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Reviews
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live: Bye (2024)
Days Gone Bye
This episode turns out to be quite steadily consistent, in terms of quality. Every single scene does not go out wasted, and have all sorts of plot points that eventually ties up to whole plot in general, which makes the ending of the episode - or rather the concept of it at least - quite more narratively natural and impactful.
Aside from Andy and Danai, who strives as fierce as before, I gotta say, I love Pollyana McIntosh. Her acting shines along with her character, which went from ehh in season 7 to eyy here. I mean, who would expect a non-comic character that came off as weird initially would turn out to be the biggest potential threat to everyone in the TWDU, without the character progression turning out to be jarring and unrealistic?
Lesley-Ann Brandt is great too playing as Thorne. She sure is a much more intriguing character we've ever had for a while. Gotta appreciate the effort the writing crew put in their characters.
So, thus far, out of all the first three episodes, this is the weakest certainly, but oh my how good it stiil is. Now I really can't wait for the last three episodes!
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live: Gone (2024)
I can't believe I'm saying this but
This spinoff turns out pretty good so far. I mean, I was still being careful after last episode which is great. But somehow, this episode takes it up to another notch in terms of writing quality, the plot progression, the side characters. Like for the first time since Fear, I actually manage to feel sympathy for the side characters. The writing crew ain't playing around this time.
And we have to talk about the acting too. Andy and Danai have been killing it seriously. Their anguish and joy are felt throughout the episode. The supporting actors have done a phenomenal job as well. However, speaking of which, it irritates me how new characters got killed off as soon as they were introduced, like please we want to see more of them.
Other than that, this episode is perfect. Hope the remaining episodes will keep it up.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
This movie truly speaks for me
I can understand why people may not get this movie, or cannot catch up with the plot. Even I was lost at some moments, but seriously, this movie is worth it.
As an Asian teenager with an awkward relationship with my mom, this movie more or less practically describes my life. Before watching this, my mental health was at my worst. I turned out to be a brat in result. Never wanting to socialise, rude to people, and I don't even acknowledge my faults when I do the mistakes. I was depressed wondering the meaning of life. This movie changed my whole mindset.
For a movie that had talking rocks and suspicious-looking trophies, I'm surprised I can be even EMOTIONAL at the very last few scenes. The messages... be kind to people, live up to your fullest and to your best because why not? Nothing matters, right? After that day, I try to improve myself, you know. Think before I act, not try to be cocky all the time, be less toxic around people and my loved ones. And overall, 2022 and 2023 got so much better for me. My school performance improved and so did my social life.
And I hope it forever will improve the lives of other people too. Thanks for reading.
Kimitachi wa dô ikiru ka (2023)
Better on second watching
First things first, I have to say the animation has phenomenally improved. Like awe and a bit of nostalgia hit me the second the first scene plays out. The voice acting's great too. Nothing over the top, melodramatic nor underwhelming.
And then... Call me stupid, but I don't quite fully grasp what the movie is trying to say on first watch. And that sucks since I'm a fan of Studio Ghibli movies. I mean, I manage to learn one lesson at the very least. And while that's a good lesson, i still feel empty after getting through the ending, as though I've missed something.
Either that the movie is too subtle or has too less on its subtexts, or I'm just too blind to see them. However, after looking through several analysis videos on YouTube and Google, and rewatching a few scenes, I can say I appreciate the movie more. So, guys, don't hate the movie too much just because you don't try and make the effort to understand it. Believe me, it's good when you just squint your eyes a little bit.
Fear the Walking Dead: Keeping Her Alive (2023)
"It'S wHaT aLiCiA wOuLd'Ve DoNe"
I swear if I heard that line again, in any way, i'm gonna throw my phone against the wall. It's like the writers don't have anything else to say! Repetitiveness in literature can be used correctly if it brings impact, but in this case it just brings annoyance.
Speaking of which, the writing for this whole episode is nothing but full of fillers and bullcrap plot development. Like there are a few memorable highlights, but they are just fan service. And then there's Strand who is just another dumbed down Tyrion Lannister. Luciana is not getting more screen time here, and Troy's daughter REALLY needs to die because of how insufferable she is.
Good acting though, but the writing sucks. Wish AMC could just fire those two Dumb and Dumber wannabe and get Dave Erickson back.
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
A Solid Movie At The Very Least
First of all, I just want to say this movie is great in several ways, and I just absolutely love it.
