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The Walking Dead: The Damned (2017)
Walking Dead Back on Track?
Despite my hatred for splitting the group up, as the writers have done ad nauseam, I got to give credit to the writer of this episode for giving some life back to the show. Normally, the writers do this for the purpose of stalling the plot, which got annoying after season 6; however, I was genuinely surprised on how much was done in 42 minutes of show. Whether it be Morgan going on a killing spree, or Rick meeting an old friend (aka Morales), I felt that the episode had a nice mix of slower moments, particularly with Carol and Ezekiel, to more action-packed sequences, as with Aaron and Morgan. I can only hope that this is a sign of even greater things to come moving forward - though I wonder, how did Rick and the gang get so much ammunition? No matter.. I am happy to see this one-up - no ten-up the season premiere, and I am hoping the writers take the misfires of season 6 and 7 as a lesson that their beloved fans want quality over quality, and that our loyalty to the show cannot be bought with mediocrity. In short, this was definitely a step in the right direction, and I hope (begging) that Gimple and his associates don't screw it up in the end. Overall, I give it a 9/10, which has become increasingly rare since the end of season 5.
The Walking Dead: Mercy (2017)
Revival or the Beginning of the End?
Ever since the third episode of season five, which, for those who don't remember, saw Rick kill what remained of Gareth and his cannibal friends-boy that was a good episode-the show has been trending downwards, both in quality, and likability. Fast forward to the season eight premiere, and the show's 100th episode, the love that I once had when "Four Walls and a Roof" premiered, is one that barely exists at this point in time. Going from a show that was built on intriguing character dynamics and more often than not, entertaining dialogue, which had us cry, think, and become attached to our beloved characters, has been bastardized by an executive team that cares more about making money, than delivering a product most would deem worth the hour from our Sunday nights. What was once a show that had me on my toes, had my heart beating, and my mind on the fritz has become mind-numbing and lacklustre at times, due to contrived plots and decisions made out of character to advance said plots. Parts of season 6 (i.e. Glenn's fake-out death, the finale cliff-hanger, the scene leading up to Denise's death, etc.) and much of season 7, exemplifies this to the bone. Above all, this revolves around the crux of the show's problems: Negan. Tonight's episode 'Mercy' showed how this cartoonish, over-the-top fiend couldn't even go one episode without saying something crude, as a means of "invoking fear" within Rick and co. I get it, his character is exactly like this in the comics, but sometimes, some things do not translate well on the big screen, and he is one of them. The sooner they kill him off, the better. Besides my disdain for Negan as a character, this episode, as a whole, was far from the much-needed adrenaline shot it so desperately needs. This episode would have been a step in the right direction, if Negan was not in it. Matter of fact, it would have been better if less bullets were needlessly wasted and if there was some actual meaningful carnage in the episode. Because of how convoluted the final 10-15 minutes were, I cannot give this episode a rating higher than a 7/10. The build-up in the first 20 or so minutes ACTUALLY progressed the plot quite nicely, despite little pay off in the episode itself. However, I remain CAUTIOUSLY optimistic that the intermingling of the three timelines will pay off by the midseason finale. One can only hope.. That being said, I am not sold on Gimple being the show's saviour, nor am I sold that Negan was worth the hype he has garnered since season 6 episode 9, and that really showed in tonight's below-average (but still decent episode) premiere.
The Walking Dead: Last Day on Earth (2016)
****Contains Spoilers - Read at your own discretion****
I really was hoping that the walking dead would change its ways and stop with the cop-out, as there have plenty of those this season... but much to my surprise (not surprised), the writer's had to go RUIN the biggest scene in the comics by dragging the episode out unnecessarily. Show us the bloody carnage and brutality... give us the fans something to Fear. unfortunately the writer's turned an amazing episode into the worst episode ever. I mean there are legit bad episodes or fillers, and then there are over hyped nonsensical episodes like this, as what could have been one of the best seasons ever, turned out to be the worst season ever. THE WALKING DEAD I grew up loving was organic, breathtaking, and very traumatizing (in a good way) as the human condition was explored in amazing depth... now the walking dead has resorted to cheap gimmicks in order to further the plot. The writing hasn't wowed me often, but when it did, it would be followed up by more disappointing plot lines...I'm really quite sad that this is what has become of the show. Pity... really...
Pros + None, as even though most of the episode was good, AMC had to go ruin the last scene for me, which makes the Glenn cop out look like top notch writing.
Cons - Stupid Cliffhanger Yet another Cop Out All Bark No Beat - Negan's Intro Something to Fear? Yeah right.... Amazing Acting, but poor way to end season
Conclusion: If the season 7 premiere isn't amazing like the writer's say it will be, I WILL stop watching this show... and even if it is amazing, the writer's have a long road ahead of them in getting me to love this show again...
