The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 16 (Welcome to the Tombs)

Warning: this is as much of a recap as it is a review, so here there be SPOILERS.

The third season of The Walking Dead is a wrap.  In recent weeks, the show had been on fire, and the momentum and hype this strong run generated served to create lofty expectations for the last episode.  Yes, the big finale sought to place an exclamation point on the season, and in many ways it succeeded.  Yet it must be noted that in many ways it was also very disappointing.  Now, I felt that "Welcome to the Tombs" was a solid episode, and were this week 14 or 15, I think I would be more lenient.  However, I think most everyone was expecting much more from the season finale, and despite several important deaths and some extremely intense material, this one failed to close out Season 3 with a bang.  It didn't really come close, truth be told.

Now, the beginning was great.  In fact, I thought this might have been one of The Walking Dead's strongest opening reels.  The Governor worked Milton over and gave him an ultimatum: kill Andrea or die.  I knew Milton was a goner back in Week 14--and, as I recall, in addition to noting that I didn't see him making it to Season 4, I also noted that I couldn't decide if I liked his odds of seeing Season 4 more than those of that sucker who was traveling with Tyreese--but I didn't expect to see Woodbury's resident scientist/idiot make such a ballsy exit.  Anyway, instead of offing Andrea, Milt made a lunge at The Governor and got stabbed for his efforts.  To make matters worse, The Governor coolly advised Milton that he was going to turn and kill Andrea in spite of his heroics.  This was also some of the best stuff we've seen yet courtesy of David Morrissey as The Governor, and the "Kill or die . . . or . . . die and kill" line was sweet. 

Yes, we were off and running, and I was thinking that we were in for quite a show.  Now, so far as Andrea, Milton, and The Governor were concerned, I was right.  Most everything else seemed to be a bit lacking, especially when you consider that this was the end of the road for what has thus far proven to be a damn good season of a terrific program.  Unfortunately, while a killer episode may have established this as the finest season thus far, the end result was a decisive third-place finish for Season 3.  No doubt about it.

Back at the prison, our merry band of survivors were getting ready to bolt.  Carl was ticked off, Glenn was concerned, and Rick and Michonne had a bizarre "I almost handed you to The Governor on a silver platter, but you're one of us" talk that was more than a little odd.  To their credit, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Guriri somehow managed to get the job done, but it was just a strange little chat that I didn't really dig.

In Woodbury, The Governor rallied his troops and led the charge toward the prison, minus Tyreese.  The big dude who can't shoot for shit spoke up during The Governor's Patton impersonation and declared that he wasn't there to fight other people.  After stating that he was going to sit this one out, he offered to stay behind to protect the women and children.    I liked this development, but I thought this scene was also a bit clumsy.  Much of the finale seemed rushed to me, as though AMC was hastily advancing the plot.  At this point, the episode was clearly losing steam, but a worthy finale was still within reach.  After all, the inevitable confrontation we've been waiting for was on the horizon.  Or was it?

Let's talk about what happened at the prison.  Why?  I guess I have to, that's why.  This review/recap wouldn't be complete without it.  Basically, The Governor's troops (I should probably put an asterisk beside troops, but more on that later) hit the scene and blasted the shit out of the prison and all the walkers gathered around the entrance.  In truth, this assault was fairly badass, aside from the fact that Rick and his people were nowhere to be seen.  Growing more and more agitated with every second that passed, The Governor led his troops deeper and deeper into the prison, chasing shadows and rushing toward the distant moans of the undead.  This is probably the point where most of his troops started to realize that The Governor didn't really know what the fuck he was doing.

This fool's army came across a trap, setting off a couple of flash-bombs and attracting walkers.  They escaped the prison and came under fire from Glenn and Maggie, who were clad in body armor.  They sprayed a hell of a lot of lead, but I'm not sure that they hit anyone.  Regardless, The Governor's troops took off, running toward their vehicles.  It was as if the commanding arsenal that they had attacked the prison with mere moments ago was utterly forgotten, and it was patently obvious that The Governor's attempt to play general was bound to end in failure.  Yes, AMC butchered the big confrontation, totally marring both the finale and the season itself in the process.  The bad guys blew a bunch of walkers up, two of Rick's people took a few shots at them, and the bad guys jumped in their vehicles and drove off.  It was a lesson in how NOT to present a thrilling conclusion to a story.

Rick and the rest of the gang emerged and celebrated.  Yay for them.  Oh, and Carl iced some kid who was trying to surrender, much to Hershel's dismay, and then told his dad he killed a soldier who "drew" on him.  Hershel told Rick otherwise and now we have some drama to carry over into Season 4.  Meanwhile, The Governor made his people stop in the middle of the road.  They tell him it's over, they're not soldiers, and he loses it.  This was a very effective scene, and both the music and Morrissey were excellent here.  He gunned all of the troops down aside from Martinez and that one guy that some people thought was Tyreese back at the beginning of the season.  Oh, and the victims here included that sucker who was traveling with Tyreese.  Milton, we'll miss.  That sucker?  Well, we didn't really give a damn about him, now did we?

The Governor and his remaining troops, both of whom were doing an admirable job of playing it cool, got in a truck and drove off.  I bet no one was telling jokes during that ride.  Where did they go?  Well, I thought they were going back to Woodbury, but either I was wrong or they got lost.  What's next for The Governor?  Who knows?  I don't.  Nor does anyone who was relying on the big season finale for information.  That was the last we would see of David Morrissey in Season 3.

