MOB CITY a Dark, Intriguing Place

Article first published as MOB CITY a Dark, Intriguing Place on TheTVKing.

Not long after AMC kicked showrunner Frank Darabont off of The Walking Dead, a show he developed, rumors swirled that he would make a television comeback. For fans of the zombie series or the movies Darabont has made, which include greats like The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption, it's with great satisfaction that we tune into his newest creation, Mob City, which premiered this week on TNT.

Like The Walking Dead, Mob City is an experiment. Six episodes are being produced for the first season as TNT tests the waters with something totally unlike its normal slate. Mob City is a period piece, mostly set in the late 1940s with flashbacks to earlier times, that explores the world of crime in Los Angeles. It's a serial drama, weaving many characters together with interesting, twisty plots. It's also done a bit in the noir style, which you don't see a lot of on television today.

Overall, I'd say this experiment works. The first two instllaments (the initial season will air over three weeks in two hour blocks) are very good, introducing us to characters who we quickly come to care about, but aren't always sure of their motivations. There's a healthy level of mystery to the plot that will draw viewers in, even before they decide if they like the program or not.

Mob City is a little slow-paced, but not as much as, say, Boardwalk Empire, another period piece that does decently well over on HBO. There are a few shootouts and dead bodies in the first night alone, with more to come. The danger and threat level, especially for a limited show, is relatively high, even if several of the main characters are based on real people whose ending may be known. At least those historical figures aren't so famous that everyone knows their tale before the show can tell it.

The cast is truly excellent. Darabont keeps a few of his Walking Dead buddies, with Jon Bernthal playing the lead, Joe Teague, a mostly-good cop who has connections to the mob world, Jeffrey DeMunn as Hal Morrison, head of the task force tracking the mob, and Andrew Rothenberg in a recurring part working for Hal. Robert Knepper (Prison Break, Heroes) does what he does best, playing demented villain, while Gregory Itzin (Covert Affairs, 24) tackles a familiar part as a crooked politician. Neal McDonough (Justified, Desperate Housewives) proves he can do hero as well as he has done bad guy in the past, and Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Gilmore Girls) meshes well as Joe's war buddy, now working for the other side.

Believe it or not, while those are the most familiar faces to me, that isn't even all of the wonderful actors starring in this show. Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan) and Jeremy Luke (Don Jon) play infamous mobsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen, respectively. Alexa Davalos (Reunion, Angel) is perfect as the token girl in the cast, a strong woman who tempts Joe to cross the line. Jeremy Strong (Zero Dark Thirty), Mekia Cox (Undercovers), Mike Hagerty (Wayne's World), Daniel Roebuck (Lost), Ernie Hudson (Ghost Busters), and comedian Dana Gould also have recurring roles. With such a deep bench, all of them fantastic, there will be no shortage of wonderful character moments, even after a few of them tragically die.

In the first episode, Joe is approached by a stand up comedian named Hecky Nash (Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead, Star Trek), who wants Joe to protect him as he tries to blackmail the mob. Joe agrees, but upon learning a key thing about Hecky, which I won't spoil because it takes awhile to come out, turns on him, a fact Joe is not able to reveal to his bosses, even as he tells them everything else. Yet, Joe isn't about to get himself onto the mob's payroll, and they don't appreciate his refusal, thus beginning a delicate dance between the two sides, with Joe in the middle.

I really like the flashback stuff. In episode one, we see the origins of Bugsy and Sid. While their scene doesn't really inform too much in the present storyline, it is pretty cool. Better, the second hour gives us insight into McDonough's William H. Parker, which is much more relevant. Taking that break, giving us the back story, is useful when used sparingly in this manner.

Now, there are a few gratuitous scenes. The aforementioned opening to the pilot, "A Guy Walks Into a Bar," involves some violins and a baby carriage that make the moment memorable, but don't necessarily scream realism. Later, there's a bit with Sid in a confessional booth at a church that seems purposely designed to shock and offend. Maybe these aren't necessary, but they do put off a tone and style that will set Mob City apart, and do fit the comic book-noir mashup that seems to be happening.