Upon going into the cinema, I thought that this movie will only cover what happened in the first FNAF game (Yeah, the trailer had shown Springtrap, I know, but I didn't think he would show up until like, post-credits or something) Therefore, I'm honestly surprised they brought a few elements from the later games as well. I mean, I get it; who would want to watch the protagonist just pressing close-the-door buttons and looking at cameras everytime?
I think that Mike's character is interesting, from the movie lore's point of view, because despite the direct reveal of him being Mike Schmidt, and not Mike Afton as theorised, I still think he is the latter person, and he is just under foster care. Maybe his backstory with his foster parents might connect later with William later in the franchise (if they are ever going to continue this) Who knows? Maybe I'm kidding myself, and MatPat will make a theory better than mine.
Speaking of which, I'm thrilled when I saw MatPat and Cory on screen, like I couldn't believe it was happening. Though, it's a pity Markiplier, the King himself didn't make an appearance due to understandable reasons. Perhaps he will make one in the sequels, if there will be one.
I also love what they do with the animatronics and the pizzeria. Even though the interior is mostly not like in the game, I appreciate the efforts and the details they try to put in (They even put a 'IT'S ME' easter egg too!).
And of course, there are always a but.
The horror itself is . . . Questionable. Since it is rated PG 13, the horror level became, in my opinion, horrendously low, and filled with offscreen deaths (James from DeadMeat ain't going to like this one) and artless jumpscares. The director failed to make me spooked or relatively scared. And it's campy too. There is one scene that almost makes me think that this movie is just a dark comedy. But I'd laughed along.
And the storytelling. Barely any problems with it. So far so good. Though, I feel like the game lore has become overly simplified in the movie. I mean, I'm not complaining, because the lore might be thoroughly rooted out across the next movies, but unless the producers are actually not going to implement the whole lore into the movies at all, they should've given us some hints. Like about the Afton family and Henry Emily. Where are they? I mean, they are who made FNAF, FNAF practically. Elizabeth, the Crying Child, and Charlotte, all of them.
But it makes no matter. All in all, the movie is a pretty fun ride for me, and I hope some of ya'll game loyalists out there can just relax and enjoy the show too. If there is a sequel in the future, I would definitely go and watch it just for my own entertainment :)
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: Coming Home (2023)
A Rushed Episode That Had Its Moments
After the cliffhanger last episode, I found the fight between Daryl and the walker in the beginning of the episode a bit underwhelming. Like, Daryl struggles but only a little, and he still manages to kill the walker that quick. Maybe an extended fight for about five, six minutes. But oh well, what's done is done.
And the writing is a bit messy too. First, we have Laurent being an idiot for trying to attack the armed guards under the reason that it would be what "Daryl would do", but dude, you're just a kid, and you're not experienced enough to be reckless.
And then we have Lauren's first kill I guess. Issabelle is really annoying in this scene. After being with Daryl for so long, you ought to think that she learned a thing or two from Daryl, but noooo, she can't even kill a single walker. Maybe the reason is that the walker is Quint, she can't bear to kill him? But the directing does not seem to be implying that. Or I might just be blind. I really thought we'd get a major character development for Issa, and it appears they gave it to Laurent. And even then they messed that up. The directing is really awful. No creative shots, no shots that build up tension when Quint attacked Issa, none that show Laurent's extreme hesitancy (which is the key point to his character during the scene!)
Thirdly, after they got out and when the French group ambushed Daryl and the others, there are two things I want to point out. One is that Issa looks too casual in the scene, like her face shows fear, but her body language doesn't. And two, she gets stabbed shortly after that... And there are NO CONSEQUENCES? What's the point of stabbing her if she survives anyway? At least why not dive a bit into her painful experience, which could've set up a potential character development. Like what the hell dude? All those potential interactions thrown away like that.
However, there are some good things about this episode. The theme of this episode is really poetic. Home. They found home at the Nest, then Daryl wants to go back home to Alexandria, which then ties back to his grandfather's backstory about failing to go back home to his family during the war, and honestly, I find that theme very impactful.
While earlier I say the directing is awful, I can say that it is hauntingly beautiful during the scene when Daryl reached the cemetery where he found his grandfather's grave. The reveal to the headstones on the ground, and the wind blowing along with the soundtrack in the background just sent chills. And bravo to Norman Reedus for his amazing acting.
