The Walking Dead Ventures Into the Tombs

Article first published as THE WALKING DEAD Recap Season 3 Episode 16 Welcome To The Tombs on Seat42F.

Grade: 91%

AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD completes its third season with “Welcome to the Tombs.” The Governor (David Morrissey) takes most of his people out to slaughter the prison group. Upon arriving, they find a seemingly empty prison, and then Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the others emerge from hiding and drive them off. The Governor is furious at the retreat, and when his army refuses to go back, he kills his own people.

This is the darkest we have ever seen the Governor get. We know that he has no problem murdering and torturing individuals, and he full intends to massacre Rick’s people now. Yet, there is something extra chilling about the callous way he mows down an entire squadron under his command, walking around and delivering extra bullets into their heads, just to make sure they are dead. Then, he jumps into his truck nonchalantly. It’s an all new level for character that is already very dark.

The Governor doesn’t quite kill everyone, though. He leaves Martinez (Jose Pablo Cantillo) and Shupert (Travis Love) alive, and they get into the truck with him, although they are both clearly very shaken by what they witness him do. Assumedly, they get to live because the Governor still needs some assistance, and they seem to be the most loyal of his followers. At this point, their allegiance may stem more from fear than a commitment to the man, but hey, loyalty is loyalty, right?

Unfortunately, we don’t see this trio again for the rest of the hour. Many people expect “Welcome to the Tombs” to be a huge battle between the Governor and Rick’s respective camps, with high body counts on both sides. This is probably because that is how THE WALKING DEAD comics ended the story, and season two’s climax last spring was huge, from an action standpoint. Yet, the Governor drives off, not to be seen again, for now.

Is this a misstep for the show? On one hand, I completely respect that the series’ writers did the unexpected and went down a surprising path, one that is quite a bit more understated than most thought it would be. Martinez and Shupert don’t seem in any shape to continue, and Rick’s people would still be ready for them if they struck again right away. Three men against the prison group wouldn’t likely do so well, even with their superior firepower.

On the other hand, there are sure to be many unhappy fans after viewing the episode. The Governor seems so bent on revenge, it doesn’t quite make sense to see his character give up, even if only temporarily. He’s a smart man, though, so I guess he’s right to bide his time. But by doing so, it means that the hour fails to deliver the adrenaline-pumping finale viewers are looking for. I really hope it doesn’t create a backlash that the show didn’t deliver, a la The Killing.

The Governor’s initial attack on the prison, blowing up the guard towers, and plunging into the dark depths of the facility, is cool. This is what we are looking for. It just ends far too early for some tastes.

Honestly, as someone who absolutely loves this series, I’m still not sure if I’m satisfied or not with this installment yet. But considering how seriously good THE WALKING DEAD has been for so long, I’m willing to try to give them the benefit of the doubt that a neat plan is in place, even if that means waiting six months for the next part of it.

It has already been announced that Morrissey will return full-time next season, so the Governor’s arc isn’t over yet; there may still be a large-scale showdown. The Governor has been such a deliciously layered character, a truly remarkable villain, that it is gratifying to know he won’t just disappear into the night, or be killed off too quickly. This isn’t really the ending, so in that regard, it’s OK that it’s smaller.

When the Governor’s people retreat, Rick and the group to decide to go after them. They’re ready to be done with the conflict, and so they decide to attack the bad guys on the road or in Woodbury. It’s a little weird that only Rick, Michonne (Danai Gurari), and Daryl (Norman Reedus) go, as three people against the big gang that just fled doesn’t seem like enough. Yet, if any three could accomplish such a feat, it would be these.

Is it a mistake that Glenn (SteveN Yeun) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) decide to stay behind? Are they sending their friends to certain death, since they won’t provide support? Or are they too happy as a couple, having recently gotten engaged, to risk losing one another? Their motivations aren’t discussed, and Rick accepts their decision without argument. Yet, at the same time, it’s a bit of a disappointment that these two don’t appear to be willing to play their part anymore, and one could argue that their refusal constitutes betrayal, even if it isn’t treated as such by Rick.

This is a great scene to parallel the Governor’s plot. As the Governor gets ready to leave Woodbury for the prison, Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) also decide to stay behind. At that point, readying the troops, the Governor can’t deny them in front of everyone. Instead, he says “thank you,” but it’s the angriest thanks I’ve ever heard, in stark contrast to Rick’s understanding tone. This illustrates the difference between the two leadership styles, and who the men are, perfectly.

It also allows Tyreese and Sasha to be the only ones at Woodbury, besides the very young or old, who can’t fight, when Rick, Michonne, and Daryl arrive. After a nice showdown at the gate, the remaining Woodbury residents decide to return to the prison and join Rick’s group.

Tyreese seems to have a good read of people, and while he is originally scared off by Rick, he is willing to forgive now, especially given the options. After all, Rick approaches with no aggression at all, weapon down. It helps that there is one survivor of the Governor’s killing spree, Karen (Melissa Ponzio, Teen Wolf), who can vouch for the Governor’s instability. Given the choice of staying in Woodbury, waiting for a crazy man to come back, or going to the relative safety of the prison, where there will be armed protection, Tyreese and the remaining Woodbury innocents make the right choice.

I do wonder if this doesn’t hurt the prison group, though. Many of their exterior defenses are destroyed, and although they have added a lot of people to protect and a lot of mouths to feed, they aren’t likely to find much help among the Woodbury denizens for defending or providing for the group, other than Tyreese, Sasha, and Karen. Everyone else isn’t fit enough to carry a gun, or the Governor would have forced them into servitude for his purposes. This may end up leaving the prison in a dire circumstance, and the Governor will likely be pleased by the burden Rick has agreed to, as it weakens Rick’s people.

At least Rick’s group doesn’t have any non-fighters left in it before the newbies come, which will help. Glenn and Maggie may not want to go to Woodbury, but they handle themselves well in conflict, Glenn no longer being the nervous nerd he is introduced as. Carl (Chandler Riggs) is practically an adult in the clan now, and even Beth (Emily Kinney) finally gets a Walker kill in this episode! They are as prepared as they can be.