~ Sincerely, A Ticked off Fan
The Walking Dead: East (2016)
Good Setup - Cold have Been Better ***WARNING - CONTAINS SPOILERS***
Personally, I felt that this episode was a mixed bag of greatness and contrived plot lines, making it the worst episode of this half season. First off, I'll start with the negatives... 1) Even though I support the writer's decision to have Carol experience PTSD after all the horrors she has witnessed (i.e. the death of her daughter, the deaths of Lizzie and Mika, and the death of Sam) and show a shift in character because of it, I hope the writers make this feel more organic come the finale or next season. However, the scene with Carol getting lost in her own train of thought, when Tobin was talking to her, was a step in the right direction! 2) Glenn should not have left after Daryl, given the fact that his wife is pregnant and an imminent attack is not out of the realm of possibility. The fact that Glenn was captured and ever left Alexandria was the dumbest piece of writing I have seen all season long. I'm sorry, but I cannot defend this at all... :( 3) Make the ambushes of our beloved characters a little more believable. Again writers, make the story feel more organic. Now, for the positives... 1) Having Morgan heading off after Carol was believable, as he feels responsible for Carol leaving. Rick heading off with Morgan, although questionable, brought about some good dialogue between the characters (I.e. The wolf confession and the fact that Morgan said the exact same thing to Rick that Rick said to Governor: "We can always come back" - good touch writers!) Even though Rick leaving to begin with was questionable, I'm willing to forgive this as Morgan told Rick to go back as he searches for Carol alone - brings about a new storyline b/w him and Carol. 2) The Carol killing scene - badass Terminator ... nothing more needs to be said about that (definitely the best scene in episode). 3) The lone saviour surviving - is he heading after Carol or heading back to Negan? Builds suspense - good, organic writing. :) 4) Daryl leaving after Dwight was completely reasonable as he feels responsible for Denise's death. Builds upon the interesting dynamic b/w rivals Dwight and Daryl - NOW DARYL CANNOT DIE IN THE FINALE, as this rivalry b/w them is too goddamn good. 5) The end scene with Daryl getting shot was a GREAT cliff-hanger as we know Daryl isn't dead (Dwight said "You'll be alright after Daryl got shot). This ultimately signifies how arrogant our survivors have become, thinking the Saviours are a joke. Little, do they know, they are screwing with the wrong people... Overall, this episode was decent at best but was brought down by Glenn following after Daryl, even though Maggie is pregnant, and our best survivors (behind Rick)becoming almost completely deaf... SERIOUSLY GIMPLE... ENOUGH WITH THE CLIFF-HANGERS AND BS Story lines... I hope the finale is amazing and that season 7 becomes better in overall story-telling quality. Because of this, I give the episode, a 7.5/10 rating
The Walking Dead: Coda (2014)
Coda - The Rise and Fall of Great Character
From fire to ashes, there is birth, rebirth, and death...unfortunately this was the case for Beth, a beloved member of Rick's rag-tag team of survivors. Although many fans of the show have criticized the producers characterization and eventually demise of Beth, I found it spectacular to say the least. Going from a character who only either sang or watched Judith, I have been surprised about Beth's growth as a character these past two seasons. From someone who was weak, suicidal, and "didn't have what it took to survive" - according to Dawn - Beth has become a strong, smart, resilient and courageous individual that, through Daryl's teachings and her past experiences, have given her a reason to live and people to fight for. A cause to fight for. Beth's end, although expected by a mile by most, was tragic and brought tears of pain to my eyes. Not only did she stand up for Noah during "the trade", she also revealed to everyone how truly twisted Dawn was. Beth, had become a beacon of hope for the group, someone who reminded the group that they are not too far gone and that they can still hold onto their humanity. She symbolized the juxtaposition of humanity and brutality quite effectively, as she illustrated that when you care for the people you love, your family, you will do anything to save them, even if that means risking your own life in the process. Her heroic actions in saving Noah from a 'permanent imprisonment' really touched me as she was ready to go to great lengths of brutality for a cause of such meaning and such beauty.. And that is friendship. With her death, came great sadness to Rick, and the rest of the group, especially Daryl and Maggie. Although her character had potential for more deep character exploration, her end was still fitting and with her death comes new story arches for certain members of the group. How will Maggie learn to deal with the pain of losing her father and sister? How will Glenn change after seeing Beth's corpse and Maggie's sorrow? Will he become brutal like Rick or remain a moral compass like Tyresse? Will Daryl revert to his old ways and shut himself emotionally like after "Too Far Gone"? Will Tyresse realize that in order to survive, one must commit brutal acts of violence in order to live another day? Is he a liability to the group? Is Sasha going to grow more distant from her pacifist brother? Will Father Gabriel remain a liability? What will Eugene's new dynamic with the group be after he admitted to his less than glorious scam? Will Abraham become the new Shane and challenge every decision Rick makes from here on out? When will Morgan be brought into the fold of our beloved group of survivors? Is he a threat or an asset? Will Carl and Michonne's mother-son dynamic continue to grow? When will the walkers become a huge threat again? All these questions and more will hopefully be answered by seasons end.