Finally, we made our way back to Andrea and Milton.  He had dropped a pair of pliers behind her when The Governor made him gather up all the instruments of torture just lying around earlier in the show.  Milton told Andrea about the pliers, and told her to hurry.  She told him she was going to get out of the chair and save them both, and he told her she was going to get out of the chair and finish him off.  He knew he wasn't going to make it, and he kept telling Andrea to hurry.  She didn't do a great job of listening to him, and by the time she was finally making some progress, Milton was dead.  Soon he turned and began to make his way toward her.  The camera cut away and we heard Andrea scream.

Rick, Michonne, and Daryl decided to go to Woodbury.  I don't know what they were thinking.  I think the writers of the show were thinking for them at that point, and they had loose ends to tie off and the clock was ticking.  Anyway, they picked up this one chick who survived The Governor's massacre so she could join the crew and tell them what happened.   Later, they reached Woodbury and found Andrea.  We thought she was in the clear, because we weren't going to be fooled by that scream after the cutaway, right?  But we were wrong.  She had freed herself and finished Milton off, but not before he took a little bite out of her chest.  Next, we got some emotional stuff that felt rushed on Rick's behalf, but genuine coming from Michonne.  Andrea shot herself and our trio wound up taking Tyreese and all of Woodbury's remaining residents, namely the women and children, back to the prison.

How do I feel about Andrea's exit?  I'm pretty sure I hate it.  This season now stands as a complete and total waste of one of the better performers on the show and one of the comic's most beloved characters.  Andrea was a solid component of AMC's The Walking Dead in the first two seasons, but Season 3 served as a tremendous disappointment in regards to her character.  Maybe the show will find a way to make this up to me, but that's a tall order.

I guess that just about sums it up.  In truth, this episode probably wasn't as bad as it sounds, and I do believe that it would have been perfectly acceptable if it wasn't the season finale.  Yet there was so much to accomplish and the audience's hopes were so high that it's really hard to give this show a good grade in light of the circumstances.  This season warranted a gripping finale with a big showdown, and in truth it needed such an outcome to warrant all the hype and drama that brought us here.  Yet it was a letdown and it cheapened much of what transpired in Season 3.  As bizarre as it sounds, I would have to close this blog out by saying that I enjoyed the episode, particularly the stuff with Andrea, Milton, and The Governor, but I was very disappointed at the same time.  This was a solid episode, but it wasn't a worthy season finale.  Not by a long shot.

Am I being too hard on "Welcome to the Tombs"?

Am I being too hard on Season 3?

When will Rick and The Governor finally come to blows?

Is Carl fucked up?
I'll answer that one for you: Yes, but it's to be expected.

If I'm right, can AMC's The Walking Dead redeem itself in Season 4?

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 15 (This Sorrowful Life)

Warning: this is as much of a recap as it is a review, so here there be SPOILERS.

With only a pair of episodes remaining in what is shaping up to be an epic season, The Walking Dead put Merle at the center of another solid hour of nerve-wracking horror.  I think last week's episode was a little leaner and the narrow focus produced one of the best entries to date.  "This Sorrowful Life" wasn't quite as polished and it didn't shine quite as brightly as a result, but it was a very good episode that continued to build momentum heading toward this week's big finale.

First off, let's start with the bad, since that's how the show kicked off.  Rick decided to hand Michonne over, and I don't think this worked for anyone.  This felt like a plot device from the very start, and it was a lazy attempt to advance a fine show.  I'm not sure how they could have set this entry up without that development, but leading off on a false note definitely cheapened the episode.  To make matters worse, Rick then approached Merle and told him about his decision while keeping everyone else aside from Hershel and Daryl in the dark. 

Merle knew Rick wouldn't be able to go through with delivering Michonne to The Governor, and he told Rick as much.  Though the scene painted Rick as a buffoon, it was compelling stuff, and little did I know that Michael Rooker was just getting started.  In truth, if you have a guy like him in your cast, you should definitely use him, and "This Sorrowful Life" gave Rooker a wealth of material to play with.  He excelled, which is no surprise to those of us who love his work.  Whenever he was on the screen last night, The Walking Dead was absolutely riveting, and he was the centerpiece of this episode.  If not for Rick's baffling decision at the onset and the latest installment of the Glenn and Maggie soap opera, this would have been an instant classic.

Anyway, recognizing that Rick didn't have the stomach for the job at hand, Merle put his own plan in motion.  He subsequently captured a surprisingly gullible Michonne and set off for the rendezvous with The Governor without Rick or his brother.  Things really picked up from there.  A fantastic scene found Merle trying to boost a ride while Michonne was tethered to a nearby column.  Merle accidentally set the car alarm off, attracting a mob of walkers, and Michonne showed that she doesn't need her hands free to kick some serious ass.  Merle also showed his mettle, and this setpiece continued a recent streak of rousing action scenes.

There has always been a lot of violence on The Walking Dead, and the execution is typically sound, but I feel like the makers of the show are at the top of their game this season.  They've given us a wealth of bloody mayhem that rivals anything you're apt to see on the big screen, and they should be applauded.  It should come as no surprise that horror heavyweight Greg Nicotero was in the director's chair when "This Sorrowful Life" was filmed. 