And also yay, Carol! Great to see her again.
And that implies she might appear in season 2, who knows?
So this episode to me caught up well at the end, and at least a solid conclusion to the season. Speaking of which the season itself has been mostly greatly, and I absolutely love it, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for next season.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: Deux Amours (2023)
Holy sh-
I just finished watching the episode, and DAMN that's one of the best episodes TWDU has ever made since the main show's season 10 "Here's Negan". Every scene is not boring at all, especially with the flashbacks, which is the same factor that drives "Here's Negan". The flashbacks eventually pay off really well at the end along with the current time, and with Genet's powerful speech, it makes the whole scene very satisfying to watch.
Then we have the thing going on with Azlan. I found him more memorable than the other side characters that get one-off from the episodes, like his story genuinely touches me and his death makes me sad (and irritated because cmon TWD, don't kill off a potentially good character that can be explored much more!) or I might just be biased, because yay Islam representation!
Also, I'm so happy that I get to hear Carol's voice again. But the thing is what she said. Someone's back. And the show is baiting us to believing it was Rick, but I honestly doubt it. It could be Morgan with Mo. However, if it is Rick, I'm going crazy for it.
All in all, the directing, the writing and the acting raise a high bar in this episode, and I hope to God the season finale is going off with a banger!
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: La Dame de Fer (2023)
Another generic episode, but still enjoyable
Starting off, we have the amazing cinematography. Let me say that the view of the broken Eiffel Tower is hauntingly gorgeous, like absolutely. Some shots in this episode are beautifully taken, so gotta give the directing for that. And the soundtracks are pretty good to listen to too. A pretty good episode, so to speak. It's just that the thing with the episode is the writing.
There are some choppy transitions between scenes that make them feel jarring to watch. And also I feel like they could do more about the episode. Like the dialogues, firstly. They lack impact, thus become not memorable. Like the "Jimmy and the Piglet" story by Daryl feels like a plot point going somewhere, only ended up as a made up. Some people might not mind, but I personally find it a bit irritating because as the story is not real, completely fictional, it feels less impactful, at least to Daryl's character development.
Speaking of developments, we got barely any. Daryl got a bit through the pigeon guy sceneLaurent and even Genet. I wish we could have gotten more of them, because (as the other reviewer had mentioned above or below me) Genet currently is merely a hollow shell of a villain. Probably the reason because Genet hasn't done a really horrendous thing to us, the audience, so that we realise that they are not playing around. For example, with the Governor, we get to see his messed up mind with his walker daughter and his thirst for blood. And then with Terminus, which is obvious. Negan took two of our favourite characters, and Alpha more. That's what make the Commonwealth in the main show less threatening either because they barely did anything to our main characters other than pushing a button or two.
So I hope in the last two episodes, they will show us the actual villainy side of Genet, and they will speed the pace up a bit.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: Alouette (2023)
An Interesting Episode Overall
Hm, an hour long episode? Oh damn, but not complaining though! Let's talk about the flashbacks first. Some of them gotta be among my favourite moments ever in the Walking Dead so far, like we hadn't gotten much flashbacks in a while, and seeing the initial outbreak is just honestly terrifying. However after seeing the miraculous birth of Laurent, I of course can't help finding one particular similarity between Laurent and-you guessed it-Ellie from the Last of Us. I'm not complaining about that either, because I know that this trope is not rare in the zombie culture where a baby is born as the cure to humanity. It's just that I hope they weave this plot point into their own take, in oppose to the Last of Us.
Aside from that, the rest of the episode is pretty good. I find the children community a bit generic, and feel that they could do something more with them, so I hope they do that in the future episodes. And the main theme of telling lies or the truth is pretty symbolic too. It really sent Daryl, Isabelle and a few other characters in their own moral dilemma, but it's funny because either way someone's bound to get hurt; it's just the matter of how much the pain will they recieve more.
Overall, this episode is great, very great. I'm already liking this show more than Dead City, hell maybe even more than all the spinoffs as of right now. I hope this show doesn't fall out at the end because really, this show has a lot of potential to be a worthy spinoff.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)
Like This One More Than Catching Fire
I never 'completely' understand why people hate on his movie so much. Yeah I know, for some people it's slow and too long, but that's what makes it good, in my opinion. In Catching Fire, despite my absolute love for it, I feel like it's a bit too fast for me. Like whenever a scene ended, something new popped up, like it doesn't give me enough time to, you know, take a breath, to catch up and everything. This movie just perfectly balances the pace.