While in Woodbury, Rick and the others find Andrea (Laurie Holden). At the beginning of “Welcome to the Tombs,” the Governor tortures Milton (Dallas Roberts), then leaves him dying in the room with Andrea when Milton refuses to kill her, Milton finally growing the backbone we’ve been waiting for. This effectively means he turns into a Walker and will attack her anyway, a very cruel move for the Governor to make, though certainly in keeping with his past behavior.

By the time Rick, et al arrive, Andrea has killed Walker Milton, but has been bitten, and will soon be turning herself. Michonne stays with her, and they Rick gives Andrea a gun so that she can end her life on her own terms. This is an incredibly moving scene, not only showing the affection between the characters, but even issuing a callback to a line of dialogue between Andrea and Rick early in the series’ run. It’s one of the better deaths in THE WALKING DEAD, since Andrea gets time to say goodbye.

It’s a little disappointing that Andrea dies so soon. She has been a wonderful character, one who survives much longer in the books, and it’s sad to see her go. However, “Welcome to the Tombs” effectively ends her current arc, where she does her best to save everyone and keeping blood from being shed. Some have found her recent plot to be annoying, but it’s hard to argue that it doesn’t end appropriately. Her heart is in the right place, and she goes out with dignity. Plus, she gets to explain some of her actions to Milton before he passes, which should ally some fan complaints.

Lastly, Carl shoots point blank a young member of the Woodbury offensive who tries to surrender. This, like Andrea’s recent story, is an action worth arguing over. Hershel (Scott Wilson) is disturbed to see Carl’s callousness, and reports it to Rick, who also disagrees with what Carl did. However, Carl points out that Rick has left other people alive, and it is has often come back to bite him in the butt. Carl, by killing the guy, is making sure he can’t hurt them later.

This is an interesting dilemma. Carl is justified in his opinion, and killing the boy is something Shane would have done, or even maybe Rick, a few episodes ago. Yet, the hard lesson Rick has been learning this season is to hang onto his humanity, and killing those they don’t have to is not in line with good judgment. Rick seems to have figured out that he still has to be a good person and try to help others, evidenced when he sees smiling Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) in the prison this week, smiling as if approving of what Rick is doing. Sometimes, hard choices must be made, but sometimes that means taking a risk to do right by others, even if it costs you something later.

This is a debate that has gone on for some time on the show, with different characters taking up the two positions. How far should one go to survive and protect one’s friends and family? At this point, it looks like Rick is going to have to try to back Carl down from the stance he’s taken, making Carl remember the values Carl’s mother taught him. But will Rick come to regret that if softening Carl puts his son in danger? This will be interesting to see play out next year.

Season three has been a fantastic year for THE WALKING DEAD. The storytelling has shifted even more towards exploring character development and moral issues, while still keeping enough action and surprises to stay engaging. Even without the huge, expected war, this finale is a great episode by any measure. And, after the shock of not getting exactly what we were looking forward so much to wears off, I think most fans will appreciate it more.

THE WALKING DEAD will return in October on AMC.

The Walking Dead hunts its "Prey"

Article first published as THE WALKING DEAD Recap Season 3 Episode 14 Prey on Seat42F.

Grade: 93%

This week’s installment of AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD, “Prey,” is by and large a Woodbury-centric episode, even when it leaves the confines of the town. Andrea (Laurie Holden) is warned by Milton (Dallas Roberts) that the Governor (David Morrissey) plans on killing the prison group, no matter if they do as he has asked or not. And what he has asked for is Michonne (Danai Gurari), so he can torture her. It’s enough to make Andrea sick, and she flees town.

Setting off without a gun, with only a small knife for protection, in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by Walkers is insane. It is a measure of just how terrible a place Woodbury has become, now that Andrea sees the type of man the Governor really is in full light, that she attempts such a thing. Most stable people would not flee relative safety, but when that safety comes at a very high price, one that Andrea cannot live with, she makes her escape.

If anyone can survive with only a knife, it’s Andrea. After all, she only has to make it to the prison, so it’s not like she’ll be out wandering around for weeks. However, the Governor doesn’t make that easy for her, knowing that Andrea will warn her friends about his plans, thus spoiling them, and so he sets out after her.

I do think it’s a little thin that the Governor is able to so easily track Andrea down several times. Seeing her in the field is happenstance; I get that. But why doesn’t he pursue her on foot into the trees? And why doesn’t Andrea pick a different point to leave the trees at, instead of going straight through them, as she must for the Governor to be waiting on the other side? How does the Governor know which building Andrea goes into? Does she have to approach the prison from that exact spot, the one the Governor tracks her to? Why doesn’t she circle around? Why doesn’t Andrea take the Governor’s truck, or sabotage it, after dodging him in the building? Why does the Governor go after her alone, when taking Martinez (Jose Pablo Cantillo) and others will better assure Andrea can be found and stopped?

Some of this can be explained because the Governor and Andrea are both very smart, and they do what makes sense. After the building encounter, one of the creepiest scenes ever for THE WALKING DEAD, she may even be forgiven for thinking that the Governor is dead, and thus not needing to vary her path. But when the hunt is taken altogether, it does play a bit into bad horror movie conventions, where the villain has an uncanny ability to track his intended victim, no matter what happens.

“Prey” is the episode where we see the depth of the Governor’s insanity. He sets up a torture chamber in Woodbury, and stalks Andrea with a single-minded ruthlessness. The fact that he whistles while doing so and scrapes the shovel, alerting Andrea to his presence, is not only silly, because it allows her to avoid him, but cruel, intended to strike fear into her heart (and succeeding). Only a true psychopath, without any empathy for anyone else would act like this. He is a monster, plain and simple.

Andrea is one of the toughest characters on THE WALKING DEAD, and definitely someone who survives. Her play of letting loose the Walkers on the Governor is brilliant, bold, and brave. But I worry about her, now that the Governor has her. THE WALKING DEAD television series verges quite a bit away from its comic book roots, and so no one is safe. While I desperately hope that Andrea survives the season, for once she will not be able to do so alone, as she has become helpless. It’s a strange situation to see her in, but one that really ups the ante.