Back at the prison, Rick (thanks in part to another sighting of Lori's ghost) realized he could no longer stomach the notion of giving Michonne up.  He came clean with the rest of the group and demanded that they become a democracy so he no longer bears the burden of making all of the decisions for them.  Of course, he soon realized that neither Merle or Michonne were on the scene, and it wasn't hard to put two and two together.  He was going to go after them, but Daryl took responsibility and reminded Rick that he needed to be at the prison just in case The Governor moved on them and the shit really hit the fan.  He also noted that Rick had little chance of tracking Merle and Michonne, and we all know that tracking is one of the zombie-killing badass known as Daryl Dixon's specialties. 

Meanwhile, Michonne appeared to be biding her time.  I got the feeling that she was so confident of her ability to turn the tables on Merle that she elected to devote herself to talking him down first, earmarking a struggle for freedom as Plan B.  Maybe that's just me being entirely too enamored with her character, who is one of the best heroines out there in 2013.  I thought it very unlikely that Merle would release her, but the dialogue between these two outsiders was enthralling.  As good as Michael Rooker was in this episode, and he was utterly fantastic, Danai Guriri was nearly his equal despite playing a smaller role.  In the end, Merle shocked me by stopping the car and setting Michonne free.  He made it clear that he wanted to see the group at the prison survive because that's where his brother wanted to be, but he didn't see any way that he could ever become one of them. 

I think he was wrong about Rick and our merry band of survivors; I believe there was a place for Merle at their table.  That's why I'm also willing to recognize that maybe Merle felt that they didn't stand a chance unless someone did something to try and put a dent in the numbers game working against them before all hell broke loose.  Merle did just that, leading a pack of walkers to the rendezvous and unloading on The Governor's troops while they tried to contend with a zombie horde.  I think Merle had a good idea, though getting drunk beforehand wasn't his finest moment, and he did rush things a bit.  Regardless, he took several of The Governor's fighting men out before the bloodthirsty villain Merle once hailed as leader took him down in a vicious fight. 

This was a big moment for The Governor, and it was damn impressive, but I'll admit that it also hit a sour chord with me.  I mean, I know that this character is now a far more frightening rendition of the comic book villain I know and love, and I know that Merle was drunk and winded, but I still think the one-armed man would have won the fight.  I guess that while I'm truly enamored with the direction David Morrissey has taken, particularly in recent weeks, I'm still not completely on board with AMC's version of the character.  Again, I know this was necessary to keep the plot moving, and it was a great way to make The Governor look strong, but I just can't wrap my head around seeing him take Merle out with relative ease.  I think that Merle wins that fight at least seven times out of ten.

Now, to be fair, I was dreading Merle's inevitable exit from The Walking Dead, and I've made my affection for Michael Rooker clear, so maybe that last sentence is just the homer in me talking.  Either way, I'm sad to see Merle go, though I do think the show benefited greatly from bringing him back in Season 3 and devoting so much screen-time to the rowdy rascal.  Merle Dixon, you were an asshole, but you will be missed.  The conclusion of "This Sorrowful Life" found Daryl catching up with his big brother, and we were witness to a gut-wrenching display of emotion as zombie Merle advanced on fan favorite Norman Reedus, forcing Daryl to kill him.  That was almost as powerful as anything we've seen on The Walking Dead, and it was a great way to cap off a nice entry in one of television's most compelling shows.

Yes, there was a fumble on the first snap, and whether you dig the Glenn and Maggie stuff or not, it seemed out of place here, but this was another winner.  Season 3 has produced a lot of those, and as we head toward the finale, many questions loom large, though it is fair to wonder how many of them will be answered.  I think most everyone who follows the program is eager for the big finish, but I also think we all realize that we're approaching a massive cliff-hanger.  I have a feeling the wait for Season 4 is going to be nothing short of agonizing.  I'll be sure to share my thoughts in seven days, but until Episode 16 airs we'll just have to wait and wonder. 

Who will live?

Who will die?

Will the season finale be able to capitalize on all the momentum the show has gained in recent weeks, or will AMC drop the ball?

Will people really riot if Daryl dies?

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 14 (Prey)

Just when you think this season of The Walking Dead may have peaked, it somehow manages to peak again.  It seems natural given the slow burn toward a pending conflict approach AMC has embraced, yet I guess the pessimist in me is just waiting for them to muck it up.  I'll give them credit, they're still building steam, and they're righting wrongs along the way. 

Yes, I'll be the first to admit it: The Governor is actually becoming the monster he should be.  I've questioned David Morrissey's role in the show on numerous occasions, and I was perplexed by both the actor's choices and the subdued version of the comic book titan the people with all the stroke over at AMC chose to depict.  Now I'm really starting to see why they made many of those decisions, and it looks like it's going to pay off.  I think they baited us with a softer version of the character, and now they've almost managed to transform that cat into The Governor that fans of the comic know and fear.

Additionally, Andrea finally pulled her head out of her ass and made some sensible decisions, though she made them just a little too late in the game.  I thought the makers of the show backed down when faced with some of The Governor's most despicable actions earlier in Season 3, but now I'm thinking that Laurie Holden may be subjected to the horror that both the show's loathsome villain's tainted legacy and his brand-spanking-new torture chamber promise to deliver.  Now that Andrea is thinking straight, I'm hoping she manages to endure, but I don't think there's any way that she's going to get out clean.