Overall, I really enjoyed the first two episodes, and I look forward to seeing what Darabont and his highly talented team will do with the rest. It's definitely already the best series on TNT. Mob City airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

The Walking Dead is no dying fire

AMC's The Walking Dead ends season two with "Beside the Dying Fire." In the aftermath of killing Shane (Jon Bernthal), twice, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Carl (Chandler Riggs) make their way back to the farmhouse. But a horde of walkers interrupts their progress, soon overrunning the property. A plan by the others to corral them and lead them away fails because of the sheer number of the walkers, and soon the human group is splintered. A couple familiar faces are lost as the survivors scramble to get away in twos and threes, only to meet up later. The debriefing does not go smoothly.

Many have complained about the lack of walkers throughout the often slow-moving second season. "Beside the Dying Fire" satisfies those fans, and then some, with a huge extended fight scene full of fire, flesh ripping, and gun shots. It is certain that this opening sequence, lasting nearly half of the episode, is the biggest walker battle that The Walking Dead has ever done.

It's also the coolest, proving that most of the characters have now developed enough to handle themselves in such a situation. The ones that haven't, like Jimmy (James Allen McCune) and Patricia (Jane McNeill), well, they don't make it out alive. Season two has been a slow burn, to be sure, but its heavy character development comes to a head in "Beside the Dying Fire," and this trial by fire, literally, is a judgement of a sorts.

Fans are told over and over again that people have to be hardened, make tough choices, and live with no rules to survive The Walking Dead. Sometimes this can be taken for granted in a group, where there is safety in numbers. Weaker members of the party rely heavily on the others, and it works out OK. But some less-tough characters take the opportunity to learn from their comrades because, when the chips are down, every person must be able to handle themselves. And now there are only one or two characters left who may not be able to do this.

It's good that The Walking Dead doesn't kill off anyone major in "Beside the Dying Fire." Jimmy and Patricia are minor characters who haven't had a lot to do, so they are expendable. After losing Shane and Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) in the past two episodes, it would have been really hard to take anyone else important meeting their demise. The excitement and thrill of the fight scene gives plenty of closure to the current arcs, and by taking out their haven, two smaller roles, and tons of walker extras, the death quota is satisfied.

Patricia and Jimmy's deaths will affect more important characters, such as Hershel (Scott Wilson). Hershel was originally supposed to die in season two, which makes a certain amount of sense, in that as the others abandon the farm, they leave behind the man who runs it. But, thankfully, this creative decision was reversed, and Hershel, after a close call, makes it to safety. Wilson plays the part with such gravitas, and leaves enough unanswered questions behind to keep viewers engaged with his character moving forward.

As everyone flees in "Beside the Dying Fire," only Andrea (Laurie Holden) is left behind alive. It's a tragic moment, and very frustrating, given the place Andrea holds in many fans' hearts. Not that anyone is in any position to rescue her, but abandoning her still feels wrong.

Somehow Andrea escapes into the woods. This is believable because she is at the fringe of the confrontation, and because she is then pursued for hours by lots of walkers, whom she tries to take out one by one. Not many could live through such an escape, which tests endurance to the limit, but Andrea is one of the most capable characters, and so is a good choice to put in this situation.

Of course, even Andrea can't keep up the pace forever. She stumbles and faces imminent death. So enter Michonne (Danai Gurira, Treme).

All right, so Gurira has just been cast, and a stand in is used in "Beside the Dying Fire." That doesn't change the fact that viewers are now introduced to a pivotal character from The Walking Dead comics who is coming on board on television program next year. Michonne is hooded, wields a samurai sword, and is trailed by two arm-less, jaw-less walkers on chains. She is an imposing figure, making for a heck of a reveal in the finale, even if her face remains hidden.

On Talking Dead, producers speak of Michonne being the first character introduced in The Walking Dead who has learned how to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. The already familiar characters have been growing, as mentioned above, and are starting to figure out what it takes to survive. But Michonne already knows. Will they be open to learning from her, or will they clash as Rick resists handing over leadership? And that's assuming, of course, that Andrea and Michonne even connect with the group.

