null

Written By

Lance Mitchell

Tribal wars, in-fighting, illnesses and deaths … no one said that survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape was going to be easy! However, despite all of the potential bleakness that is hanging over everything, there are some great examples of heartwarming moments scattered throughout the show.

In this editorial, I will be counting down my top 5 of those moments from series 1.

LEX AND ZANDRA'S WEDDING

THE TRIBE ARE ECSTATIC AS THE FOUNTAIN COMES ALIVE

top5-5It might have taken two attempts to get to this stage, but our first tribal wedding simply has to take a place within my Top 5. With Sasha playing ‘The Dream Must Stay Alive’ on his flute, the Mall decorated with streamers, Amber officiating in a ceremonial outfit, and Zandra looking stunning in her wedding outfit … despite the fallout and uncertainty for the future which occurs immediately afterward, it really is a heartwarming moment for the entire tribe. The final surprise of the fountain sprinkling water again onto the happy couple perfectly caps off the scene.

THE BIRTH OF BRADY

JACK AND RYAN CHEER FOR BRADY'S BIRTH

top5-4Brady’s birth was a very crucial aspect of the show, reinforcing the sentiment that there was still hope for the future despite the death of all the adults. Performed exceptionally by Antonia Prebble, we witnessed Trudy’s agonising labour whilst Bray took charge of the delivery. Seeing the other Mall Rats waiting desperately on the staircase – with the occasional supporting ‘push!’ from Cloe – and then collapsing into joyful clapping and cheers upon the announcement that it is a girl; it is a extremely uplifting moment. Brady’s birth shows the tribe that there is still hope for the future. They can survive, and life can continue on.

THE NAMING CEREMONY

IT'S MORE THAN A NAME ... IT'S A FUTURE!

top5-3You were probably expecting this to rank slightly higher, but I have placed the naming of the tribe at my #3 position. This scene really captures the meaning of ‘keeping the dream alive’ as we see everyone come together and join hands as Tai San forges the group into an actual tribe, blessing them with a name, an identity, and a future. Seeing even the currently miserable Trudy realise the importance and significance of such an act (as she quickly joins the circle) just further highlights this heartwarming scene.

As of this day all those who join hands are bound together as one. Brothers and sisters to the end.

THE PAINT FIGHT

BRAY TRIES TO GET AMBER TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN

top5-2Beating out on even the naming ceremony and the birth, I put to you: how can this scene fail to not put a big fat smile onto anyone’s faces? Ignoring Lex’s secret underhanded motivations for actually initiating this encounter, the entire scene is a heartwarming thing to behold as the Mall Rats finally get to shake off the heavy pressures and duty of survival as they remember what it is like to simply be kids again! After months of fighting, interpersonal issues, heartbreaks, and daily struggles to survive, it is a moment of pure joy to see everyone crying out with laughter as they engage in a friendly paint fight. A very heartwarming moment.

VIRUSED TOGETHER

CLOE IS UNABLE TO STAY SEPARATED FROM PATSY

top5-1There were some seriously worthy contenders for the top 5 positions of this countdown but, without a doubt, #1 goes to a scene which occurs during the reemergence of the virus. Quarantined due to her infection, Patsy is kept behind closed doors as the tribe desperately seek some form of answers before they are all killed. As the episode trickles on, we see the pain in Cloe’s features as she is separated from her best friend, and we are even treated to a Kirk and Spock STAR TREK moment as their hands touch on the barrier.

But then, in the darkest hour, and to the shock of the entire tribe, Cloe emerges with Patsy, revealing to all that she simply cannot live without her, and that, if Patsy is virused, then she will be virused too. To cement her words, Cloe then hugs Patsy in order to get infected too.

This amazing act of selflessness from Cloe causes an immediate chain reaction from the Mall Rats as, one by one, the group realise that no matter what they are in this together. Soon, the entire tribe are assembled, and become even stronger than ever as they are determined to find a cure.

Without a doubt, this scene is a symbol for THE TRIBE and for keeping the dream alive. Heartwarming to its core.

So there you have it, my top 5 heartwarming moments from series 1. Were there other moments that you believe should have made the list? Or would you have ranked some of the entries higher or lower? Let us know in the comments!