]

I just love original content!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@Mareewashere Thank you for the kind words!

[@mktalens]

Loved the video mate!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@mktalens Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@garingaming9308]

I refuse to believe this game is 12 years old I remember being in middle school I got so freaked out by the first walker park that I turned it off (was watching a playthrough) but after a little bit coming back and getting HOOKED lost count of all the theory's I had back then and remember gaslighting my self that SPOILER DONT READ ANY MORE YOU HAVE BEEN WARRNED lee was immune and that he would come back 🥲

[@fakename6310]

Great video!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@fakename6310 Thank you!

[@godfathermatteo]

great video bro

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@swiftrebooted7704]

Amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing video of my good gracious friend.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@swiftrebooted7704 Thank you so much!

[@dragonballradiant2744]

Even years and years later. I don’t really get. Lily saying we should’ve come here. I suggested that we should’ve come here. Because I didn’t trust them. But the game said episode two had to happen.

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@dragonballradiant2744 I can totally understand that. When I first played the game as a teenager, I trusted the brothers. Obviously, it didn't take long to figure out I was spectacularly fooled.

[@ayob_mohamed]

Pro, how your video doesn't get high views. I enjoyed your video, and I have a reference about the game. I wanted the options more because the game saved someone who will die. I wish it was like Detroit in options and so the game will be good + I follow you from Iraq

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@ayob_mohamed Thank you so much! I've never played Detroit: Become Human, but I might have to give it a look.

[@chenqinzs]

great video!!!

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@chenqinzs Thank you!

[@tristen224]

Awesome video 😁

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@tristen224 Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@D-ClassReads]

Ya fuckin awesome

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@D-ClassReads Thank you so much!

[@D-ClassReads]

@ finna take a subscribe while I listen to this shit head to sleep. Love the way you’re explaining this shit home!

[@cjyeeters8136]

Sorry to be the erm actually guy however at 7 minutes in u said Lee can’t tell anyone about his connection to the drug store but he actually can tell katjaa and Kenny. Great vid otherwise

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@cjyeeters8136 In all my playthroughs of this game, I'm not sure how I never caught that! I had no idea. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, learn something new every day.

[@justjack5833]

cool beans

[@LawrenceInArabia4]

@@justjack5833 Thank you!

[@justjack5833]

@@LawrenceInArabia4 honestly brother it was a great video shud do a season 2 one id watch it