The Walking Dead defeated by the "Killer Within"

AMC's The Walking Dead takes the danger to a whole new level this week with "Killer Within." After two episodes where portions of the cast sat out, this episode jumped back and forth between the prison and Woodbury, illustrating a few very different dangers, and ultimately ending with the the deaths of two original cast members. And this wasn't even a season finale! No one (except maybe Rick) is safe.

What an opening! It is an incredible, action-packed sequence, with walkers invading at the worst possible time! I thought Hershel (Scott Wilson) and his missing leg would be gone for good, but am so, so, happy this isn't the case!

T-Dog (IronE Singleton) bites the dust first. Early in a battle with walkers, he is sadly bitten on the shoulder. Running through the prison, trying to protect Carol (Melissa McBride), he ends up sacrificing his (admittedly already doomed) life to provide her a route of escape. Torn apart in one of the bloodiest, most gruesome moments of the show yet, his body is later seen on the floor, confirming his demise.

T-Dog has long seemed the most expendable member of the cast, with fewer plots, lines, and ties to the other characters. And yet, that doesn't mean I'm happy to see him go. The character proved to be a fan favorite because he was just plain fun, and his departure is regrettable. Even those who might have held back tears during the episode would have been hard pressed to continue to do so during the after show Talking Dead, which basically amounted to an extended tribute and goodbye.

Where is Carol? Surely she's alive. They only find her scarf. Hopefully she returns safely soon, rather than being missing and found dead like her daughter was.

One might be forgiven for thinking that in a middle-of-the-season episode, after losing an original cast member like Singleton, death would be sated. You would be mistaken. It isn't long before a complicated child birth takes Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) out of the game, too, resulting in a much bigger loss for the group.

For those who read the comic book, the drawn Lori has a picture perfect death, (SPOILER!) mowed down by the Governor with her infant daughter in her arms while the group abandons the besieged prison. Sadly, despite how powerful that scene is, it will not come to pass.This happens quite a bit earlier, and proves once again that even for fans who have read the story, The Walking Dead TV show still has plenty of surprises to deliver.

If you just watch the show, though, Lori's death is foreshadowed, in retrospect. The character has always treated her pregnancy like a death sentence, and has openly talked about giving birth as the end of her own life. Her labor comes at a very inconvenient time, under terrible circumstances, and with complications. There is no other ending than to cut her open and save the baby.

A few things do bother me about this otherwise fantastic scene, though. One, it appears the door to the room where Lori delivers doesn't even close properly, and walkers are lumbering past. Why do none of them try to come in? Surely her screams would attract them? Two, Maggie (Lauren Cohan) gives up way too easily to get the baby out the natural way. Delivery can often take hours, and she should have been patient. It is understandable that Lori has given up, taking into account everything she says leading up to that moment. And Maggie is clearly terrified and susceptible to suggestion. But to just cut Lori open and let her die sucks. Third, why doesn't Maggie even try to save Lori? Yes, her stomach is cut apart and there's lot of blood, but in a hospital, women survive Cesareans all the time. Why is this not even a possibility here?

These things aside, Lori's passing is very moving, especially as Carl (Chandler Riggs, who is stellar this week) is forced to watch it, and puts the bullet in his mother's brain. We don't see him do this, so there is a chance that Walker Lori may appear in the next couple of episodes. But it doesn't change the fact that Carl witnesses and contributes to his mother's death. Even with her absolution and her asking for it, Carl will have to change even more because of this.

In fact, Carl takes the death better than Rick (Andrew Lincoln), with a stoic face as his father writhes on the ground upon learning the news. Granted, Rick is not in a good place with Lori in the end, and there will be huge amounts of guilt, especially with knowing that he didn't save his son from that moment. But it makes me worry that Carl will turn into a psychopath, a bit like one of the twins in the graphic novel.

All of this danger happens because Andrew (Markice Moore) returns and lets the Walkers into their area. Now, setting aside that Andrew should not have survived how Rick left him, as The Walking Dead does occasionally have near-miraculous survivals, it is kind of cool to tie the attacker back to them, completing an earlier arc. It also allows Oscar (Vincent Ward) to choose sides in front of Rick, putting down Andrew once and for all.