Andrea’s best shot is with Milton, but his days are numbered, too, and I really expect him not to survive the last two hours of the season. He has gone against the Governor, warning Andrea and quite possibly setting fire to the Governor’s captured Walkers. The fact that he knew the Governor before he was the Governor has given Milton a pass thus far. But as the Governor moves further and further away from being a person, losing his connection to humanity, this won’t save Milton anymore. Just when the doctor grows a spine, he is liable to get it ripped out.

Milton could still let Andrea go before being killed himself, though. Yes, the Governor will be keeping an eye on Milton, as the trust is definitely lost between the two men. However, the Governor can’t watch Milton at all times, so there could be a window of opportunity. If he manages to save Andrea, it will redeem Milton for being complicit in the Governor’s previous activities. First, though, Milton must learn that Andrea is being held captive.

Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and his sister, Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green, The Good Wife), are the unknown factor. They are also beginning to see the true nature of Woodbury, after going out to the Walker pits, and hearing the Governor lie about Andrea. Tyreese plays it cool, acting like he’s on the team, but I feel like at this point he is only doing so to save his skin. I’m not sure if he’ll make a break for it, maybe with Andrea, or if he’s so scared of the outside world that he intends to stay and keep faking it. Tyreese does not trust the Governor, though, so he is not a happy citizen. And he’s a good man who seems like he will stand up for what is right when the chips are down.

THE WALKING DEAD does a fantastic job at character development, and the past three episodes in a row have shown that. When the series focuses on a small number of people per episode, allowing the scenes to dwell on them, lingering on their thoughts and motivations, we get a picture of the person. It’s how, in just a short amount of screen time, we already know Tyreese. This really works for the show, and they should mostly stick to this formula, other than when it’s time for the big action episodes, such as season finales.

The weak spots in the Governor’s hunting bring this episode down a little in my estimation, compared to other entries. But it’s still far better than most other series on television, and I think that “Prey” wonderfully sets up a two hour finale, which will sadly be split over the next two weeks. THE WALKING DEAD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

Showdown for The Walking Dead

Article first published as THE WALKING DEAD Review Season 3 Episode 13 Arrow on the Doorpost on Seat42F.

Grade: 98%

AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD builds tension this week in “Arrow on the Doorpost” not with armed conflict, but with a peace treaty negotiation. Andrea (Laurie Holden) arranges a meeting in a barn between Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the Governor (David Morrissey). They quickly kick her out of the negotiations and, rather than calm fears, their time together only heightens the drama.

I did not think about it until “Arrow on the Doorpost,” but Rick and the Governor have not spent a lot of time face to face. It’s one thing to know about the crazy, dangerous man that lives next door, but it’s quite another to look them in the eye, especially when he only has one. In order to better understand the danger they face, and to decide how to deal with it, Rick needs this time with the Governor, and it builds a relationship between them that the fans want to see. It’s a satisfying and necessary episode.

This also gives a brilliant showcase for Morrissey and Lincoln, both terrific performers. The way Lincoln keeps it together, acting tough, even though he is faced by such a great threat, is wonderful. Morrissey flits around, his character trying on many faces, attempting to find a tact that will get through to the other man. So much is left unsaid, played out in facial expressions and movements, and it’s a triumph for the actors as much as the roles they play.

In the end, the Governor tells Rick he’ll leave the group alone if they hand over Michonne (Danai Gurira), whom took the Governor’s eye. It’s a lie, of course, but how can Rick be sure? If there’s even a small chance that giving him Michonne, which will mean certain death for the woman, will protect everyone else, it’s something Rick has to seriously consider. He has children to think about, as well as people he has known much longer than she’s been around.

Hershel (Scott Wilson) tells Rick that Michonne has saved their lives and has earned her place in the group, and Rick admits that Hershel is right, but still considers sacrificing her. This is where things get tough. Before last week’s episode, Rick probably would have been fine with the deal, not caring about Michonne. Now, though, he likes and values her. Plus, there are her practical skills and the protection she offers the group to consider. She would be sorely missed.

Giving Michonne to the Governor to die will cost Rick a piece of his soul. He is willing to do things that in a non-post-apocalyptic world, some would consider cruel. But leaving a hitchhiker on the side of the road and actively giving a woman to her enemy are two entirely different things. Rick would be making a conscious, preventable decision to let someone he knows be murdered. Her death would be on his hands.

The bottom line, though, is the Governor is not trustworthy. Rick needs to realize this, and also understand that giving up Michonne makes him weaker in the inevitable battle. If the Governor is going to attack them no matter what, and everything Rick knows about the man points to this, there is no sense giving into his demands, especially when said demands hurt Rick’s group as a whole. It’s a no-brainer, and whether Hershel succeeds in talking Rick out of it or it’s a decision the leader comes to on his own, Michonne must not be given to the Governor.

Andrea, for her part, has almost as tough a decision to make. Speaking with Hershel outside of the meeting, Andrea knows she is welcome back with the prison group and must choose sides. The issue is, Andrea hasn’t seen the Governor’s cruelty firsthand, and admitting he’s a monster also admits a failing on her part, as she has put her trust in him, even telling him about Rick’s baby and Shane. She still hopes things are just a misunderstanding between the two groups and can be peacefully resolved, as any other option is a failure, but it’s time for her to accept responsibility for her failure. Her decision to return to Woodbury at the end of the episode is as much about faith in own judgment as it is about faith in the Governor, and it’s the wrong choice to make. I just hope it’s a decision that doesn’t get her killed.

The end of “Arrow on the Doorpost” does give us some hope that the Governor can be stopped. Milton (Dallas Roberts) overhears the Governor tell Martinez (Jose Pablo Cantillo) to kill anyone in Rick’s group he can when they return to hand over Michonne or discuss tactics, and Milton clearly doesn’t approve. After all, he has a nice conversation with Hershel, and I can’t imagine Milton wants to see him, at least, die. Knowing Andrea’s connection to Rick and the others, Milton should definitely grow a spine and confide in her. It’s the only way to stop a slaughter.