Unpopular opinion, also, but I agree to the choice of splitting this movie into two parts because when I read the book, I was like "how are they going to fit all this material inside ONE movie?" And because of this choice, this led to this movie possibly being the most accurate book-to-movie adaptation I've ever watched, unlike Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Additionally, it is more fleshed out too, with the original scenes with the district rebels, Coin, Plutarch and Snow being the main reasons, and in fact, I think I might like this movie more than the first half of the book.
And besides, we got scenes with Effie this early on! :D.
Better Call Saul: Fun and Games (2022)
The "Ozymandias" of Better Call Saul
I'm surprised this episode didn't get a higher rating, like at the very least a 9.8 or 9.7 would be plausible, but 9.4? For a masterfully written episode like this? The rating system seems rigged. Everything from the start to the ending is pure pefection.
After the teaser, which itself is good and hurts to watch, the episode began with Gus. Having to be dismissed of Hector's charges for killing Lalo, he went to a bar where he drank and talked amiably to a barista. I thought Gus was just putting on a facade throughout the conversation like always, but I found Gus this time odd and I didnt know why then. It was during on my second watch of this episode and after reading several comments about this scene, I start realising Gus's desire for vengeance came first rather than the desire for life. Throughout this show ever since Gus appeared, I feel like they barely added anything new with Gus, aside from some minor good character developments (if you could call it that). This scene is what makes me feel that Gus is just another tragic character driven by bad series of choices. And poetically, that's what got him killed later in Breaking Bad.
And then, we have Mike and Nacho's Dad, Manuel. The directing and writing are particularly great in this scene. The different perspectives of justice from the two man's eyes, and how we the audience see Mike through a linked fence, making him look like he's in a cage, while Manuel stood on the other side, grieving but free.
Lastly, we have Kim and Jimmy. The rest of the episode focused on them both, and goddamn it's so painful to sit through. From Howard's wake, where Kim had to straight-up lie to Cheryl and even use their fragile marriage against her, to her leaving Jimmy at the end. To me, that whole breakup scene between the two might be the most tragic one in the show. The amazing writing, the genius directing and the phenomenal acting all just add to the tension.
The sudden time jump at the end is heartbreaking too. Just then we saw Jimmy, and now we're seeing Saul Goodman up front, grinning and proud. And the last line is a mere cherry on top.
While I of course love the last four episode of this season, I wouldn't have minded this one being the finale (but we wouldn't know what happened to Kim during the Breaking Bad era, on a second thought). This episode is the magnum opus of Better Call Saul, even better than Plan and Execution and most of the top episodes of this show. It sealed up so many arcs for almost all of our favourite characters, in the most perfect way possible. Alongside Ozymandias, there would never be an episode this good in the future.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: L'âme Perdue (2023)
Truly Exceeds My Expectations
Bravo! This episode is just a fantastic ride. I think that out of all TWDU spinoffs, this pilot is quickly becoming my favourite one. It makes me excited for the rest of the show, and it gave me a similar feeling when I watched the pilot of the mother show.
Of course, we have to talk about the cinematography. While Dead City puts on this nice and warm color palette, this one just feels so refreshing and natural. The shots are good as well. Love that the budget has risen for the spinoffs. (But I hope not too much that the writing budget got cut off lol)
And then, we have the plot. It leaves me verily intrigued and surprised. First of all, let's talk about the "Messiah" concept. Sister Isabelle said that the kid Laurent is "The One" and will be the future leader of humanity. Believe me, if you're shocked at her words, you're not the only one.
I mean, the Walking Dead has always been a show of survivors trying to, well, survive the apocalypse, so the idea of this is clearly throwing everything else out of the window. I know that as of right now this might not be true after all, and that this is just a wishful thinking, but if they really decide to go on this route, I hope that they will handle it properly because although drastically unrealistic, I actually kinda want to see this "concept" growing.
And then, we have the "people on the boat" who technically, practically, basically sent Daryl to France. Their scene at the end of the episode leaves me so many questions wandering in my head. Like are they from the CRM? What was Daryl doing with them? Did Daryl find out that they, if they ever are from the CRM, might be potentially keeping Rick? Well, I only have to wait and find out.
