Well, that episode of Fire Country was way more emotionally heartbreaking than anyone could have guessed. He might be an ornery, cantankerous, grumpy old man, but no one, not even Walter, should have to suffer losing their memories.

As most people realize, our experiences and memories are what make us who we are. They dictate how we feel and the choices we make.

Knowing where we came from helps us navigate where we’re going. Without our memories, we’re like an infant flying blind and needing guidance. It kind of makes sense why Fire Country would pair a Walter-centered episode with a surrendered baby.

At least the episode wasn’t just one sad situation after another. For example, I am making a note to remember that window-breaking trick that Walter used on the crashed car.

Is anyone else overly paranoid about disasters after three seasons of Fire Country?

Also, did anyone understand a single word out of the car crash victim’s mouth? I had to turn the subtitles on because he was Mr. Mumbles.

What’s Happening to Walter Is Heartbreaking, but It Doesn’t Change All the Pain He Has Caused

One thing that had me scratching my head during “The Leone Way” was how no one heard the car crash. Walter and Bode didn’t walk that long or far from the campsite.

The only thing I can think of that makes sense is that the crash happened while they were all down by the water fishing. If that is the case, that must have been hell for the poor guy behind the wheel.

Although, I think Walter could give him a run for his money in the suffering department.

It’s been clear from Walter’s first appearance in Fire Country Season 1 Episode 20 that he is a proud man that says whatever he thinks — everyone else’s feelings be damned.

Watching him become disoriented and wander into the woods with his grandson following after him hit pretty close to home for me and probably many other viewers.

However, nothing got the waterworks going quite like seeing Walter be vulnerable there at the end. Was I a blubbering mess? I’ll never tell.

And the timing couldn’t be more convenient for some quality broadcast entertainment with Luke heading off to Japan. I know Walter is an acquired taste, but that seems like an extreme amount of distance.

However, I’ll just say it. It’s sad what Jeff Fahey’s (From Dusk Till Dawn) Walter is going through, but it doesn’t change the decades he spent verbally and emotionally abusing his sons. I actually chuckled when he said, “I’d rather die than be a burden to anyone.”

Oh, sweet, naive Walter. That man is a burden to just about everyone who meets him. To be fair, not every problem on Fire Country is Walter’s fault. Some people are the architects of their own issues — I’m looking at you, Manny.

The Inmates at Three Rock Are There to Better Their Futures, and It’s Not Manny’s Responsibility to Make Sure They Don’t Squander That Opportunity

Is Manny starting to get on anyone else’s nerves? Look, I absolutely love Kevin Alejandro‘s Manny. The guy is a prince among men because of the way he genuinely cares about the well-being of the inmates at Three Rock. But that was when he was captain.

Now that he is back to inmate status, cutting lines with Cal Fire, he needs to keep his eyes on his future. This is Bode from Fire Country Season 1 all over again.

I’m not saying Manny shouldn’t stick up for or help the guys at Three Rock, but all the men are there because they’ve been given an opportunity to right their wrongs and shorten their sentences.

It’s not Manny’s responsibility to ensure that every guy there stays on the right path to redemption. It might be cold to say, but those are grown-ass men, and if they want to squander their chance at a new life, that’s on them. Manny’s only concern should be doing right by his daughter.