The stage is set for a Walking Dead reunion, though. Another big reveal in "Beside the Dying Fire" is a well fortified prison only a short ways away from the on-the-run survivors. It will play a large part in season three, which the cast and crew claims will be even better than season two, by quite a large amount. Because of this hub, which will surely bring people back together, it seems like Andrea should have no problem getting her reunion, whether she welcomes it or not.

This also sets the stage for another familiar face, as surely people from miles around will be drawn to the base. Specifically, Merle (Michael Rooker) has been confirmed to be returning to The Walking Dead. Will he be an illusion, like earlier in season two, or will he be flesh and blood this time? Signs point to the latter, but we'll see.

Oh, and the Governor, the most well-known villain of the comics, will also be in season three. So there is plenty to get excited about.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group, sans Andrea, spends the last part of "Beside the Dying Fire" spilling every secret left. Or, at least, Rick does, and since he's the one the fans have seen keeping big secrets, it's cathartic to see him tell the others, even as they feel betrayed. Rick not only admits to killing Shane, which they should be thanking him for, but also tells them the secret that Jenner (Noah Emmerich) entrusted to Rick in the finale of season one: they've all been infected.

What does this mean? Well, it means that if one is killed but the body is not destroyed, that person will rise back up as a walker. This has already been shown to happen to Shane. Rick stabs Shane, but Shane comes after him as an undead walker. Luckily, Carl puts walker Shane down for a final time.

Rick tells Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) the tale first, and she is shocked, in a bad way. She won't even let Rick touch her. Lori has much to do with the showdown of Rick and Shane, her words sparking much of their conflict, and both men wanting her causing a lot of the strife. But she just can't believe how ends up unfolding. Perhaps she is feeling guilty for her part in Shane's death, thinking that she could force a showdown that didn't end with a killing. Perhaps she didn't anticipate the change it would cause in Rick to murder his best friend. Maybe she's just mad that Carl, her 'innocent' child, gets involved. Whatever the reason, she seems to be at least as upset with herself as she is with her husband.

These secrets pour out of Rick during a bit of a psychological snap. He grows much colder, and takes more control. The others watch on with seeming horror as Rick declares that they are no longer a democracy, and that he is in charge. No one gets up to dispute him or leave, but that could simply be due to circumstance. Up til this point, Rick has the respect of everyone. They follow him because they want to. Now will they follow him only because they fear death if they separate from the group?

However it plays out, fans will have to wait until fall for answers. Word is that there will be two batches of eight episodes each in season three, making it the longest season yet. It is said to be quite a bit better than season two, but even if it's only just as good, it should be a fantastic adventure.


The Walking Dead will return to AMC this fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read all of my The Walking Dead reviews. To buy The Walking Dead DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming episodes, and books, please click here. Article first published as TV Review: The Walking Dead - "Beside the Dying Fire" on Blogcritics.

The Walking Dead staggers back

After a mere two and a half month hiatus, AMC's The Walking Dead returns for the second half of season two with "Nebraska." Hershel (Scott Wilson) is deeply upset by the events of the previous episode, ordering the group off of his farm, then disappearing himself. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Glenn (Steven Yeun) find him in the local bar, drunk, even though he gave up alcohol years ago. But just when they have Hershel ready to return home, two threatening men (Aaron Munoz and Michael Raymond James, Terriers, True Blood) show up and press them for where they are staying. Meanwhile, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) goes after Rick, and crashes her car.

It's amazing how, in a zombie apocalypse, the biggest threat is not the undead, but the living. This isn't surprising, given that fighting off one's own kind is a common element in end-of-the-world drama. But as the first major encounter with such in The Walking Dead, the events of "Nebraska" are sure to be memorable. The two interlopers act friendly enough, but it's immediately apparent to anyone that their intentions are not pure, and that they should not be trusted. Rick cannot let the pair find Hershel's farm, or more bad things will happen.