All in all, this pilot is an amazing introduction to the series. They did it better than World Beyond and Dead City, but not than the main show and Fear, in terms of realism. I hope that the next few episodes won't fall out and be a disappointment, because I am really looking forward to this.
Nancy Drew: The Light Between Lives (2023)
Goodbye
I've been a fan of this show since the first episode. While it isn't all perfect, Nancy Drew manages to make me laugh, cringe, gasp, groan, cry and laugh again. Sure it's not as good as Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones but this is one of the shows that I will hold ever in my heart.
This finale . . . It is just an amazing piece of work. There are some conclusions to some arcs that made me ehhhh, but the rest are done well, written well and executed just the same.
I love that they managed to put a plausible end to Nancy and Tristan's love story while at the same time still make endgame Nancy/Ace work at the end. Their kiss, after waiting for three damn long seasons, just makes my whole day.
The scene with Carson and Nancy teared me up a little bit. Just imagine Nancy being a big sister in the future teaching her lil detective partner how to pick a lock lol (which is unlikely ofc but still), and Ryan getting a happy ending which is slightly rushed and came outta nowhere but it's satisfying enough because that man really deserves it.
George and Nick. I will always have a thought that those two are going to be together again by the end but I'm fine with what we have. I mean, they are still friends and they don't hold grudges against each other, and they're pursuing their dreams which is great.
I did wish they could have at least expanded on some plot points in this season that could have been potentially good, but I understand since the news of the show cancel came just during the end of production. If only we ever get a season 5 . . . Well, one could only dream.
And that's all from me. This show has been an amazing, fun, and at times, rocky ride, and the actor and actresses have been great, and so have the writers and directors in this show. Love them all, and thank you for reading.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Doma Smo (2023)
An underwhelming finale, but a perfect set-up for season 2
A good episode, and an amazing set-up for the next season (I'm sure there will be a season 2 judging from the episode's ending). The new antagonist, Doma in this episode has been introduced last episode with an air of ambiguity, which is good. In this episode however, it is revealed that this lady is far crazier than I have thought, and it makes me want to know more of her, which is great.
But since the episode is filled with extremely simple buildups to the next season, it makes the finale overall underwhelming. The action tones down slightly so that the dialogues could shine, but the problem is that some of the dialogues ain't even that interesting. It fails to catch my attention, thus making a few parts of this episode boring.
The directing doesn't help this episode either. There are no creativity in the way they are shot. Mostly, the cameras just stay in one spot and to another.
The only action scene we got in this episode was Maggie vs Negan. While the fight itself is great, there is no build-up for it, no hints or signs of when it was going to happen, nothing. One moment, they were talking; and the other, they were fighting. It just feels rushed and jarring.
And also, I want to talk about wasted potentials. They could have shot the scene with Doma and Hershel as mentioned in the episode, or at least created some interactions between the Croat and Hershel. I mean, the scenes doesn't necessarily have to move the plot forward, though they could have been the perfect ones for character building.
For example, Hershel in this episode is being an edgy, annoying teenager, which I understand but still. And then it was revealed that he had his toe cut off, probably explaining his attitude in this episode. Yeah, it is shocking and makes us feel sympathy for Hershel, but only a little. Because of lack of character building and lack of buildup scenes, we didn't feel much sympathy for Hershel than we should have.
So I hope they will expand on Hershel's character, hell everyone's character, next season. This show had been arguably good so far and I would love for it to be as amazing as the prime Walking Dead era.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Stories We Tell Ourselves (2023)
I don't know how to feel about this, though in a good way
Well, to be perfectly honest, I'm mixed about this episode. Of course, the production quality is amazing. We also got to meet a new character, and more backstories out of the Marshal and the Croat.
On the other hand, however, there are a few things that couldn't help but to bother me. First of all, I just couldn't grasp why Maggie can't just take Tomasso's oxygen tank, ESPECIALLY after its owner had died (did it break or something?). I'm not sure if they ever show a reason why Maggie won't take the tank (If that is the case, I'm sorry if I'm blind to see that).
Secondly, the build-up to the mutant walker at the end of the episode, or rather the "Walker King" as Eli Jorne had called it. They showed us that, and Maggie killed it with just a few stabs at it. Like yeah, it's cool but wouldn't it be much cooler and have much more impact if the walker is tougher than it looks, and Maggie has to find a way to kill such abomination (like the Bloater in the Last of Us). Maggie killing it like that is just too easy (I'm not saying that she should've dropped a bomb on it or something). The point is that the walker is nothing but for mere shock value.