It’s true that Andrea and Milton alone don’t stand a chance of accomplishing anything in Woodbury, especially since Milton is not a fighter. However, if Andrea can rally others to her side, perhaps Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman), then maybe something can be done.

Back at the prison, Merle (Michael Rooker) is not happy sitting by while Daryl (Norman Reedus) risks his life protecting Rick at the meet and wants to go after him. No one will help Merle, feeling that Merle will put the others in danger. This is not only a summation of Merle’s standing in the group, realized by the character himself when he can’t get even “outsider” Michonne to join him, but also the beginning of a new threat. Merle isn’t one to be put in his place easily, and if he senses that he has no power or respect here, he could react badly.

The unknown quantity is Merle’s affection for his brother, Daryl. Merle definitely cares about his kin, and Daryl is the reason Merle is at the prison in the first place. Will Daryl be able to keep Merle in line, or might Merle switch back to the Governor’s side at a crucial moment, hoping that a betrayal might be enough to earn him the Governor’s forgiveness, even though viewers at home are pretty sure by now that it won’t.

A touching scene in “Arrow on the Doorpost” is when Glenn (Steven Yeun) reconnects with Maggie (Lauren Cohan). They finally talk about their relationship and their feelings, since things have been strained between them ever since their captivity in Woodbury. It not only lets them work through the issues, but also reaffirms their love for one another. It’s a little unsettling that they leave the watch post to have sex, as that leaves the group in danger, but I guess in this wasteland of a world, you have to take it where you can get it, no? And it’s very nice to see them work things out.

“Arrow on the Doorpost” is an excellent installment, ripe with heavy drama and wonderful character development. There are some serious questions raised, and it puts everyone in an interesting holding pattern as we near the end of the season. How it will all shake out, and who will be among the bodies left on the floor, as there will surely be more major deaths by the finale, is anyone’s guess at this point.

THE WALKING DEAD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

The Walking Dead suffers no Judas

Article first published as THE WALKING DEAD Review Season 3 Episode 11 I Ain't A Judas on Seat42F.

Grade: 97%

AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD is heavy on great character moments and one-on-one scenes in the latest episode, “I Ain’t a Judas.” The series works best when delving into the tough choices these people have to make in their current hellscape of a world, and we get plenty of that, as there are tough decisions to be made this week. Tensions are high, and they will soon break, one way or the other.

Andrea (Laurie Holden) pushes the Governor (David Morrissey) for more information about her friends staying at the prison, mad at him for lying to her about going to talk with them, and disturbed to learn that there has been a shootout between the two groups. The Governor tries to deflect and push blame off, but Andrea insists on talking to her comrades herself, assuming there has been a simple misunderstanding, and that peace can be brokered.

There is no misunderstanding, as she soon learns, told by the others the horrible things the Governor has done. She isn’t sure if she can believe them, being under the Governor’s spell, and treated hostilely by the people she considers friends, who have good reason to be suspicious of her, especially since she waits several days after learning about them to visit. But a day at the prison seems to convince her, even if it’s not enough to get her to execute the Governor in his sleep.

I feel bad for Andrea in “I Ain’t a Judas,” caught in a tough place. She hasn’t witnessed the Governor’s brutality first hand, and based on what he tells her, she’s getting two conflicting stories. As much as she cares for those she left Atlanta with, she has been absent from them for a long time, and the Governor offers her a chance at a real life, in a community of others.

Andrea sure knows how to pick bad men in THE WALKING DEAD, first Shane, then the Governor. As discussed on the after show, Talking Dead, it takes a certain amount of crazy to be a leader in this new way of life, as even Rick (Andrew Lincoln), the hero of the show, demonstrates. Andrea is attracted to that power, and somehow thinks that wisdom comes with it, blinding her to obvious flaws. It does make me wonder if the series will go the way of the comics, eventually landing Andrea in Rick’s bed, even if that almost makes her a cliché or a floozy, which she is neither.

I’m not entirely sure our protagonists have convinced Andrea that he’s evil, even if she seems to be in good standing with her again, convinced she isn’t siding against them. She pulls the knife on the Governor, but can’t bring herself to kill him. Does she doubt the truth of what her friends say? Does she just not have it in her to murder a (at the time) defenseless man? Is she wondering how the Governor’s death might effect Woodbury, and her standing in it? So many questions playing across her face that are not answered for us.

How about Carol (Melissa McBride) laying out the plan to screw and then assassinate the Governor? We don’t expect this from her, as hardened as she might be, and hopefully that helps Andrea see how serious the situation is.

Michonne (Danai Gurira) is the most hurt by Andrea’s behavior, and she has every reason to be. The two are alone together even longer than Andrea is with the others, and for Andrea to not believe Michonne, to turn her back on her companion, is rough. I do think Michonne’s words about the Governor are the ones that finally make Andrea see that something is up. But yet, she still hesitates. Doesn’t Andrea realize that taking out the Governor would repair this fragile relationship?

The one thing that is positive from this is that the Governor seems to trust Andrea. For her to return to him and sleep with him after talking to her friends convinces him that she hasn’t been swayed away. This could make a betrayal by her unexpected when she does finally muster up the gumption to act, as long as she can keep her behavior and face in check.

Unfortunately, Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and his gang end up in Woodbury at the end of “I Ain’t a Judas.” They see a little bit of crazy Rick at the prison, through not enough for Tyreese to want to fight him; too bad the same can’t be said for others in his group. However, the Governor is gearing up for a fight, and they need a way to earn their keep so that they can settle in a semi-safe place. It doesn’t reflect poorly on them, given their limited view of the situation, that they side with the Governor now. It’s just a shame. I hope this ends with Tyreese, a good guy, providing the inside man turning against the cruel dictator at a key moment.

