Our cast is stump deep in the prison now. How does the episode flow now that we’re in a place that isn’t an insanely boring farm? Let’s find out.
1. Everything with the prisoners is great
I love the prisoners, and, to be more specific, I love what they do to the cast. It seems like the entire cast is invigorated by what is going on at the prison, and it’s hard not to get pumped by it. In specific, the tension that clearly exists between Rick and the leader of the prisoner crew is intense, and everything that happens with that crew – even when they’re not killing zombies – is very engaging. This is undoubtedly the best episode in…well, I can’t remember how long. It’s been a while.
2. Everything with Hershel’s story is not
Is it bad that I kind of wanted Hershel to turn into a walker and bite Maggie when she was giving her tearful plea to him to let go? The only part of the episode that dragged in classic Walking Dead fashion were those sequences. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – just make the show Rick and Daryl killing zombies and everyone will love it.
3. SCREW YOU CHRIS HARDWICK
Seriously.
After the aforementioned heartfelt, emotional Maggie scene, we go to a commercial that is for The Talking Dead that has Hardwick literally yelling at us saying “MAN SEEING HERSHEL’S BLOODY STUMP WAS GROSS!!! SO HERE’S THE HASHTAG #ONELEGGEDHERSHEL.” Let’s say that scene was actually effective, emotionally. Could there be anything that ruins it more than that commercial? I don’t think so. It’s the TV equivalent of DC’s obsession with destroying covers with banner ads at the top.
4. The rise of Carol?
Something crazy is happening this season. Carol, normally the worst of the worst in terms of characters, has kind of kicked ass through two episodes. In the time we didn’t see, she came to terms with her emotions and developed some modicum of confidence. Whether she’s hitting on Daryl or recruiting Glenn to help her kill zombies for surgery practice, there’s just something new about the character that makes her far better than ever before.
5. AWWW YEAH RICK!
Some may find what he does distasteful, but man, Rick is starting to feel like the Rick I know and love finally. This entire episode – and season so far – feels like Rick finally taking control of the group, and the way he deals with the prisoners? It reminds me of Kirkman’s handling of the character in the comic. Sure, he’s kind of a bastard, but he’s willing to do anything he can to keep his family alive. That’s what we’re supposed to get out of him. I welcome him to the show. I feel like Andrew Lincoln is pretty excited about it too, as his performance feels stronger than ever as well.
