TV: The Walking Dead

[rockmanj]

And does anyone else think it's weird to see previously racist and anti-social Daryl driving around with 3 black peoples? I'm sure the writers meant to show how people change because of the circumstances of world destruction, but it's just funny to see.

I am sure if Merle were around to see that, he would be apoplectic.

Also, to Alhuin's point, the comic's Governor is messed up in a way that AMC would be way to scared to show. It isn't just about the level of violence in the comic portrayal, it is the methods of violence and cruelty he uses. Technically AMC could have shown that, but since basic cable shows tend not to do things to frighten away sponsors, it didn't happen.

Also, I doubt AMC would show or allude to castrations.

[Animeniax]

I am sure if Merle were around to see that, he would be apoplectic.

Haha I don't doubt it. He'd be tearing his little brother a new one for being so tolerant.

[Penner]

So is it now allowed to discuss the TWD comics in this thread aswell?

If so, then i might just have to avoid this thread entirely until the show ends because from what i can tell, the TWD showrunners are pretty much doing the same thing as Game of Thrones is doing (taking stuff from earlier/later in the comics and moving it around to earlier/later in the TV show).

[Alhuin]

While it's true they are using that method, there are also things they skipped (or changed) entirely. Discussing those differences is part of what makes this thread interesting, while at the same time providing some insight for the non-readers that may become interested in reading because of said differences.

In any case though, I've been very careful to disguise my "spoilers" with white text for those people who wish not to know exact details, and I feel like, as long as that method sticks, discussion should be allowed. Adding a SPOILER tag would also be wise.

Of course, I think only two or three people here actually pay attention to the comics anyways, so avoiding the thread would be pointless, as you could most likely just avoid certain posts.

[Sapphire]

What a phenomenal episode.

[Penner]

I was totally expecting some shit to go down after how the last ep ended but this was a really nice surprise tbh.

Also... did the Gov and that woman do the nasty in the car when they were literally inches away from the girl and the child? lolwat

[Animeniax]

I completely expected some boning when they intro'd the 2 sisters, but thought it would be more along the lines of the Governor raping and murdering them.

I thought it was a good episode but still so much frustration in the way things are handled and portrayed. Why do some zombies seem hungrier and more intent on their prey, and others shamble slowly and don't seem to care? Do they have appetites, and are some just not as hungry as others?

And why are the survivors reluctant to kill some zombies, then go ape-shit psycho reckless when killing others?

[Penner]

Was there no "Talking Dead" ep this week? I can't find it anywhere (and they don't air them on TV where i live :/)

[deadlydreamx]

Was there no "Talking Dead" ep this week? I can't find it anywhere (and they don't air them on TV where i live :/)

I don't watch them but I kno there was. The governor was one of the guests.

[UChessmaster]

Is this it? (http://thepiratebay.sx/torrent/9216594/Talking.Dead.S03E06.WEBrip.x264.aac.Shadoe.mp4)

[Penner]

Yeah thats it, shitty ass video quality, but it's the only one available so can't be too picky :P

[Animeniax]

You could always catch the latest episode of both shows on AMC's website (with your provider login). Do you always watch this show from a stream/torrent?

http://www.amctv.com/full-episodes/talking-dead

[Penner]

Always from torrent, but for whatever reason the last couple of Talking Dead episodes have been released later and later after the actual WD ep. It's annoying as shit lol

[Alhuin]

So the Governor reawakens. It was obvious it was going to happen, but I was a little surprised when he took out his former colleague like that. It's good to see that the next episode (the mid-season finale) should be the end of the prison arc.

I don't understand what the horde of zombies stuck in the mud did to him though. Could he not have just driven around them? Or taken a different route altogether? I just don't see why that made him go back to the camp he originally claimed was unsafe, when he was originally proclaiming he didn't want to lead it.

[Sapphire]

Notice how much better the show is when we don't have to see the retarded stagnant prison people and their whiny concerns! So it seems like the writing is actually being held back hardcore by the comic. If the spinoff is with the governer or of similar quality, I'm ditching this show for that.