I can’t decide if Milton (Dallas Roberts) has a chance at surviving this season of THE WALKING DEAD or not, or if I want him to. I really hoped that he’d go with Andrea to the prison and stay there, desperate to get out from under the Governor’s thumb. Milton is terrified of his boss, after all. But it seems that fear is so powerful, and his faith that the Governor will prevail so absolute, that he hesitates to switch sides. Maybe he can survive the coming confrontation, and Andrea can vouch he’s not bad, even if he is a coward?

Back at the prison, Hershel (Scott Wilson) yells at Rick, and Carl (Chandler Riggs) asks him to step down as leader. I think this one-two punch is enough to snap Rick out of his crazy, as he glimpses what could be a Lori slightly after Hershel’s words, but not again after Carl’s. For the rest of the episode, we see him stepping up, being the leader he is supposed to be, doing what he needs to for the group, including planning a scouting mission with Michonne.

Hopefully, the faith that the others have in Rick has not been shaken too badly. We know he’s a good man, and so do they, or they wouldn’t have put their trust in him in the first place. They see when he’s off the rails, and when he’s who he needs to be, and hopefully they also see the difference. Hershel and Daryl (Norman Reedus) seem to, content to take orders from Rick again in “I Ain’t a Judas.”

I do think Rick will get at least a brief chance to step away from being the leader, likely next season at some point. But he’s born to be in charge, and has qualities that few others possess. For the rest of the group, he must be strong.

It’s great that Rick sees Carl as a man. The Governor is right that adolescence is a twentieth century invention, and without the luxuries of the old way of life, there isn’t time for a teenager to act like a kid. Carl is conducting himself like a grown up, and Rick deciding to take him on the mission proves that his father, as protective as he might want to be with his son, realizes that Carl deserves to be included fully in the group.

I do wonder if Daryl really has a handle on Merle (Michael Rooker). Merle is playing nice for now, knowing he can’t go back to the Governor at this point, and this being the safest place for him, as well as where his brother is. But if Merle sees a chance to get back in the Governor’s good graces by doing harm to one of the group, especially Rick, I think he’ll jump at the chance. As I’ve said before, I just hope Daryl doesn’t have to be the one to personally put Merle down. Because Carol, the woman Daryl trusts most, warns him about Merle, I think Daryl is steeling himself for the possibility.

I am sure I missed some wonderful moment in the episode between two characters, there being so many to touch on. “I Ain’t a Judas” is a fine installment, giving us some words to ponder, some decisions to question, some cliffhangers to speculate on, and a few zombies bashed in the face to keep the action level up, even in a very personal episode. Fantastic job this week.

THE WALKING DEAD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

The Walking Dead not safe at "Home"

Article first published as THE WALKING DEAD Recap Season 3 Episode 10 Home at Seat42F.

Grade: 96%

Things are tense at the prison in this week’s episode of AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD, “Home.” Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is out beyond the prison walls, chasing the ghost of his dead wife, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). Glenn (Steven Yeun) tries to keep it together, seeing himself as the substitute leader, but with Maggie’s (Lauren Cohan) moping unresolved, he isn’t doing much good.

I like the idea of Glenn as a leader because it gives the character something important to do. Yet, he is not cut out to make the tough decisions, at least not yet. He does OK, with a heaping portion of advice from Hershel (Scott Wilson). But he lacks the quality that leaders must have. I’m very glad that his promotion is temporary, as I don’t want to see him become something he’s not.

Hershel seems to be doing plenty of mentoring in “Home.” He helps Glenn, and he hobbles down to talk to Rick. While before he is an antagonist, whom Rick has to find an understanding with to even get them to stay together, now he has become the wizened advisor, more than proving his worth to the group, even without a leg.

I am not so crazy about Axel (Lew Temple) cozying up to Carol (Melissa McBride). She is spoken for. I know Daryl (Norman Reedus) has left the group, but that will be corrected. He’s too much a part of the rest, cares too much about the others, to stay away for long, even for a brother. For most of the hour, I’m expecting a little conflict between Daryl and Axel when Daryl returns.

I also begin to suspect that Axel may not be as good as he claims to be. The way his story keeps changing as he talks to Carol, adding new bits to his story as he goes that don’t quite match up with what he says previously, makes him seem shifty. I know that the group must trust outsiders periodically to make up for those that are lost, but I’m wondering if they’ve made a bad choice with Axel. Which is why I’m not too upset when he dies, though we’ll get to that scene in a minute.

Wandering the woods, Daryl quickly grows tired of Merle (Michael Rooker). They are clearly kin who did not fully grow up together, and while it’s hard to tell how long they may have been reunited before becoming separated in season one, it seems like it wasn’t for very long. They are two drastically different people.

When the series starts, Merle is a bad influence on Daryl. Now, Daryl has gotten enough good influences to take away the temptation of the evil whisper. Daryl knows another way now, how things can be better with people who look out for each other. It’s why he goes to the rescue of a family being attacked by zombies without expecting anything in return. When Merle tries to take advantage of the situation, it seems like it’s the last straw for Daryl, who isn’t willing to bend to Merle’s will anymore.

I am a little disappointed that Merle follows Daryl back to the prison, but not too much so. I worry about where Merle’s allegiance might lay in a big battle with The Governor (David Morrissey) if he senses that The Governor is going to win. But he also brings a level of conflict to the group, which is always interesting, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out, though I do not expect Merle to live past this season. I just hope Daryl doesn’t have to be the one to kill him.

In Woodbury, Andrea (Laurie Holden) is calmed by The Governor’s contrition. He vows no retribution against the prison group, and, for awhile, it seems like Andrea might be a good influence on him. It also makes it look like the war between The Governor and the prison won’t come until the end of the season, as expected, building up slowly to a large assault.

However, then The Governor goes and talks to Milton Mamet (Dallas Roberts), and mentions asking others about their loyalty. This is a sign that he’s just playing Andrea, the same way he so often plays a part in front of his people. I still don’t see the attack coming, though, until it happens.