I want Oscar and Axel (Lew Temple) to join the group. It has grown smaller, and I feel like these two prisoners, alone of the five found, do not pose a threat. I could be wrong, of course, but they certainly seem eager to put group survival ahead of any personal criminal tendencies, trading playing nice for a better chance of living. Plus, there are only a finite number of characters that can be lost without adding new blood periodically. These two seemed prime to join the ranks, even if they don't make it out of the prison alive, as they did not in the comic. After all, no matter how the show might change the story, it seems certain that the Governor (David Morrissey) will eventually attack, and lives will have to be lost at that point.

Speaking of the Governor, he has definitely charmed Andrea (Laurie Holden), though Michonne (Danai Gurira) sees right through him. It makes sense that Michonne doesn't confess everything to Andrea, as Andrea appears to be swayed enough, and the evidence is circumspect enough, that she would probably confront the Governor with Michonne's charges, putting them both in danger. But the fact of the matter is, the women are in serious trouble. The Governor is not a nice guy, even if he has yet to (SPOILER!) brutally rape Michonne, something I think might still be coming, and they would be wise to be wary.

The question is, will Andrea's hesitation to leave ruin her relationship with Michonne? Because of the way time has passed in the series, Andrea has been with Michonne longer than she was with the group. The two have formed a very strong bond that is seriously being tested now. How might that change their dynamic going forward?

Lastly, in "Killer Within" Merle (Michel Rooker) tells the Governor he would like to go look for Daryl (Norman Reedus). The Governor says some nice things, but is definitely not in favor of such a plan. Might Merle try to strike out on his own? How will that ruin the relationship between Merle and the Governor, which seems to be tight prior to this stumbling block. And will Merle end up being a good guy, unlike how he is seen in early episode of The Walking Dead? It looks like it when he talks to Andrea.

The Walking Dead is having a frighteningly good third season. New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

The Walking Dead picks a "Cherokee Rose"

     AMC's The Walking Dead finds the group trying to settle into Hershel's (Scott Wilson, CSI) farm, though Hershel tells Rick (Andrew Lincoln) they are only welcome temporarily, and should not get too comfortable. This isn't hard, when a zombie is discovered in one of the farm's wells and contaminates the water. Glenn (Steven Yeun) may be more receptive than most to staying anyway, since he has a sexual encounter with Maggie (Lauren Cohan, Chuck, The Vampire Diaries) that he won't soon forget, though she says that they won't be repeating it. But while the survivors (at least temporarily) have a base, they begin looking more thoroughly for still-missing Sophia (Madison Lintz).

     How did the zombie get into Hershel's well? There are no zombies to be seen on the farm, and the residents seem pretty secure, not even worrying about leaving visible lights on at night. This indicates there may be more security present that is immediately apparent. It also is enough to wonder if perhaps someone put the zombie into the well purposely. After all, there are a number of wells on the farm, and the central group is sent specifically to that one. Of course, if the zombie is placed there purposely, not much is done to hide it, so it's really kind of a situation that doesn't make much sense when examined too closely.

     Even more confusing is Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) and T-Dog's (IronE Singleton) plan to get the zombie out of the well alive, so as not to contaminate the water. Since zombies are, essentially, rotting corpses, surely the water is already unfit to drink. Whether it will infect anyone with the zombie virus or not doesn't matter. There are pieces of flesh coming off, and pus and other liquids dripping into the water supply. Zombies are not clean and hygienic. The entire exercise of removing the zombie is pointless.

     Continuing on the weirdness of this scene, Glenn should not be used as bait, nor should a canned ham, for that matter. The survivors know that zombies don't go for dead things, and surely saving an entire ham when supplies are scarce and not easy to replenish trumps what they are doing. And they are on a farm, so there has to be an animal around that would make better bait than Glenn. Plus, after the rope breaks and Glenn is struggling, it is predictable that when he is pulled up, he has already accomplished the task. Yet, despite the assumption and confirmation that this is what happens, it doesn't appear realistic in the moment, given what is shown of Glenn's panicked struggles.

     But enough about the one bad scene in an otherwise great episode. Even The Walking Dead is allowed an occasional mistake.