@Alhuin: He was probably reminded that camp was probably still objectively safer than driving off into the middle of no where in the middle of the night.

also http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/24/walking-dead-david-morrissey-dead-weight/

[Animeniax]

I think you got it right, Sapphy, and it's a big part of what makes the governor what he is. The people at the prison are wishy-washy and lack leadership, which makes their story hard to sympathize with. We keep wanting them to die or suffer for their silliness. Meanwhile we're rooting for the Governor even when he's killing people because (like Walt in BB) he's direct and does what needs to be done.

While watching it I thought the zombies in the mud showed the Gov that he can try to run but walkers will always be there no matter where he goes, so he might as well stay. According to that article I think that seems about right.

Did you read about a spin-off somewhere legit? Because it seems like the prison group and the Gov's stories are about to intersect in a big way. I think he will ask them to let his new group join them in the prison... or threaten and force them out, hence them leaving the prison soon.

[Penner]

'Walking Dead' Spinoff Could Be Prequel (http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/walking-dead-spinoff-could-be-prequel-report-20131115)

[Sapphire]

"I can't have any nugget of what I have planned making it into the show, because if the show ends on Season 12 but the comic doesn't end for, eight, 10 or 20 more years, my ending will be spoiled. That would piss me off."

MFW the author says the comic could last for another 8-20 years. Doesn't give me any hope that the pacing of the show will pick up.

[Animeniax]

Who else thinks it's a bad idea/kinda ludacris that the Gov let Mitch live (he killed his brother Pete). Unless Mitch is a complete piece of shit, there's no way he won't try to kill the guy who killed his own brother.


MFW the author says the comic could last for another 8-20 years. Doesn't give me any hope that the pacing of the show will pick up.
I think it means the show will continue to diverge from the comics to the point that it may use some similar story elements but be on its own creatively. So the story in the show could speed up, unless AMC doesn't want to lose another ratings superstar, in which case it could go to 10 seasons, with season after season of slow and shitty writing.

[Alhuin]

Well, the producers were right about one thing... I did not see Hershel's death coming. I thought for sure that the Governor would take out Michonne first, as payback. However, the rest of the episode was blatantly obvious and lacked any surprise factor whatsoever. Even the Governor's death; the logical choices would have been Michonne or Rick... and I would have been fine with either... but I'm really glad it was Lilly, because it's at least somewhat similar to the graphic novel. I figured they would try and do that, especially after watching the preview last week and seeing the tank, but given the history, I couldn't say for sure.

I feel almost certain that Judith is still alive though. I'm guessing one of the survivors on the bus grabbed her.

I can't wait until Feb. now. No more prison, so maybe things will become interesting again.

EDIT: I lied. After refreshing my memory, there was no reason to not see Hershel's death coming. The majority of this episode played out just like the graphic novel, even if the terms were different. I was also a little off on my time-stamps for certain events (not necessarily related to this episode)... though I can't remember if that has reference here, or with the discussions I have with coworkers.

[Janice]

Entertaining episode but pretty unrealistic and full of flaws.


Why was the little girl so far away from her mom? Who lets their kid play unattended during a zombie apocalypse?
Governor deciding to destroy the very prison he's trying to win with a tank. All the tank really ended up doing was make some holes in the walls.
Rick's team deciding it'd be a good idea to try to fight a tank head on (turned out it was due to the Governor's shitty battle plan).
Nobody except Herschel and some fodder dying despite there being a massive gun battle in which a tank was used.
Kids being more effective than trained killers.
Judith is obviously alive.
Wouldn't be surprised if the Governor is still alive since they didn't actually show the bullet in his head.

[lilphatboi88]

I liked the episode, it was more realistic than previous episodes. Here are my thoughts:

-People actually died. Although not very many main characters died, it's good to see the Governor's group annihilated.
-I can't believe the governor had such a shitty battle plan like the above poster mentioned ^^.
-The kids caught the trained killer off guard because she didn't know she was fighting children.
-Finally, stupid power hungry men like the governor only feel useful when they can boss other people around. That attitude has caused so many problems.

[Animeniax]

Wow, I'm surprised at the reactions to this episode. I think it's great, a lot of action and progression of the story, and yes people died. I think it's poor writing that Hershel died instead of Michonne, though the Governor probably wanted to keep her alive to make her die slowly and painfully. I also didn't like how long the Governor stood there with his ultimatum, or how long he let Rick try to persuade his people.