For most of “Home,” the pacing is slow, and not a lot is happening. It’s a good episode, but not overly exciting. However, this seems to be THE WALKING DEAD’s new pattern, as it did just before Lori’s death, lulling us into a false sense of peace, especially those who’ve read the comics and think they know what’s coming, and then striking in an unexpected and sudden way.

The attack that The Governor launches on the prison is fantastic television. From Carol using Axel’s body as a shield, to the van releasing zombies into the prison yard, to Hershel’s last minute rescue, and the way that everyone bands together, proving their strength, it’s full of amazing moments. Yes, they are unprepared and scattered this time. But as The Governor rides away, there is little doubt that they’ll be ready when he returns, and once they are, they might just stand a chance.

Why doesn’t The Governor just finish them off now, when he has a prime opportunity to do so? Is it because he needs people to lord over, and scaring, not killing, the group gives him a sense of power? Does he think that Andrea might forgive him for an attack, but not for a slaughter? It’s unclear exactly what his plan is, but this is definitely only the first stage of the showdown.

I do think this will snap Rick out of his delirium. He seems to be doing better after his talk with Hershel, but the urgency of protecting his people against The Governor should be enough to fully right his path again. He needs to fortify their defenses and prepare to take on their greatest foe.

It’s sad that Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and his people don’t make an appearance in “Home.” Rick and the group desperately need the help. Will Tyreese come back? He’s important in the comics, but the reasons for his importance don’t seem very present in the series. After being threatened by crazy Rick, he has good reason to want to get as far away as he can, and why should he risk his neck fighting The Governor? Or maybe his absence for the fight in “Home” will keep him in the dark about the true threat Rick’s people face, meaning he can join back up without knowing the danger, which makes more sense for the story.

I admit, I felt a little disappointed for the first almost-two hours of this mid-season, when not a lot of adrenaline-pumping stuff happened. The end of “Home” more than makes up for it, and is a message to fans that they won’t have to wait until the end of the season for more action.

THE WALKING DEAD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

The Walking Dead "King" of cable television

Article first published as The Walking Dead "King" of cable television on TheTVKing.

AMC's The Walking Dead resumes its third season with "The Suicide King." The episode picks up right where last fall's mid-season finale left off, with the Governor (David Morrissey) forcing Merle (Michael Rooker) to fight his brother, Daryl (Norman Reedus), to the death to prove his loyalty to Woodbury.

As the tussle begins, Merle knocks Daryl to the ground and begins kicking him. At first, I thought this meant that Merle intends to carry about the Governor's wishes. Then, he whispers words of reassurance to Daryl, before fighting back to back with him. If Merle is going to so quickly ditch any charade and defend his sibling, why kick him first? It seems cruel, and I think that Merle takes the opportunity to punish Daryl a little for abandoning him, as Merle sees it, in Atlanta.

Which makes it all the more disappointing when Daryl chooses to leave the group with Merle, after Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the others break up the fight and rescue them. There is something noble about sticking with your blood, even when they don't deserve it, and I do think it makes Daryl come across as a better person to not abandon Merle. But if anyone ever didn't deserve a thirty-eighth chance, it's sadistic, selfish, evil Merle. Were their positions reversed, Merle wouldn't hesitate to leave Daryl.

Given this, Rick needs to act the hero and allow Merle to come back to the cell block. That doesn't mean Rick and the others should let down their guard around Merle, but they owe Daryl this, after everything that Daryl has done for the group. You stick by your people, and Daryl is one of their people. If he feels the obligation to protect his brother, then you accommodate that.

I thought it was interesting that Carol (Melissa McBride) compares Merle to her departed abusive husband Ed. There is a slightly different dynamic, in that Merle is Daryl's blood, while Carol chose to be with Ed. However, I appreciate the sentiment, with her coming to Daryl's defense about his decision.

It might be easier for Daryl to leave because there is no direct threat to the group at this time. They all realize that the Governor will likely make some play against them in the future, but they don't know enough about him to decide what that offense may look like or when it will come. There is definitely a vague feeling of needing to be prepared for it, but without knowing what that may entail, Daryl is walking away at a time where there isn't an urgency for him to stay.

Before the Governor comes for the prison group, though, amends will have to be made with Daryl, with or without Merle. The others desperately need him. The barbed wire defenses aren't enough to keep out the Governor, and Daryl is one of their best combatants. Not having him puts everyone else at risk.

In this circumstance, one would think that Rick would be glad to accept help from Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and his friends. Rick may not have spent much time around them, but others have, and they've observed what a good man Tyreese is. The same cannot be said for everyone in his party, and that will have to be dealt with, probably sooner rather than later. But Tyreese looks like a big, strong, capable man, and they could really use some of that right now.

Ditto for Michonne (Danai Gurira). She may be a little unstable, too, when going for the Governor, and not sharing all her information with Rick, but she is tough and good with her swords. Rick cannot kick her out. They will need her when the fight comes. Thank goodness she's exhausted and sleeping, buying Rick some time to get his head on straight.

Both of these major mistakes are Rick's alone, with his friends disagreeing with him. I think we can chalk some of this up to the fact that Rick is not in a good mental state. During his conversation with Tyreese, he hallucinates Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), and begins to yell at her. Rick is breaking, and he needs to step back and heal himself, letting someone else make the leadership decisions until such time as he is capable of doing so himself.

It's time for Glenn (Steven Yeun) to step up. It is sort of unexpected, but he has established himself as a person who wants a say in what the group does. He is no longer a sidekick, and with Daryl gone and Hershel (Scott Wilson) no longer displaying the backbone he once possessed, though still being a valuable adviser, Glenn is the only chance the group has of righting their course. He argues with Rick a little in "The Suicide King," but I think there could be a bigger confrontation coming.

One other thing I worry about in regards to the prison group is Beth's (Emily Kinney) feelings towards Rick. She mentions wanting to have a baby, and seems pretty attached to Rick's infant. She also kisses Rick on the cheek in a sort of awkward way, which could mean that she is planning on staking claim to Lori's former position. It will never work, but the kind of emotional devastation such a let down could bring to the young girl could cause larger trouble for the small community.