Anyone who follows my blog probably thinks I hate Andrea given all the flack I've directed at her character this year, but there's a reason for the rants.  I do favor the comics, where Andrea's a more integral part of the story, and Laurie certainly has the potential to make the character equally remarkable.  She's already one of the more popular characters on the show, or at least she was until this season teed off, but the role has the potential to rival any other role in The Walking Dead.  I don't think I'm overselling, and I think Kirkman's legions of followers would agree.  I like Andrea on the show, but Andrea is operating on an entirely different level in the comics. 

Now, in this week's episode, aptly titled "Prey", Andrea finally sought to defect from Woodbury.  Unfortunately, The Governor was all jacked-up after building his torture chamber, and he was hot on her heels.  This chase was at the very core of the episode, and it was a tense and highly-entertaining affair.  Both Morrissey and Holden were given ample opportunities to shine and dispatch walkers, and in an episode that rested almost entirely upon their shoulders, both delivered the goods to terrific effect.

Back in town, Milton behaved like a fool.  Seriously, dude is just smart enough to be incredibly dumb.  Why air your homeboy's dirty laundry if you're down with him?  Why tip Andrea off and then prevent her from doing what needed to be done about it?  Why tell The Governor his daughter's death didn't matter?  I mean, seriously, that was about the stupidest thing his character could have said in that situation.  Later, he all but confessed to burning the walkers.  I don't think we'll be seeing his character in Season 4, but I think he's dumb enough to be shocked by it when his number finally gets punched. 

I liked seeing Tyreese make a moral stand, but I could have done without the "Donna" soap opera he and that sucker that travels with him subjected to us to.  I think that guy's chances of making it to Season 4 are worse than Milton's, and I'm just not that interested in his back-story.  Tyreese on the other hand came off well here, and I definitely liked seeing his shooting prowess on full display.

Our only glimpse of the prison came when Andrea thought she had made it back only to be overcome by The Governor.  Rick was on watch, and he may have caught a glimpse of what was happening, but it was insignificant enough that he couldn't confirm it, and he promptly shrugged it off.  I liked that moment, though I'm definitely not looking forward to seeing what The Governor has in store for Andrea.  Yikes! 

And to think that she would have dropped him if not for Milton . . .

Yes, Season 3 is still firing on all cylinders, and now the stakes are truly high. 

Can AMC continue this epic run? 

Will the struggle to come warrant the hype? 

Who will live and who will die?

Just how far will The Walking Dead go?

The questions are many and the answers are coming.  Stay tuned, fright fans, I'm looking forward to discussing next week's episode with you in seven days.

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 13 (Arrow on the Doorpost)

Warning: this is as much of a recap as it is a review, so here there be SPOILERS.  You have been warned.

The Walking Dead continued to build momentum with another stirring episode.  Yes, I felt the program stumbled upon its return from the midseason break with a couple of the weakest episodes to date.  Yet from that point on, we've been treated to nothing but pure winners, and AMC's big gun is gaining incredible momentum as it hurtles toward the season finale.

There are only three episodes left after "Arrow on the Doorpost", and the palaver between Rick and The Governor that served as the focus for this tense outing clearly signaled the beginning of the end.  This little stalemate is going to end soon, and it will end with either the town of Woodbury or the prison where our merry band of survivors has gathered being annihilated.

I liked the mood of this one, which was grim and yet somewhat subdued.  Subdued for The Walking Dead, at the very least.  There was some action, but for the most part we were studying a discussion between two men who know that there will be no peace between them.  Boundaries were discussed, as were terms, but Rick and The Governor know precisely where this is going.

The Governor is savoring the moment, eager for the looming confrontation, for he feels that his forces are superior enough to be all but invincible.  Rick is thinking more of his people's survival than victory, and the odds aren't in his favor.  Yet The Governor is foolish to believe the gap is so broad.  Most of his people seem like the type who would be more adept at struggling to put up a good fight in a friendly game of badminton.  Rick seems to have more in the way of killers, though the numbers are stacked against him.  Regardless, the way these two men interacted was priceless.  I kept thinking that if this was a televised debate, the polished villain might win in spite of his vicious nature and his eyepatch.  Yet we know who's right, and Rick knows just who he's dealing with.

In other news, Andrea is firmly in no man's land, seemingly electing to remain with a side that places little or no value upon her.  She is being used, she knows she's being used, and she knows she's being used by a deceptive madman.  I just can't explain her actions thus far, and I'm eager for her eventual return to her senses.  I'm assuming the show will do right by her at some point, and I'm not sure why this decision is supposed to be hard for her.  I think she knows precisely who The Governor is, and I think she has an equally sound understanding of Rick.  I have no idea why I'm supposed to see this as a hard choice for her to make.  This remains the biggest flaw of Season 3, and I hope Laurie Holden's agent raises enough hell for AMC to avoid abusing her character for no better reason than to advance the plot in Season 4.  Andrea deserves better.

I liked the man-off between Daryl and Martinez, and I thought the latter's home run strike was probably our zombie kill of the week.  In truth, I liked the macho shit going on between these two, but I liked their dialogue even more.  Imagine two soldiers like that fighting side by side.  Alas, . . .