Hershel's break down really highlights the difference between himself and Rick. It's hard to imagine Rick ever running off like Hershel does, abandoning those he is in charge of. If Lori were to die, it might be a possibility, so perhaps Hershel isn't so different. But that isn't the case at this time. Instead, while Rick doesn't deny that, like Hershel, he knows that there is no hope left, Rick chooses instead to keep up the charade of belief for the others. This is what a leader does.

Rick gets a hero moment in "Nebraska." It quickly becomes a likely scenario that, seeing Rick as the strong leader here, and therefore the biggest obstacle in their way, the strangers could kill the cop and force Hershel and Glenn to take them home. Faced with this, Rick's instincts kick in, and he strikes first, killing both men. Could the situation have ended peacefully? Probably not. One of the men is drawing his weapon when Rick shoots. Rick has less than a second to act, and he comes through it successfully. It really hammers home to viewers that Rick is a natural and capable leader, no matter what Shane (Jon Bernthal) thinks.

How will Hershel react to Rick's actions? Hershel is already upset enough at Rick and his friends for killing the barn Walkers, though even Hershel now admits that they were already dead. But to see Rick take the lives of two living, breathing humans right in front of him is surely a different story. Inebriated and lacking Rick's law enforcement-influenced assessment of the situation, will Hershel protest their deaths? Will he think that Rick acted rashly? If so, The Walking Dead could be setting up more of Hershel asking the group to leave, something that has been done enough at this point.

Poor Lori. She is understandably upset that Rick keeps running off, especially given the fact that she is pregnant. However, she needs to be less selfish, and realize that, as the guy in charge, Rick will have to put his neck on the line many more times in the future. At least Rick knows what he is doing. Unlike, say, Lori, who tries to read a map while driving, hits a Walker, and flips her vehicle. It is unlikely that The Walking Dead will choose to kill its main female star off so soon. But as "Nebraska" comes to an end, no one knows about the accident, or is even looking for her. It's not a good situation to be in.

Might Lori lose the baby from this accident? And would that be such a bad thing? She worries about bringing a child into this dangerous world, and how the events they've seen so far are turning her son, Carl (Chandler Riggs), cold. Because of this, keeping the child is a very tough decision for Lori. Are the fates so cruel as to take the choice out of her hands?

In "Nebraska," Glenn is taken aback when Maggie (Lauren Cohan) says she that loves him. It might seem a little off that he's the hesitant one, given how much more attractive she is than him. But he's not wrong in his feelings, either. Sure, the world is coming to an end, and she could fall in love quickly, in part motivated by the lack of time she perceives that they have left. At the same time, they haven't known each other very long. Glenn is very fond of Maggie, but love is a deep emotion that can take awhile to develop. He is also taken by surprise when she says it, so he can forgiven for needing time to process this development. Hopefully, Maggie will be patient and understanding while waiting for Glenn to be ready to say those three little words back to her. Despite his hesitations, she probably won't have to wait long, as he will soon realize how lucky he is to be with her. And she's lucky to have him, too.

Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) is bound and determined to ruin Shane. He tells Lori flat out that he thinks that Shane killed Otis. Dale isn't wrong, and what Shane did will be hard for others to grasp. After all, murdering an ally isn't something any of them would have done. But Shane wasn't exactly wrong in his actions, either. If Shane hadn't shot Otis, Carl would have died. Shane made a tough choice, but it was one that saved a life, regardless of the coldness it would take Shane to stick to his decision. Also, Otis is the one that shot Carl, albeit accidentally, so Shane might be forgiven for weighing Carl's life over Otis's. It's actually surprising that these events are still relevant so long after they occur.

The question now is, will Dale get off his high horse and admit that Shane may have been right? Or, by hanging on to this thing he thinks that he knows, will he ruin Shane's relationship with the rest of the group? Shane deserves many things, but being kicked out, left on his own, his chances of survival slim, is not one of them. Killing is arguably wrong, no matter how right Shane's reasons are for doing so. But that does not mean that Shane doesn't deserve a second chance, given how much he has done for everyone. He may also deserve thanks for sacrificing his soul, when others could not, as his detachment could save more lives than just Carl's, down the road.