Back in Woodbury, the town is reeling from the invasion, several of their own dead. There is unrest already, and a few walkers get in and stir up more. The Governor retreats to his apartment, unwilling to come out and set everyone straight, emerging only to kill one of their own who has been bitten, then stalks back off with no explanation.

This isn't going to work for long. The Governor has his armed guards, and they will stay with him, but the rest of the folks aren't going to follow a man anymore who acts like this. If the Governor wants to maintain order, he has to say something inspiring. He may not feel very much like caring for the community right now, but that's exactly what he needs to do.

Eventually, he will. And he will probably do so by gearing them up for a revenge attack against Rick's group. This isn't what should happen, and will definitely ruin Woodbury once and for all, but it's the only way I see the Governor emerging as a leader again. He's done being soft or allowing people to believe life can be the same within his walls as it used to be, and he tells Andrea (Laurie Holden) as much.

Andrea is the wild card. For those who read the comic books, Woodbury was a brutal place. But it did not have Andrea there to try to save the souls of the citizens. Many of them want a person with a positive and compassionate attitude in charge of them. If it won't be the Governor, it could be Andrea. At least until the Governer decides to wrest power back from her.

"The Suicide King" is not a particularly eventful episode. Instead, it begins setting up the end-of-the-season arcs, adjusting the dynamics, and rearranging the groups. There are a few things that must be overcome before a final showdown between Rick and the Governor, and this episode begins going down that road.

The Walking Dead airs at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. Also, Talking Dead, a post-episode talk show from The Nerdist, has expanded to a full hour, and now airs immediately after, beginning at 10 p.m.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter. 

The Walking Dead fans are "Made to Suffer" a long hiatus

Wow.

So much happens in The Walking Dead episode "Made to Suffer" this week that is important. People die, a true villain is born, allegiances are tested and shift, a new major character makes his introduction... The list goes on and on. The hard part is knowing where to start. I'll just jump in.

The opening of "Made to Suffer" unveils a new group of survivors. There isn't a clear leader among them, but one name will jump out to fans of The Walking Dead comic book: Tyreese (Chad Coleman, The Wire). In the books, Tyreese joins the group very early on, before they even get to Hershel's (Scott Wilson) farm. On the page, Tyreese serves as the muscle and pretty loyal best friend to Rick (Andrew Lincoln). Given the decision to keep Shane (Jon Bernthal) alive on TV longer, and the inclusion of non-comic character Daryl (Norman Reedus), Tyreese seemed unnecessary. But, with how things play out in this episode, now seems the perfect time to bring him in.

I'm not saying that Tyreese will be instantly part of the core crew. He's off to a good start, though. He respects Carl (Chandler Riggs), and calls him "the man." He holds back those in his group who would like to threaten the balance of power in the jail. He is kind, and seems to sense kindness in the main characters. If you watched the spoiler scene presented in Talking Dead this week, it looks pretty clear that Tyreese will have an in early on.

This is fortuitous because Rick needs a friend. Hershel is the voice of reason, but he's just not from the same generation as Rick, and no one else in the group connects with Rick that well, as he stands apart as a leader to them. And Rick is starting to lose his marbles a bit, talking to his deceased wife on the phone, and even hallucinating Shane in Woodbury! (Awesome surprise cameo, by the way!) Tyreese could serve as that balance to Rick, allowing him to blow off steam with a buddy, rather than bottling it up in front of everyone to appear in charge.

This occurs as Rick and company attack Woodbury to rescue Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan). Their mission is not easy, many bullets are fired, and Oscar (Vincent M. Ward), who is not a very important character, but seems to be the only "good" former prisoner, bites the dust. The main contingent of the group gets away, thankfully.

The tragic leave behind is Daryl. Hanging back to cover the rear (and probably hoping to get a glimpse of his brother, Merle (Michael Rooker)), Daryl is captured by the Governor's (David Morrissey) men and held responsible for the attack as a "terrorist."

We know that Rick and the others are not terrorists. They would never attack people just for the sake of attacking people. They know their friends are being held hostage, and so they go in, guns blazing, and get them out. If anything, the mistake here is treating the whole town like the enemy. Rick doesn't know it, of course, but most of the residents are blind to the Governor's true activities and brutality. Given this, it is only too easy for the Governor to spin the rescue attempt as something more sinister.

What might be Daryl's salvation is that Merle is also paraded out as a criminal, even though he has nothing to do with what happened. Daryl isn't alone, and the brothers are tough. Complain all you want about Merle, because he's not really a very nice guy. He threw a zombie at Glenn! But he does love his brother. They can try to fight their way out together, and they might stand a slim chance.

Things will go even better for them if Andrea (Laurie Holden) takes their side. She now sees some of what the Governor is up to, and what he keeps in his own house. Desperate to find that safe, stable place, it will be hard for her to let go of the Governor, who has given her a home and a bed. But she is smart, and I think that, in the end. she will make the right decision.

This exposure occurs because Michonne (Danai Gurira) attacks the Governor. She goes to his apartment to settle the score for him sending men to kill her. While there, she slays the Governor's zombie daughter, Penny, breaks some of his fish tanks full of Walker heads, and takes out one of the Governor's eyes. Visuals speak louder than words, and seeing all this, Andrea is starting to have doubts about the man she is sleeping with.

Quick note about this sequence, it illustrates just how damaged Michonne is. We've seen her tortured soul in pieces. She is definitely scarred badly by something. The tenderness she shows towards Penny, and the sheer determination in taking sharp glass in her hand to stab the Governor, are different sides of a complicated woman. Seeing her look pleadingly at Rick when she tells him that he needs her is the final piece of the puzzle. Michonne needs him more. She has been through a lot, and it's time for her to become part of a bigger group, contributing and loving, not just being a lone wolf.