I liked some of the stuff happening back at the prison, but the "Hey, my name's Merle and I'm 100% asshole 100% of the time" schtick is getting old.  Surely there are some other notes this character can hit.  Also, who decided to let Merle get so close to the guns and ammo?  I thought they were begging for trouble there.  I'm definitely tired of the Glenn and Maggie soap opera and I think we may be back to business as usual on that front.  Good, their little tiff was contrived and mostly meaningless.  The show is better without it.

I loved seeing Scott Wilson being given such an integral role in this episode.  It says a lot about his character's worth, with or without two working legs, and seeing Hershel jacked up and ready for a big shootout during the opening reel of "Arrow on the Doorpost" was extremely cool.  It reminded me a bit of his work for Walter Hill in Johnny Handsome, a vastly underrated noir picture.    I also liked seeing Rick open up to Hershel at the end of the show about The Governor's terms, namely that the group turn over Michonne in exchange for a truce.  Rick seems unsure of how to proceed in spite of his "We're going to war" speech and the fact that he knows The Governor will still try to kill them.  In the end, we know Rick is too good of a man to really hand over Michonne, and he's too shrewd to surrender one of his best pieces on the road to battle.  Make no mistake, fans of The Walking Dead, Rick got it right the first time.  We're going to war.

I can't wait.  The Walking Dead is firing on all cylinders as we enter the home stretch.  I'm expecting a furious finish and I look forward to discussing the next episode of television's bloodiest gem with you in seven days.  

Bonus: I positively loved the use of the music during the end, as both Rick and The Governor returned to their people.  The tone and atmosphere of this show are both remarkably unique, and yet something about the technique utilized here reminded me of Michael Mann at his best.  Much like his more striking efforts, the charged marriage of film and melody created quite a somber mood.  

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 11 (I Ain't a Judas)

This is as much of a recap as a review, so be warned: here there be SPOILERS . . .

After a stellar episode last week, this week we were treated to a solid, plot-driven show that worked really well.  I think The Walking Dead has done a stellar job of positioning themselves for an epic finale this season, and this most recent episode was a huge step forward in that regard.

There wasn't a wealth of action, but a lot happened in "I Ain't a Judas", and the looming struggle between our merry band of survivors at the prison and The Governor's brood in Woodbury is definitely gaining steam.  This episode did a great job of setting the stage for the coming showdown, with an emphasis on Woodbury's considerable might.  We know that The Governor is a cowardly killer, but he's also a hell of a politician, and he has his people wrapped around his little finger.  Their numbers are superior and they are better-armed, and now that they're being trained for combat, things aren't looking good for Rick and the gang.

However, back at the prison, Rick rebounds in style after a few choice words from Carl.  The prison gang may be outnumbered, but they've got their leader back, and their leader is a true badass.  When Rick is at his best, this show is at its best, and I liked seeing Rick push his demons aside and take charge in last night's episode.  Hershel still wants to run, but Rick knows that fleeing with a baby and a cripple in tow is a sure recipe for disaster.  Making a stand at the prison isn't much better, but Rick has a plan.  We don't know exactly what his plan is as of yet, but when Rick isn't seeing ghosts he's remarkably trustworthy.

Andrea actually seemed a bit more like herself for once, and I applauded her determination as she made it clear that she wasn't willing to accept The Governor's terse explanation for last week's shootout.  She wanted to hear from her old friends at the prison, and she did just that.  However, asking Milton to lend her an assist was incredibly foolish.  After all, who didn't see that double-cross coming, and The Governor's instructions for Milton (after Milton revealed Andrea's plot, The Governor told him to help) made it clear that he has a double-cross of his own in store for Andrea.  Of course, we already knew that.  Hell, it only took Michonne about thirty seconds to figure The Governor out, and Andrea remains the only person out there who is completely powerless in the face of his bullshit.  Yet she went back to the prison and had a little reunion of sorts, though she was awful quick to leave after seeing how weak her former allies are at present and how unwelcome she was in their midst.

After Andrea left, Rick put Daryl and Hershel in charge and revealed that he's going off on some sort of mission with Michonne and Carl.  I think he picked a nice squad, and I'm eager to see what they're heading off to do.

Andrea got a choice piece of advice from Carol before leaving the prison.  Carol (in a bit of a surprise given her character's meek nature) told Andrea to give The Governor a five star lay and murder him in his sleep.  The close of "I Ain't no Judas" attempted to tease such an outcome, and even if having Andrea consider such a move is a strong indication that on some level she does see her precious Phillip for what he is, no one really thought she would go through with it.  Her decision to let him sleep peacefully (if he was truly asleep; I'm sure I wasn't the only one expecting him to pop up and break her arm) was expected.  I actually liked seeing her anguish as the show drew to a close; it's as though she realizes that Michonne is right.  She's selling her soul for a warm bed.

This show was a bit light on action, but it was a solid entry that advanced the plot and heightened the tension as Season 3 gains speed.  I'm really starting to believe that we're heading for an epic conclusion.  Also, while I still favor the ultimate villain known as The Governor in the comics, the show's more political, conniving version of the character is finally gaining traction.

Other meaningful bits included Tyreese and company being welcomed into Woodbury and telling The Governor all about their encounter with Rick at the prison.  They did so while making it perfectly clear that they were willing to do anything in exchange for a place in Woodbury.  Also, Merle is now part of our merry band of survivors at the prison, but Rick made it clear that Daryl is responsible for him.  And I think that's about it.  There's a war coming, fans of The Walking Dead, and I think it's going to be quite the spectacle. 