So yeah, this is my review on this episode, and my least favourite one so far. I hope the finale will end with a bang.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Everybody Wins a Prize (2023)
Love this episode all the same
I don't think I have to talk about the phenomenal production quality of this show. And again, I just love the choice of color palette so much, especially the dark ones like omg it just brings a smile to my face.
At the beginning of the episode, we have a flashback of the Sanctuary with Steven Ogg starring back as Simon again! Even the colors there looked so pleasing, comparatively when we look back at season 7 and season 8's Sanctuary.
Additionally, the dialogues are pretty well-written, and the directing is at its best.
There are only couple of things that irked me in this episode. One, when Maggie and the others are surrounded by the walkers, why didn't just they go into the fight ring straight away? Why did they have to get themselves killed by trying to kill the walkers on the outside of the ring? They had had a pretty good number too, and we've seen a lot of times how people can succeed in a large group (like in the mother show's No Way Out).
The other is plot armor. Tomasso is about to die (there are a dozen walkers overwhelming him even!) and a few moments later, he came back unscarred, like ugh I just don't like plot armour that much, that's all.
Either way, this episode is amazing. The writing is great but could be better, and the directing's just so good.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Who's There? (2023)
"Went from a 100 to a 1000!"
The first episode is amazing with a few flaws, but this is just a whole other level of perfection. Again, the cinematography is awesome, the color palette for the episode is an aesthetic eye-smoother, the soundtracks rock and the goddamn writing is just incredible, all of them better than Fear and post-season 6 of TWD.
In this episode, we get only one flashback, and I might have wanted to ask for more flashbacks, but luckily, I am too invested in the impressive writing and action scenes in this episode to care about that. We also get some backstories on the Marshal and the Croat, which are still vague but enough for us to be interested in (at least for me anyway)
The main highlight of the episode is Negan himself, like with his monologue about the Croat, and about having to be a monster if truly necessary is so well-written. And then the knock, knock scene. That scene blows my mind. There, Negan was being the Savior Negan once again, and I just goddamn love it! I wonder why we didn't have this Negan in season 11, even for a bit.
All in all, this episode has been spectacular, the writing is drastically improved and I can't really wait for the next episode.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Old Acquaintances (2023)
We're off to a great start!
To be honest, at first, I have doubts about this show seeing how the TWD franchise has been doing lately. I thought this was just going to be the same. But I am turned out to be wrong.
First of all, let's start with the cinematography and the special effects. Like the view of Manhattan looks soooo good. I am in awe at how much budget has been put into the background views (though I hope not too much), and then we have the writing. It's great and well-written so far, but it can be predictable at times, but that's it. I'm really impressed at how good it is. It's so refreshing tbh.
The only problem I have with this episode is how it gets STRAIGHT to the point, like I understand, they probably will explain why Maggie leaves Alexandria and the others and why Negan leaves his wife and child in the next few episodes, but they ought to have given us a hint of it, don't they? Especially since it's the FIRST episode of this series.
Other than that, this episode couldn't be more perfect. I can't wait to see what the next episode has in store. :D.
Fear the Walking Dead: All I See Is Red (2023)
A Good-Bad Midseason Finale
This whole episode starts off pretty rough, and ends on a rather high note. Unsurprisingly, the dialogues of this episode are still as stupid, bad and cringy as the other episodes. Also some of the lines are constantly getting reused.
And then, we have Shrike. The way she died is merely disappointing. I know, I know. The main characters wants to settle this in peace and everything, but it could have been executed better, don't you think? In fact, they could have brought the Padre arc to a much more satisfying ending. I mean, I'm fine with what we have right now, but it just left a bit of a bitter taste in me.
But on the other hand, the directing, soundtracks, and cinematography are quite decent for a change, and the cliffhanger is thrilling and well done. We also get to see Morgan finally going back to Alexandria!
Overall, this episode is somewhere in the middle, and the first half of this season has been in the middle too, having to have both good and bad episodes. To be honest, I'm hoping that the second half will be good too. So yeah, let's just hope.
Fear the Walking Dead: More Time Than You Know (2023)
This is burning my braincells
Oh my god, the choices the characters make, and the way the script was executed and written are just too much for me. My head could just explode by now. The dialogues are pretty well bland and at times cringy.