     Hershel becomes a bit more mysterious and less friendly in "Cherokee Rose." While previously offering hospitality, he now wants everyone to move on as soon as they are able. Rick asks him to reconsider, and Hershel agrees, but doesn't seem too eager to relent, also mentioning that there are things that he will not discuss. Readers of the comic books know something is lurking in Hershel's barn, which is mentioned, but not in a suspicious way, in "Cherokee Rose." What might the screen version of Hershel be hiding, and why can't he share that with Rick?

     Despite Hershel's insistence, Rick looks to be staying. He puts his badge away in a dresser drawer in Hershel's house, and promises to follow Hershel's rules, even avoiding questioning their host, as he should. This points to Rick's willingness to do whatever needs to be done so that they can stay in this comparitively secure location.

     One thing that could get the main gang kicked off of the farm is if the truth ever comes out about how Shane (Jon Bernthal) kills Otis (Pruitt Taylor Vince, The Mentalist, Deadwood). Shane gets up and spins a hero's story about the death of Otis at his wake, but viewers know that Shane murders Otis so that he can escape with the medical equipment needed to heal Carl (Chandler Riggs). Shane's actions may make sense from a completely intellectual standpoint, but that will not endear him to Otis's friends in any way.

     Shane is having quite a rough time dealing with his actions, and he should be. As he tells Andrea (Laurie Holden), sometimes decisions must be made in a split second, and emotion cannot factor in. The brain shuts down, and instincts rule. This is obviously what Shane believes happens when he shoots Otis, which makes sense, as Shane is not a bad guy, and he shows no sign of leaving Otis prior to that moment. He does what he must do because he values Carl over Otis. In that regard, it's a simple, justifiable decision.

     A huge part of why Shane feels as he does about Carl is because of his love for Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), probably the only person who would easily forgive Shane for his actions, should they ever come out. Lori allows Shane to stay with the group, even though she asks him to leave earlier, because Shane risks his life to save Carl. Lori values her son above others, too, and it grateful for Shane's save. But Lori is also in love with her husband, Rick. And whether her unborn baby turns out to be Rick's or Shane's, of which there may not even be a way to tell, she probably will stay with Rick if she can. It matters little to her that Shane fancies himself a better protector and provider.

     It is surprising that Shane is not a hero of The Walking Dead anymore, and that redneck Daryl (Norman Reedus) is much more likable. Daryl goes out of his way to hunt down Sophia, though he doesn't have to, and may even find a clue in "Cherokee Rose." Looking in an abandoned house, Daryl discovers recently eaten food packaging and a makeshift bed. Who else could it be besides Sophia? In a very tender moment, Daryl picks a "Cherokee Rose" from the site and presents it to worried mother Carol (Melissa Suzanne McBride). He doesn't mention what he sees, so as not to give Carol false hope. Daryl's selfless and compassionate acts may point to many having misjudged him.

     Is love blooming between Maggie and Glenn? She says that their sexual encounter in the pharmacy is a one time thing, done only to relieve mutual loneliness. But Glenn is a good guy that proves his bravery to her twice in "Cherokee Rose," with his actions at the well and his willingness to go into town. They both seem like great people, who deserve a little happiness in a dark time. With her options limited, Maggie may reconsider Glenn down the line. He couldn't do any better, under any circumstances. The only question is, how would Maggie having real feelings for Glenn jeopardize Hershel's plan to kick them all off of the farm?


     Only three episodes left before The Walking Dead takes a couple of months hiatus! Do not miss it Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

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Article first published as TV Review: The Walking Dead - "What Lies Ahead" on Blogcritics.

"What Lies Ahead" for The Walking Dead

     AMC's second season premiere of its smash hit The Walking Dead, "What Lies Ahead," broke basic cable viewing records this week. In the episode, the survivors camp is traveling to an army base when Dale's (Jeffrey DeMunn) RV breaks down in the middle of a sea of wrecked cars. While gathering supplies and fixing the vehicle, a herd of zombies walk by. While the others hide, Sophia (Madison Lintz) gets scared and flees into the woods. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) takes off after Sophia and kills the zombies, but after two days of searching, there is still no sign of the litle girl.

     "What Lies Ahead" asks a very tough question of the main characters. How long should they continue to look for this little girl? How long can they afford to? With the zombies roaming the country, it is unlikely she can survive long at all. With a second night approaching, is there even a chance she is still alive? Are they putting themselves in jeopardy by continuing to look, when they should be moving on and trying to find a safe haven? How much search time is owed to grieving mother Carol (Melissa Suzanne McBride)?