See you next week!

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 10 (Home)

Thank you, AMC!  Last week was an unusual hiccup for a great show that was poised to capitalize on a superb mid-season finale, but this week we witnessed a remarkable return to form.  In fact, this might have been one of the best episodes we’ve seen.

Now, I’m not going to lie: the first ten minutes of this show were designed to piss me off.  Everything I was lamenting about Episode 9 was magnified as “Home” teed off with Rick chasing ghosts and The Governor playing mind-games and looking sore, while Andrea continued to do whatever the hell it is that she’s doing this season.  Honestly, I was thinking that this show might be losing some of its considerable luster.  Then Daryl Dixon saved the day as he and Merle offered up one of the best sequences this series has provided.  Then, as the episode drew to a close, we were treated to a thrilling battle that should set the stage for a harrowing close to the season.

Early on, it was all about Rick chasing Lori’s ghost around a creek (I didn’t think it was any better than it sounds) and The Governor continuing to abuse Andrea’s newfound (and inexplicable) stupidity.  Things were going nowhere.  We were given a scene where Maggie and Glenn were both angry at each other.  We don’t know why they’re so mad at each other, and the scene made it clear that they don’t really know why either.  Another scene revealed that Hershel wants to leave the prison, but Glenn wants to stay and is determined to make hasty and irrational decisions.   Also, Axel suddenly became very endearing and seemed to be winning Carol’s affection, effectively signaling that his death had drawn nigh.  Tyrese was nowhere in sight. 

I kept thinking that it was really bizarre that Rick is the heart and soul of the show, and as the writers elected to lead him further and further astray, the show itself seemed to lose direction. 

As soon as Daryl came to the rescue of a Hispanic family with a screaming baby, The Walking Dead found its footing.  The bridge was an excellent setting for a showdown, and the show delivered a taught sequence that highlighted Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker to terrific effect.  I positively loved the Ry Cooder-esque twang (let’s just call it “Daryl’s Theme”) that punctuated every shot from Daryl’s trusty crossbow.  I loved the way he was recycling his arrows, and the interaction between the Dixon brothers was incredibly tense.  Bonus points must be awarded for the trunk-slamming zombie kill, which was epic. 

Then we were back in Woodbury, where The Governor and a few of his trusty soldiers disappeared.  Andrea couldn’t figure out where they were, but I think the viewing audience had a pretty good idea.  At the prison, Hershel begged Rick to come back inside and get some rest, while Carol and Axel were strolling around and sharing a few laughs.  That’s when The Governor made his presence at the prison known, taking out Axel with a headshot.  He and his crew were positioned at various points around the prison, and they let loose with a barrage that had all of our favorites running for their lives. 

Suddenly, a truck hit the scene, plowing through the gate before unleashing a horde of zombies on the prison gang.  A mysterious driver clad in a bodysuit and a helmet (was this one of The Governor’s minions, or could this be someone who was with Tyreese?) sprinted away as The Governor sprayed the scene with lead, too badass to take cover.  Rick and his brood managed to fire off a few rounds here and there, but I don’t think they hit anything.  I think Rick was shooting at the clouds. 

Anyway, Hershel was in a bad way and Rick was being overpowered when the greatest strengths of the third season (and perhaps the series) hit the ground running.  Michonne was on it, carving up zombies left and right.  Glenn came back and acted like Glenn, which was awesome.  And just when it looked like Rick was toast, out of ammo and overpowered by a pair of walkers, an arrow through the head of one of the walkers announced the arrival of the Dixon brothers.  It was Daryl and Merle to the rescue, and after the start of the show left me cold, the end had me smiling and itching for more.

I think Rick’s back, I think The Governor is finally starting to resemble the menace that he should be, and I think Season 3 has set the stage for a grand finale.  I’m expecting big things in the weeks to come, but if “Home” is any indication, The Walking Dead is truly going to rock in its third season.  This episode easily atoned for last week’s misstep, and I’m all in as the third act of the third season gets underway.

The Walking Dead Recap: Season 3, Episode 9 (The Suicide King)

The Walking Dead returned after 2 months, and the show didn’t waste any time, picking up right where it left off.  Fans have been agonizing over the cliffhanger ending that brought us to the mid-season break, and it didn’t take long to find out how the Dixon Family Reunion was going to proceed.  As you’ll recall, AMC’s ratings blockbuster left us hanging with fan-favorite Daryl squaring off against his big brother Merle with a volatile Governor and his bloodthirsty townsfolk looking on.  The Governor was left stewing after Michonne decided he had one good eye too many, and he was looking to blow off a little steam with a brotherly battle to the death for the good people of Woodbury.

Season 3 resumed with Daryl and Merle throwing down, but neither of the Dixon brothers was ready to leave the show.  Merle wasn’t going to turn on his own flesh and blood, and Rick and Maggie showed up to save the day.  Shots were fired, flash grenades were thrown, and our heroes (with Merle in tow) made their escape while a particularly disgusting walker found his way inside the town of Woodbury.

