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 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