In Memorium of Beth, a fighter and believer that there is more to life than simply surviving from day-to-day. Your hopeful, yet brutal character will be deeply missed...
My Score: Due to the predictable nature of Beth's death and predictable nature of the first season, I give the first half of season 5 a score of 8.5/10, despite the great ing character development of Beth, Daryl, Carol, the high octane action at season's start, and the new approach by Rick's group in dealing with another group (more pacifist approach)
The Walking Dead: Slabtown (2014)
Beth rises to the occasion in this story building episode
For the first time in the show, I can honestly say that Beth's character is intriguing after some serious character development in this episode. Initially, her character was boring in season 2, but after tonight's episode, I see beth as a survivor who is able to get her hands dirty without having to lose herself (humanity) in the process. She showed the audience that she is brave enough to speak out her mind and deal with the horrors of the post- apocalyptic world, which is seen as she absolutely ridicules Officer Dawn's philosophy on "building a system" where you "are needed for the greater good of society". What makes this even more impressive was that beth did this, despite knowing that she would get beaten by officer dawn - a controlling, abusive, and delusional physcopath. Beth also displays a certain level of intelligence that illustrates her experience as a survivor when she confronts the coward of a doctor. He gives Beth wrong instructions in treating a patient - who is also a doctor - in order to save his own ass and maintain his worth in "the system". however, Beth sees through his lies quite easily as reveals him for what he is: a coward. Her escape from the clutches of the demented police officers with Noah was thrilling to say the least, shinning the limelight on her as she kills a dozen or so walkers. Her newfound bravery, mixed with a sentimental yet brutal side to her character has made Beth more likable than ever before in this show! This episode had a mix of suspenseful character development and thrilling scenes of action where Beth rose to the occasion and showed her true colours as she helped Noah escape (despite being captured herself, where she smiles)! Cannot wait for what angle the writers take Beth's character on in future Walking Dead episodes! Best Season Yet!!!
The Walking Dead: Four Walls and a Roof (2014)
Solid Episode; keep it up Walking Dead - Contains Spoilers, read at your discretion
If you have not watched the episode "Four Walls and a Roof", don't not precede to read my review...as it DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!
Now, this season of the walking dead has continued to impress me; whether it be the rich story of the new season, or the realistic representation of life for our current survivors after all they have faced up to this point. The third installment of the new season "Four Walls and a Roof" started off by drawing connections to the brutality and hunger of the Hunters to that of the walkers. This alludes to the thematic idea of "your either the butcher or your the cattle" that was presented in the season 5 premiere, showing the viewers that the sheer horror of the apocalypse forces people to do things that change them for the worse. Terminus was once a sanctuary, but when faced with adversity, the Termites allowed the horrors of their past to turn them into what they feared most: monsters. By resorting to cannibalism, the Termites, now the Hunters, do whatever it takes in order to survive. Unfortunately, Bob was on the wrong end of their brutality. However, despite being sad to see Bob go, I was happy with his character development this season, going from being a beat up drunk, to being a survivor, and finally a man who didn't let his nightmares consume him. He epitomizes the idea that there is light at the end of the tunnel - hope - even when death is on the horizon. Hope, that there is still good in the survivors, even after the acts of brutality they have committed in order to protect their own. We see an example of this as the Hunters are tricked by Rick and the Gang by surprising them with a sudden attack in Gabriel's Church. Instead of showing mercy to these cannibalistic monsters, the gang gives them a death that is comparable to the past heinous slaughtering done by the termites. A killing that felt wholesome, considering how monstrous those individuals had become. This teaches Tyresse that he needs to find a perfect balance b/w his human and animalistic side, which is evident as he mercy kills Bob - just like Carol had taught him. Although his sense of morality is nice to see on the show, his epiphany or new perspective on life - where you might not have a choice - is a breath of fresh air. This episode brought it all, suspense, horror, gore, emotion, and pain as this season continues to impress. However, I felt that the episode focused a bit too much on Bob awaiting for his inevitable death, which may have hurt the overall flow of the episode (just a tad). Also, the Departure of Glenn and Maggie, although smart story-telling was a bit confusing in terms of why they actually left Rick, their leader of 3 years. Rick's slaughter of the Termites aka Hunters for a day showed the difference of opinion b/w how Rick and Glenn would deal with the matter at hand, which I find intriguing nonetheless. However, their departure, although temporary no doubt brings new story lines to the show that has been nothing short of amazing this season.
Score: 9.2/10.0