Soon thereafter, Rick made it clear that he hadn’t forgot about the first time he met Merle (when he left him handcuffed to a rooftop in Atlanta in Season 1) and he had no interest in inviting the elder Dixon back into the fold.  Yet Merle did lead the crew to safety, and Daryl wasn’t willing to part with his big brother.  With an enraged Glenn and Maggie looking on, Rick made it clear that he considered Daryl part of their family, but he made it equally clear that Merle wasn’t welcome back at the prison.  Merle didn’t help his cause any by immediately shifting gears and veering from heroic big brother back to antagonistic jerk in the blink of an eye.  Regardless, blood is thicker than water, and Daryl issued an ultimatum, telling Rick that he wasn’t leaving his brother behind, and that was it.  Rick wasn’t willing to back down, and neither was Daryl. 

Daryl Dixon has left the building, folks.  We wouldn’t get another glimpse of Daryl or Merle in this episode, but the teaser for next week’s episode promises more on that front.

So, then Rick, Glenn, Maggie, and Michonne returned to the prison, but only after Rick made it clear that he doesn’t want Michonne hanging around either.  She’s wounded, and our weary sheriff turned savior of the apocalypse wants Hershel to look her over, but he doesn’t trust her.  Thus far into the episode, I thought the ship was rocking and it appeared that the second portion of the third season was shaping up to be every bit as thrilling as the first half.  However, I must admit that I was more than a little let down as “The Suicide King” bogged down toward the end.

We spent some additional time in Woodbury, where The Governor spent much of his time sulking in his room while his town went to hell.  Andrea learned that Maggie and Glenn were being held in Woodbury, and she seemed pissed at first, but then she kind of shrugged it off.  This was bizarre, and Andrea continues to feel less and less like the character we knew from Seasons 1 and 2, but that isn’t really a new development.  Andrea has shrugged a lot of shit off since she came to Woodbury. 

Anyway, as the people threatened to revolt and The Governor’s henchman threatened to gun them down, the grotesque walker that found a way in earlier showed up and took a bite out of one of the locals.   Things were heating up before, but at that point, all hell broke loose.  The Governor showed up to put a round in the walker’s victim before the poor bastard could turn, and then he left without saying a word.  The people grew even more upset, and then Andrea gave a corny speech about the town’s place in history.  Fortunately, the good people of Woodbury chose that moment to behave less like human beings and more like insignificant characters on a television show, settling down so we could focus on other things.

Back at the prison, Carol struggled to cope with Daryl’s absence and Hershel told Rick about Tyreese and his crew.  Rick tried to take it all in, but the dude is tired.  He’s tired of being responsible for people; he’s tired of wondering who he can trust, and he’s tired of holding other people’s lives in his hands.  Even a tender moment with his baby girl didn’t allow him to ease out from under his many burdens and take a deep breath.  So, it came as no surprise when he decided to send Tyreese and his band away.  Yes, The Governor is probably going to come looking for revenge, and yes, the numbers game was in his favor even before the zombie-slaughtering badass known as Daryl Dixon hit the bricks, but Rick was too tired to care about any of that.  He simply wasn’t willing to add any weight to all those burdens that are slowly but surely wearing him down.

Hershel, who is probably the most likable character on the show at this point, took Rick aside and encouraged him to change his mind.  It looked like he made his point, and it appeared that Rick was going to welcome Tyreese and his crew into the group, but then our weary hero caught sight of a ghastly apparition that appeared to be his dead wife looking down on him and lost it.  “The Suicide King” drew to a close with Rick shouting and waving his gun around while those who see him as their leader scattered.

Now, this was a decent episode, and there were certainly a number of key elements unveiled in Episode 9 that will having lasting implications on the program.  Indeed, a number of plot points that were unveiled in this broadcast could lead to a stellar conclusion to this season, and I’m hoping for just that.  However, while I thought the mid-season finale was a terrific show, I thought the return of The Walking Dead was a little lackluster.  If I had to score it on a scale on of 1 to 10, I would probably give it a 6 or a 7, but I wouldn’t argue with anyone who gave it a 5. 

First off, I feel like Daryl is going to find his way back into the fold, but that needs to happen quickly.  The program is stronger whenever he is on screen.  Norman Reedus has developed a loyal fanbase for a reason, and while I’m open to new developments, The Walking Dead needs Daryl.  Yes, the comics are a better representation of Kirkman’s vision and Daryl was never invited to the party there, but he has been one of the show’s strengths from the very beginning.  

Secondly, I’ve been waiting for The Governor to become the evil badass this show needs for a while now.  When the mid-season finale drew to a close, I thought we were there.  At the onset of Episode 9, when he was strolling casually through the chaos that was enveloping Woodbury, I was convinced.  Then he went and pouted for most of the show.  Now, I realize that we’re waiting again.  Can we speed his arc up?  The Walking Dead deserves a villain with a stronger presence.  The Governor is imposing, but he should be a nightmare wearing an eye-patch right about now. 

Finally, Rick needs to get a grip.  I like seeing Rick on the ropes, and Rick should be on the ropes, but he’s also a fighter and he needs to get his head in the game.  The next time he sees a ghost, I need Rick to close his eyes and count to ten or take some deep breaths or something.  He’s already taken phone calls from beyond the grave and he is clearly operating on a different wavelength these days, but he needs to settle down.  Rick on the ropes is still a good leader, but right now it looks like Rick is down for the count and I’m thinking the group might be a lot safer if they locked him up in one of those cells.  I also wonder if Andrew Lincoln is starting to feel the same way, because we’ve seen him lose his shit a lot on this show, and he rarely fails to impress.  I didn’t think this most recent descent into madness was a shining example of what he’s capable of.