But at least the good parts of this episode are Grace's death along with Lennie James' acting. That part is very emotional. But the other parts are just 😐
And also, where are Strand and Luciana? I've heard that Sarah, Wendell and Charlie have already been written off, or so I heard. And we're five episodes in, already! Like introduce them for God's sake!
Well, i hope the next episode is going to be food because the quality of this season has been inconsistent. But I hope it's leaning in toward the good.
Fear the Walking Dead: King County (2023)
Good Enough...
...though, it is a bit disappointing. In the trailer, they are making it seem like Morgan is going to end up finding Rick when they showed us King County and Grace mentioning Rick in the trailer, but it ends differently than I expected. No surprise there. Whenever I have a high expectations for these recent The Walking Dead episodes, they usually land on the bottom instead.
And also, the writing and directing is a bit problematic. The dialogues are at times illogical and stupid, and let's talk about the King County itself. It is an iconic place in the Walking Dead Universe, yet they only show bits of it like Morgan's house and some houses here and there, but that's it. I would have loved for them to do...I don't know, close up shot of the nature in the abandoned county, showing how much time has gone by since we, the audience, last saw it. Like The Last of Us would do. Maybe it's the budget, who knows?
But the good things about this episode are:
* It is at one point faithful to the comics (Duane getting chained up)
* Finally seeing King County after years, even though we never get to see the full scale of it.
* A couple rare mentions of THE Rick Grimes, despite it ending up a bit anticlimactic
* Shrike getting her ass kicked by a kid
* Lennie's great acting
And that's it. This episode is not that bad but it's been doing pretty well so far for the Fear standards. So I hope the episode is going to be as good or, dare I say, even better.
Fear the Walking Dead: Odessa (2023)
A decent episode
As I've said in the title, the episode's decent. It's not as good as the last episode, but it could've been a lot worse.
First, we have to talk about the script. Some of the lines are just reused and reused, over and over again like please, writers, be a bit creative, won't you? And there are some illogical, stupid moments that I can't really get my head around.
And then there's the directing. Some of the scenes of the episode are just them standing too casually, even when in an *intense* scene. You know what I'm talking about if you've watched the episode. Maybe I confuse this with the acting, but I guess the directing had a little part of it too. At this point, if they keep standing so lifelessly and awkwardly like that, they'd be more dead-like than the walkers do.
But of course, there are some good scenes too, and the soundtrack throughout the first half of the episode is better than expected.
Overall, I think that this episode has a lot of flaws but it's not so horrible that you'd be loathing it. So far, my hope for a good final season is still wavering, but the next episode will be about Morgan going back to King County, a memorable place in TWDU, so let's see if that will end up as a good episode or not.
Fear the Walking Dead: Blue Jay (2023)
Much better than the premiere that's for sure
Ok...I gotta admit, this episode is quite good. After the dumpster fire of a premiere, I thought this episode was going to be just the same or worse, but I was wrong. The characters in this episode were all well-written (yes, only *well*-written and that's good enough for Fear standards) at least, and for the first time since forever, I think that I felt the same feeling I did during watching season 6 of Fear.
Although, I might say the cinematography needs a little bit of work and the transitions were a bit choppy at times but that's all. Other than that, it is really good.
I'm still keeping my expectations low for the next episodes however. But I think if they keep this up, we might just have a decent finale for once.
Fear the Walking Dead: Remember What They Took from You (2023)
Already at the lowest of the low next to "Amina"
Oh god, why am I surprised? Of course, this episode ain't any better than the last ones in season 7, which is already the most horrible dumpster fire any show has ever produced.
First, I'm going to start with the acting. No any offense to Kim Dickens and Zoey Merchant, but imo, their acting seems a bit bland, especially the latter. And Kim...I liked her stony, cold expressions back in season 1 - 3, now she's just...feeling, exaggeratedly. Like that is too jarring to be honest. But of course, I don't blame her or any of the actors.
That should be thanks to the brain-dead writing. Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg... I don't usually insult anybody, but I need to admit, after they took over Fear, it just gradually became worse. I don't even believe they did Season 6 anymore. I hope somehow AMC hired back Dave Ericson. What a wonderful news that would be. Season 1 - 3 may not be perfect, but it's better than what Fear is now.