Daryl (Norman Reedus) is a little disappointing in "Nebraska," isolating himself from everyone else. However, he does not do so without justifiable reason. He takes Sophia's death pretty rough, given how much blood, sweat, and possibly tears he puts into trying to find her. Daryl makes it his entire mission, his life's purpose, to find the little girl, only to learn that she is already dead. No wonder he is left despondent and directionless! It's just sad that Daryl pulls away, when this is a time that the group needs to come together. It may not be in his personality to hug it out, but hiding out on the fringes of the property, alone, isn't the answer, either.

Carol (Melissa Suzanne McBride), similarly, pulls away, skipping Sophia's funeral, and wondering into the woods by herself. It's too bad that The Walking Dead doesn't choose to show what Carol is doing out there, but she comes back dirty, so she wasn't just walking. This will probably stay a mystery, not being integral to events moving forward.

What is totally surprising is that Shane is the one that offers Carol comfort when she returns. Washing her hands and talking gently to her, it's an awkward scene, the only such one in "Nebraska." Shane does make the conversation about himself, as he is growing more and more selfish as the others ostracize him for his behavior, which he thinks is in their best interests. But Shane isn't completely gone if he takes the time to help Carol. It's a weird moment, and one that is hard to dissect completely.

Overall, a very strong return for The Walking Dead. Enough action to keep things interesting, characters growing, changing, and dealing with things, and some exciting twists. Great job!


The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read all of my The Walking Dead reviews. To buy The Walking Dead DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming episodes, and books, please click here.

The Walking Dead is far from "Pretty Much Dead Already"

     AMC's The Walking Dead ends its fall run with "Pretty Much Dead Already," the seventh episode, with six more to begin in mid-February. In this week's entry, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) confronts Hershel (Scott Wilson) about the Walkers in the barn, whom Hershel thinks of as people. Hershel considers letting the group stay, as Rick begs, if they will respect his opinions on the undead. But before Rick can appeal to his party, Shane (Jon Bernthal) takes matters into his own hands, leading a slaughter of every zombie in Hershel's barn. The last Walker out (SPOILER ALERT!) is the little girl the whole group has been searching for: Sophia (Madison Lintz).

     One interesting, nagging question: why do most zombies stay away from Hershel's farm, and how is he able to protect it without keeping constant watch? How come only a couple of stragglers get stuck in his swamp? Where are the crowds that decimate surrounding lands? Is there more to this mystery, or is it happy coincidence that he is able to keep his family safe?

     The Walking Dead spends this entire batch of episode searching for Sophia, only to learn she is a zombie in a barn on the property they are staying at the entire time in "Pretty Much Dead Already." This isn't exactly a shocker, since comic book readers already know that Walkers are in the structure, and the barn is within the vicinity that Sophia could be in. It might be assumed, even if not confirmed, that Sophia is one of the captives before this episode. Of course, the one person who would have been able to tip off the group as to Sophia's whereabouts is killed by Shane before he even knows that they are looking for the lost girl, and Daryl (Norman Reedus) discovers enough clues to keep some off balance.

     But whether Sophia's sudden appearance in "Pretty Much Dead Already" is a shocker to you or not, there is much impact in the reveal. Hershel is watching the group kill his family, friends, and neighbors, as he still sees them as such, as Shane and the others shoot the Walkers in the head. These people mean nothing to them. But when Sophia emerges, they all stop shooting. Suddenly, both the main characters and the audience are really given a face to the tragedy of the epidemic. Sophia is not the first actress shown before and after turning zombie in the series, but it is done with such raw emotion, that one cannot help but be moved. Of course, she must die, too, and does. But now none can deny understanding Hershel's stance on the Walkers, even if they don't agree.

     Will Hershel kick the group off of his farm now, since they murder his loved ones, or is he finally seeing the Walkers for what they are? This is a debatable point that will not be answered until February. He is still insisting it's only a sickness in "Pretty Much Dead Already," which may someday be cured, as the zombies are released. But he gets a first hand look at a hoard of hungry flesh eaters, and it must be very scary. Also, watching Rick take down one of his own has got to mean something, and maybe Hershel will take pity on the travelers, despite what they do.