     There are no right answers to these questions, though in the new talk show following, Talking Dead, they post a poll in which they claim 99.9% of voters wouldn't search at all, hardly likely. Which is why each character has their own opinion. Dale pretends the repair is taking a long time to keep the search party looking. Rick, wracked by guilt, doesn't want to give up, either. Honestly, neither does anyone else, really. The loss of an innocent child is a tough twist to take. But with little hope, some of them will want to start moving on again soon. Is that an evil desire, even though it is logical when their lives are definitely in danger?

     As if the writers aren't cruel enough to children, the only other one in the group, Carl (Chandler Riggs), is shot, presumably by a hunter. Who the hunter is is still unknown, but hopefully it is just an accident, and the shooter will provide help for the wounded little boy. How cruel can one series be, focusing all of the misery and strife on the kids? It's unexpected, shocking, gut wrenching, and the reason so many people tune in.

     Will Shane (Jon Bernthal) leave the group? It's something he wants to do, and Andrea (Laurie Holden) even tries to get in on it. Shane wants to leave because Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) rejects him, but it's still not a good idea. He is a valuable defender of the group, someone they cannot afford to lose. It also lowers his own survival rate if he separates. For drama's sake, it seems unlikely he will end up deserting. But The Walking Dead is nothing if not surprising, so we'll just have to wait and see.

     If there is one positive about the zombie apocalypse, borrowing from an actual good point made in Talking Dead, it seems to be helping reduce racism. Daryl (Norman Reedus) hates black people, like his brother, a fact highlighted especially when T-Dog (IronE Singleton) contributes to Daryl's bother going missing. But in "What Lies Ahead," Daryl rescues T-Dog, who is injured just as the zombies begin to walk past. This may not be the beginning of friendship, but not allowing another man to die shows that Daryl is not nearly as one-dimensional as his still-missing sibling.

     Something completely unexpected in "What Lies Ahead" is Andrea's anger at Dale. In last season's finale, Dale forces Andrea to leave the CDC just before it is blown up. Dale thinks he is doing her a favor, and expects gratitude. Instead, she is furious, his actions ripping their bond apart, rather than strengthening it. Andrea is desperate and hopeless, wanting to go out on her own terms, which do not include suicide-by-zombie. Sitting in a building as explosives go off would be instant and nearly painless. Now she faces continuing to try to live in a ruined world, mourning the loss of her sister, and traveling with a group she doesn't quite fit into. Powerful stuff, showcasing deep, rich character development. Major kudos!

     Intensity is something The Walking Dead does well. Not just when hurting children or allowing characters to long for death, but also when seeing a zombie herd. The characters huddle under cars, on top of an RV, bury themselves under dead bodies, and Andrea locks herself in a bathroom. This is an extended sequence as undead person after undead person slowly shuffles past the caravan. Viewers are on the edge of their seat, waiting for something to happen, and while a couple of incidents do, it just keeps going on. It's a level of commitment to creepy that is nearly unmatched anywhere else, and it's impossible to relax until it is all over.

     Why are the zombies traveling in herds now? This begins to question the undead's actions as a group. It is known they have no high brain function and act on instinct. Apparently, hunger is the driving force. Wouldn't lone zombies be more able to sneak up on potential prey, though? In the city or tight spaces, having a group can force a trap and be beneficial, even if the prey is shared. But shuffling across the countryside, such a large gathering will scare off animals and humans alike. The few wondering solo in the woods chow on game, but the mass goes largely hungry.

     Also, how long can the zombies survive without feeding? With the human population dwindling, food will grow more and more scarce. When will these creatures begin to die off once and for all? Technically, they are dead, but they need some type of sustenance to keep the body moving. Without food, they will stumble a final time and die. As far as has been seen, water is not something they go after. Maybe they get all the liquid they need from blood? Still, it doesn't seem like this particular herd could make it very far before collapsing.

     To find out how long the zombies last, watch The Walking Dead Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on AMC. Season two will consist of seven episodes this fall, and six early in the new year. The series also stars Steven Yeun.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy The Walking Dead DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming episodes, and books, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: The Walking Dead - "What Lies Ahead" on Blogcritics.