Well, if last night’s episode doesn’t quell the constant belly-aching of those who claim there isn’t enough zombie action on the show, then there is nothing that will shut them up.
Last night’s episode was tense and heartbreaking, forcing each character to make horrible choices to protect both the group and more importantly their loved ones. The pair of fellas Rick was forced to kill Old West Style last week had friends and they’re not about to move on without putting up a fight, so naturally Glen, Hershel, and Rick spend as much ammunition fighting walkers as they do living, breathing humans.
Back at the camp things aren’t going any better and Shane is going off the deep end, telling lies confessing his love to people, and asserting as much control over the situation as possible.
For me, the situation with Shane is far more interesting than the business with the zombies. Shane is a barreling freight train, running down the tracks at top speed, ready to crash headlong into whatever gets in his way. And if the comic book is any indication, it’s not going to be pretty.
Since day one, I’ve been saying that I find the human element more interesting than the zombie one in this series, comic or otherwise, and I think after this episode people might start seeing things my way. The fractures in the group, the decisions the people are making, are vastly more intriguing than assholes being pinned down in a firefight by zombies. Look at the decisions Glen is making as far as Maggie is concerned? Every decision he made fighting zombies was predicated on the last 6 episodes of relationship building between them. This episode wouldn’t have been half as good without the so-called “boring” episodes.
Though I will give one bit of concern: Now that Sophia has been found it feels like the writers have no idea what to do with Daryl. If he’d have been in the town with the boys, there wouldn’t have been a contest and it would have turned into an action movie, so it was the right decision to keep him out of the action, but I hope they know what they’re doing with the character. By all accounts though, they’ve made all the right moves so far, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.
Also: that dude’s leg?
Wow. That was one of the best moments of gore on the show since they had to chop up zombies to rub their parts on their clothes.
I don’t think I’m off base on my assessment of these episodes at all, but I’d still like to hear your opinion. Especially if you disagree with me.
And I also hope to see you come out to see our screenings of The Walking Dead on the big screen in coordination with Brewvies and City Weekly. (More info here.)