     The people who suffer the most over Sophia's death are Rick, Carol (Melissa McBride), and Daryl. Carol's grief is obvious, being Sophia's mother. Rick takes the loss as a father himself, and the leader who cannot protect everyone. But Daryl's connection is less obvious. He invests a lot of himself into the search for Sophia, and one cannot help but think that Daryl sees finding Sophia as a chance to really be an appreciated member of the group. Often an outsider, rescuing the missing girl would allow everyone to separate him from his also missing, good-for-nothing brother, as Carol begins to. It also gives him a chance to do something good and selfless, something his brother does not approve of. Sophia's death is a set back for Daryl, and there is no telling how he will respond to it.

     Shane is going down a very, very dark path in The Walking Dead. He thinks that he can make the tough choices that Rick can't, and only be being completely logical and ruthless, does anyone stand a chance to survive. He applies this theory when he kills Otis, and continues to bellow it throughout. He is the one who gets the guns and opens up the barn, even when others try to convince him not to. Can he recover from such bad choices?

     Yet, Rick is the one who must kill Sophia in "Pretty Much Dead Already." Despite Shane's insistence that he is a better protector, Rick saves the group from one of their own. Why doesn't Shane act first? Might his theory falter when confronted with a living person that he cares about? If so, then maybe he isn't too far gone to be saved.

     No one will convince Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) that Shane is salvageable, though. Dale is the one who tries to hide the guns from Shane, and cautions Andrea (Laurie Holden), who shares sex with Shane, not to follow the former cop down his chosen path. Dale tries to act as father and conscience to everyone, but his biggest challenge is Shane. It isn't likely that Dale is strong enough to help Shane, given the way that Dale backs down in "Pretty Much Dead Already." But maybe he can help Andrea see the truth, even if she likes the way that Shane makes her feel, not being a victim anymore.

     Is Lori's (Sarah Wayne Callies) baby Shane or Rick's? Does it matter? Can she ever know for sure? In the world of The Walking Dead, a DNA test to determine paternity will be nearly impossible to come by. Lori's resolve to raise the baby as Rick's, no matter what the truth is, also determines that Rick will be the dad, whether he is the biological father or not. Maybe someone can use a calculator after the baby is born to give a good guess. But given Lori's decision to cut Shane out, as well as Rick's forgiveness towards his wife for sleeping with Shane, given the circumstances, it probably doesn't matter anyway which genes the baby has.

     In the midst of all the darkness in "Pretty Much Dead Already," love finds a way to bloom. Which is kind of a metaphor for the hope that springs in each character in The Walking Dead, no matter their conditions they endure. Of course, the couple referred to is Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Glenn (Steven Yeun). Despite Maggie's insistence that their relationship only be physical, and her anger at Glenn for telling his friends about the barn, the two manage to forge a bond that seems strong. Especially after Glenn expresses some real care for her. Maggie may love Hershel, but she isn't above questioning him. If the group is allowed to stay on the farm, Maggie will be a big influence in the decision. And she will be so because of how she feels about Glenn.


     The Walking Dead will return in February to AMC.

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

     Click here to read all of my The Walking Dead reviews.

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

Article first published as TV Review: The Walking Dead - "Pretty Much Dead Already" on Blogcritics.

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.

    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.

"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.

The Walking Dead Ends Season One

    Mad Men fits perfectly with how I see AMC, with its old movie tone and style. Breaking Bad was somewhat of a departure, but nothing compares to The Walking Dead. If I had listed 100 channels in the order of which one I found likely to air a zombie series, AMC would have been near the bottom. Surely the network knew the huge gamble it was taking, hence the decision to order only six episodes of the first season, as opposed to the thirteen their other shows got.

     But boy did that gamble pay off! Besides giving AMC their best ratings ever, it's such a strong, enticing story with wonderful characters and deep moral questions. Last night marked the sixth and final episode of the freshman season, "TS-19", and it will be nearly a year before season two (which will be a full thirteen episodes, by the way) makes it on screen. It's far too long a wait before we get new episodes after such a great finale.

