THAT at least was explained. Apparently, he was on the horn with DC, but then they stopped calling (either indicating that the communications were cut or that DC is now overrun). So, the mission was conceived to drive his goofy ass to DC.

I figured that almost right away.

You have to cross the Appalachians at some point. They're in northern GA, so there's hilly terrain all over.

WRONG ANSWER.

There are secure locations in DC. There would have to be. At the very least, there are secure passages to wherever they keep Air Force One or something similar.

THANKS OBAMA!

No one has mentioned anyone in their group. Rick, Carl, and Michonne have not been mentioned by anyone else. Additionally, Darryl and Beth have not been mentioned by another group (even Maggie's). The only two groups that talk about other groups are Glenn's (about Maggie exclusively) and Maggie's (about Glenn and…

I agree with RTTR. The only indication is that Terminus is strange, not that it is unguarded. Glenn, Maggie, et al could have been spotted from miles away and determined that they are not an immediate threat, so the gates were unlocked to invite them in and put them on their heels.

That was even stated in the episode.

What makes you say that Darryl has cast off his humanity? He realizes that he's most likely safer with a group, even if they are crazy. He also realizes that if he doesn't follow the rules, he'll be dead.

Is her best friend a talking pie?

I agree. The lack of locks does not mean anything beyond, "this place is weird."

Yes, and the shots of Rick seemingly locked up in a cell of some sort seem to imply that Terminus is not a nice place. Although, I guess the Playground Gang may have captured him instead.

That's some vag!

Saving taxpayer dollars every day!

It was going at 300 feet per second.

That's my bunny rabbit! *licks*

Yes. Yes they are.

Among other things that would have made sense.

Canadians.