Because of Michonne's attack, the Governor is turning into the huge nemesis that comic fans love to hate. Soon he will be sporting an eye patch, and he is definitely out to destroy the prison group. While the television version of the character has been more layered, which is nice, giving us a better understanding of him, it would be folly to assume that this incarnation will be less dangerous. Look for the back eight episodes this winter to feature a full on war between the Governor and Rick. Rick may win, being the lead of the show, but when the Governor comes at them, there will be severe casualties.

First, though, there may already be a danger in the prison. The way that Axel (Lew Temple) acts towards Carol (Melissa McBride) and Beth (Emily Kinney) while the tough members of the group are away is creepy. I'm a little surprised he didn't rape and / or murder either girl in "Made to Suffer." I do worry that it's coming, though, and we may soon lose another member of our little group, long before the Governor arrives at the gate.

Part of the price of great television is long breaks where the creative minds behind such projects can wind down, or recharge, or just think of more great ideas. AMC seems to make this doubly difficult in the case of The Walking Dead because we just get two short waves of new episodes every year. Given just how big "Made to Suffer" ended, and that the series is breaking all kinds of viewing records, I know I am not alone in being anxious for February to arrive, when the series will return.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on TheTVKing

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 plants the "Seed" for another stellar season

AMC's The Walking Dead, one of cable television's most popular shows, deservedly so, returned for a third season this week to record-breaking numbers. The premiere, "Seed," picks up months after last season ends, the little band of survivors having made it through a tough winter, scrounging for supplies and avoiding the walker herd that is still circling. But light might be at the end of the tunnel when they come across an abandoned prison they decide to make their new home.

These characters have changed since we last saw them. Whereas before, they semi-panicked and scattered when faced with walkers, now they have a military-like precision in taking the undead out, and a unified escape plan for when more are coming. True, they aren't fighting nearly as many at once as they did on Hershel's farm, but they also seem more confident, tougher. They have become a group of fighters at last.

This can only help them to survive in the dangerous world. There is no way they would be able to make inroads to the prison, clearing the undead from a couple of sections, if they did not have the earlier practice. They may not always be working as one, but they are much better prepared than previously. This makes for a thrilling show to watch, and provides several adrenaline-fueling, action-packed sequences, including having to battle walkers in riot gear!

But as they become killing machines, how will that affect their humanity? Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is detached, keeping emotional distance from everyone, including his own wife, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), even while he makes it the group's mission to find a safe place for her to give birth. Their marriage is on the rocks, with Rick seemingly wanting little to do with her, even while focused on helping her. Is this what it takes to be a leader strong enough to keep the group alive? Or are their martial problems deeper than that?

Unfortunately, "Seed" picks up with Rick and Lori's spat already in progress, so we don't know the extent or cause of it for sure yet. At the end of last season, Lori is upset at Rick for killing Shane, and Rick has seemingly gotten over Lori sleeping with Shane when they justifiably believed that Rick was dead. But now it's Rick, not Lori, doing the pushing away. Is it because the baby is close, and Rick realizes that it could very well be Shane's kid? Or is there something else going on?

Rick isn't the only one who has changed. Carl (Chandler Riggs) is part of the advance team, taking out zombies as they move into a new house. After killing Walker Shane, Rick's son is leaving childhood behind, acting like a contributing adult member of the group. No one even follows him as they move through the house, with Carl left alone to take out a walker, which he does with ease. It's cool that he is no longer a liability, but I can't help but feel some innocence has been lost, and that's regrettable, even if it is necessary for survival. Though his little crush on Beth (Emily Kinney), and the way in which handles it, is cute and childlike, proving he hasn't completely turned. Also, the fact that Rick doesn't let Carl help clear the prison, where there are likely to be far more walkers than in a small house, is telling.

Others have softened rather than hardened. The flirting between Carol (Melissa McBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) has grown more open, with them possibly being involved sexually. Everyone needs a little solace in this tough time, and it's nice that they've found each other. It doesn't seem to prevent Daryl from being as effective as ever with the crossbow, and Carol has become a decent shot, so their happiness isn't hurting anyone else. Good for them!

We see a similar thing with Andrea (Laurie Holden) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), albeit without the sex. Both were alone, and they have found each other. Michonne is refusing to abandon Andrea, even as she becomes a sick burden. It's this loyalty and sticking together quality in the face of so much danger that inspires hope for the characters' continued survival, and optimism about the perseverance of the human race after this terrible epidemic.

One has to wonder if the prison will turn out to be the safe haven that they've hoped for. Already in "Seed," the group has found more walkers than they expected inside, had to cut off Hershel's (Scott Wilson) leg to possibly stop a walker bite from turning him, and encountered live people who are probably prisoners. None of these plots has time to be fully explored in "Seed," so it's uncertain what each will lead to. But for now, it certainly appears that, while the prison defenses may keep a herd at bay (at least for awhile), it is just as deadly, if not more so, inside than out.

Now, those who have read the comics might think that they already know what each of these threads has in store. In the book (SPOILER ALERT!), most of the prisoners turn out be relatively harmless, though one is murderous. The prison is a safe haven until the Governor attacks. Cutting off a limb works, though it is Dale, not Hershel, whom this happens to. And Lori gives birth to a perfectly healthy baby girl.

But I would caution that this may not be the case. The Walking Dead TV series has already strayed many times. Obviously, Dale being dead already is one of those things, Daryl isn't even in the books (as of issue 96, as far as I've read, though he is supposedly going to be added), and Carol tries to start a threesome with Rick and Lori, something that probably won't be necessary given her connection to Daryl. So anything could really happen. Maybe Lori is right, and she will have a stillborn child who will infect her and eat her alive. Maybe Hershel won't survive. The show takes place in a world filled with threats, and the writers have thrown enough surprises and twists in to teach us not to take anything for granted.

It's hard to make any huge generalizations about season three so far, just from "Seed." But it looks like the characters are tougher, ready to fight, and they are relatively stable for the time being. Plus, this premiere has a TON of walker slaughter, a favorite among many fans. So it's a satisfying return for a fantastic series.

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. Talking Dead, a talk show hosted by The Nerdist himself, Chris Hardwick, about the series, which is kind of neat, airs at 11 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 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.