     Does the title The Walking Dead refer to the infection-laden zombies, or the surviving characters walking among them? Surely, the argument can be made for either, especially after a finale with barely a zombie (or geek, as the show calls them) in sight. I suspect the answer is both.

     In my first review for the series, after watching the pilot, I raved about the direction and excellent craftmanship that went into the show, so I won't waste your time repeating all of that, though I will say that the elements introduced in the pilot were retained superbly throughout all six episodes. The acting quickly became even more impressive than it started. The issues the characters in Walking Dead deal with are so much more high stakes than the average television show. Yet, the series manages it without going over the top or too melodramatic.

     I also talked about deaths in the first review, and how they would have to be frequent, but not too frequent. Season one accomplished that, with a handful of characters biting the dust, and expanding the profile of the survivors left. At this point, everyone left alive in the now-on-the-move camp has had some development; there are no anonymous extras. This will probably slow down the body county as we move into season two, but that won't be unwelcome. Already, we've lost valuable players, and I'm not anxious to lose too many more.

     As far as mysteries go, plenty were left unanswered, providing so much story set up that season two will surely not lack for twists. Last week, we met Jenner (Noah Emmerich, White Collar), who did a fine job explaining just enough to keep viewers hooked. Last night, Jenner showed what happens medically in the brain as the infection runs its course, though he couldn't explain why it was happening. My only regret about Jenner is his death, as I would have loved for him to stick around a few more episodes.

     Similarly, Morgan (Lennie James) was introduced as someone incredibly interesting in the pilot, and then was never seen again. Yet. Though imdb lists James as appearing in the finale, so I wonder if there are some cut scenes that might make the DVD, and why they were not included. Additionally, we have not seen Merle (Michael Rooker) since the rooftop where he cut off his hand, but I expect both Merle and Morgan will pop up sometime in season two.

     For me, the most intriguing hanging plot, though, was the trivia that France came closest to a cure for whatever the infection is. Does that mean the show will become a globe-trotting epic? Because that would be pretty cool. I'd imagine the group would take a boat to Europe rather than a plane, but with the setting so open-ended, the possibilities for different segments, populations, and survivor types are infinite. I think the characters could easily spend a whole season just trying to get to the coast, let alone exploring outside of the United States.

     The Walking Dead is based on a graphic novel series, but one major departure frequently mentioned has been the survival of Shane (Jon Bernthal), who apparently was killed fairly early in the print version. I guess this is still TV, and a love triangle is necessary to keep up the drama, so I will excuse it. Not only excuse it, but praise them, if his violent, almost-rape of Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) is any indication of future arcs. In the same episode, we see just how much Shane cares for Rick (Andrew Lincoln) in an emotional flashback. When Rick finds out what Shane did with Lori, mixed feelings are going to fly. Can you fully hate the man who took care of your family during an apocalypse? Shane's fault has come after that, as it was perfectly reasonable for him to think Rick was dead and take up with Lori in the first place. His continued darkness now will likely be his downfall. Unless he earns redemption first.

     The three in the aforementioned paragraph are the hands down stars of the show. But the series works so well because of all of the supporting ones. The best scene last night did not come from Shane, Rick, or Lori, but between Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) and Andrea (Laurie Holden). Andrea made the choice to stay and die with Jenner, having lost all hope after the death of her sister. Dale was willing to die with her if she wouldn't leave, and only her guilt for his imminent demise saved Andrea's life. I was on pins and needles as their sweet game of chicken played out, and was grief stricken with the idea of loosing either, let alone both, so early in the show. I predict that these are the two who will be the break out favorites. Besides Glenn (Steven Yeun), of course, who is the easiest to identify with.

     Reruns will definitely be shown before season two comes around, and a DVD is already available for pre-order. I, for one, plan on watching every episode at least once more before next fall. I urge that if you have missed this phenomenon, or even if you haven't, you do the same. The Walking Dead airs on AMC.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.


Article first published as TV Review: The Walking Dead Ends Season One on Blogcritics.