In closing, “The Suicide King” was an okay episode that advanced the plot, but it wasn’t what I’ve come to expect from The Walking Dead.  I was anticipating a terrific episode, and maybe that was part of the problem, but this isn’t a series that has struggled to deliver terrific episodes.  There are still seven episodes left in Season 3, and I’m still hoping that this winds up being the best season yet.  Given the source material they’re using, I strongly believe that they can offer up something truly special as the town of Woodbury and our merry band of survivors at the prison brace for war.

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 8 (Made to Suffer)

 
The Walking Dead delivered a captivating mid-season finale with a cliffhanger ending guaranteed to have fans eagerly awaiting the show's return.  Last week the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion to the first half of Season 3, and last night AMC delivered another gem.  We saw a major character from the comics introduced and we witnessed a fantastic fight scene that will have major ramifications on some of our primary characters.  "Made to Suffer" concluded with the reunion we were all clamoring for, but I don't think any of us were expecting it to happen like that, and now we're left to fret over the pending outcome until The Walking Dead returns.  All told, the first half of this season was a success, and should the show progress and offer up a fitting finale, Season 3 will emerge as the best season yet.

Chad Coleman

 Chad Coleman (The Wire) hit the scene in the role of Tyreese.  For the most part, I've really enjoyed the way AMC uses the source material to guide the show while mixing things up enough to keep everyone guessing.  It's going to be really interesting to see his story unfold, and though I'm not sensing that this Tyreese will be the powerhouse comic fans are accustomed to, I liked the way he was presented.  He definitely had the toughness and the poise required for the role, and I'm anxious to see how he will fit in with the rest of the players we know and love.

As promised, Rick and company took Woodbury by storm, and the highlight of the season thus far was the big fight pitting fan favorites Michonne and The Governor against one another.  This was yet another example of the show favoring the basic framework of Robert Kirkman's comic without rigidly adhering to the material.  While I have been at odds with the some of the choices they've made in this regard as of late, I really enjoyed the direction they took with this battle.  The show has delivered at least one sound fight to date (Rick vs. Shane with a zombie horde in the mix for good measure) and I had high hopes for this scene.  AMC nailed it with a vicious brawl that may indeed be the highlight of the series to date and not just the current season.

We closed out with the Dixon brothers meeting up again in one hell of a jam, an event that will definitely generate a lot of water-cooler chatter today.  It was a great decision and I know people are going to be dying for the show to come back so they can see how this plays out.  I'm there with them, but I have a hard time believing that both of the brothers are getting out alive and I'm reluctant to bid either of them farewell.  I would say "Surely they won't kill both of them" but this is The Walking Dead we're talking about, and anything is fair game.

I think The Governor may finally be on the cusp of morphing into the wretched vessel of hate he should be.  Yes, this could signal the beginning of a major uptick for David Morrissey's deceptively charming villain.  Whether or not the show succeeds in establishing The Governor as the ultimate menace that he became in the comics will play a critical role in determining just how high the ceiling is for Season 3.

This was another rock-solid episode where the tension ran high and the thrills were frequent and rewarding.  There's no doubt that The Walking Dead is the best show on television in 2012, and if the second act of Season 3 can provide a worthy conclusion then I think I'll be saying the same thing in 2013.  I think AMC is game, and I'm certainly looking forward to it.

The Walking Dead: Season 3, Episode 4

Wow.
Is it just me, or this season proving to be the most intense season yet for a program that has been very, very intense?
Last night's episode was gut-wrenching in so many ways.  The prison has proven to be a tremendous setting, and thus far Season 3 is as gripping and as challenging as anything I have ever seen on television.  There have been many stellar episodes of The Walking Dead thus far, but I think last night's offering easily ranks among the very best.  It may have been the best, and it was surely one of the most difficult to view.
The birth scene we witnessed was handled to perfection, and proved once again that fans of the comic series don't know what to expect when they sit down to watch the show.  The tone is the same, many of the characters are the same, but the show isn't bound to the comic in such a way that it can't shock fans who have already read the material.  They're basically adhering to the plot, but they have no qualms about mixing it up when they so desire.
Two fan favorites perished last night, so this was obviously a huge episode, and the impact was only heightened by the way these events transpired.  These were huge moments in a show that hasn't shied away from shocking the hell out of its viewers.  Last night was only the latest example of how far The Walking Dead is willing to go to tell a horrific and a dramatic story that is both incredibly entertaining and equally distressing. 
Andrew Lincoln continues to shine as Rick Grimes, but seriously, hasn't everyone in this cast shown that the producers did a fantastic job of putting The Walking Dead together?  Seldom do any of these performers strike the wrong chord, and the parts are rather demanding.  Last night's entry saw Rick sink to a new low in terms of despair, and though he keeps getting stronger and stronger in the face of adversity, it's fair to wonder how much more he can take. 
I still want to see more of Michonne, and I'm still getting a feel for the way AMC is depicting the Governor, but this show has rewarded me at every turn.  I still can't believe that the best thing happening in film and television so far as horror is concerned is airing on cable television.  Yet it's true, and I can't thank AMC enough for having the courage to serve up this gory delight.
I can't wait to see what's waiting for us in Episode 5.