To address some of the "flaws" and "plot holes":
- I'm pretty sure Judith is dead. With that trail of blood and all those zombies walking around, if she survived it would be ridiculous. I doubt they'd show a baby's corpse, that would be in poor taste.

- the little girl was far from her mom because of complacency. The camp settlers were too comfortable with their pits and the river, they can't be constantly on guard after surviving so long. Their camp was relatively safe and had survived zombies up to that point. The threat actually came from a zombie already within their camp.

- I think the Governor's bloodlust took over and it became more about killing his enemies than saving the prison. It was the same bloodlust that led him to kill Hershel and implement his "shitty battleplan". It wasn't a plan at all, and Rick's team only reacted to Hershel's death, they didn't "decide" to fight a tank.

-the Governor is definitely dead. Did you guys miss the symbolism of the chess piece with the eye patch getting stepped on by a zombie? If he is "alive" then he might return as a new type of thinking zombie, otherwise why keep him alive (he'd just be another mindless zombie with no thirst for revenge).

The little girl killer squad threw me off guard for damn sure. No way the lesbian chick could have not been seriously in shock from seeing a couple little girls shooting at her men.

[Alhuin]

- I'm pretty sure Judith is dead. With that trail of blood and all those zombies walking around, if she survived it would be ridiculous. I doubt they'd show a baby's corpse, that would be in poor taste.

Spoiler alert:

In the graphic novel, Lori had her baby, but both died during the Governor's second attack on the prison (which is almost verbatim of this episode, except for the people that were with him, of course). He shot Lori in the back while she was holding Judith; she fell forward and the weight of her dead body crushed the baby to death. That being said, it's entirely possible for the baby to be dead, but the way they've strayed from the comics before, it's also entirely possible that they kept her alive. I'm siding with the latter because of that.

[Animeniax]

Spoiler alert:

In the graphic novel, Lori had her baby, but both died during the Governor's second attack on the prison (which is almost verbatim of this episode, except for the people that were with him, of course). He shot Lori in the back while she was holding Judith; she fell forward and the weight of her dead body crushed the baby to death. That being said, it's entirely possible for the baby to be dead, but the way they've strayed from the comics before, it's also entirely possible that they kept her alive. I'm siding with the latter because of that.
I re-watched that part to see how bad the scene was with the empty baby carrier and it's pretty bad. Blood in the carrier and a blood trail leading away from it.

1601

She's had such a minor role anyway and her significance as a sign of new beginnings and hope haven't been explored much in the show. With all the death and destruction, having a baby around just didn't make sense. They had little girls gun down two people... the future for Judith was not bright.

I forgot, the scene where Rick looks for Carl near the end was annoying. They didn't show Carl the entire fight just to set up Rick looking desperately for him, only to have Carl save him out of the blue. I don't like obvious cheesy setups like that. I loved seeing tank driver Pete looking for mercy from Daryl, only to get a crossbow bolt through the heart.

[Assertn]

Took a while for me to catch up, but I'm glad I did. I was concerned for a while that they were going to take the tv show in a completely different direction from the comics after the last time the Governor waged war on the prison. There are a few differences, but in the end everything seems to be tying up to the same outcome. The only major detail I'm curious to see now is who will become the new group sharpshooter, seeing as in the comics that was supposed to be Andrea. Maybe the sister of the Governor's girlfriend?

[Alhuin]

I feel almost certain that Judith is still alive though. I'm guessing one of the survivors on the bus grabbed her.

Called it.

Well, half of it at least. It wasn't a bus survivor.

Oh, and I also knew Carol would come back, though I can't remember if I talked about that here or at work.

[Sapphire]

Called it.

Well, half of it at least. It wasn't a bus survivor.

Oh, and I also knew Carol would come back, though I can't remember if I talked about that here or at work.

You're kidding right? Because that was the most obvious part of the show... the kids basically ran up to her and looked at her during the prison highjack. Unless you thought the baby got shot, turned into a zombie, and then unbuckled herself from her car seat and disappeared.

Now if you predicted Lizzie was the one who killed Tyresse's gf/fed the rats to the zombies (like Kit said), that'd be impressive.

BTW watching Lizzie nearly suffocate the baby was so disgusting and rage-inducing I wanna drop this show now~ :< Season 4 is ridiculously good otherwise, though.

[Alhuin]

You're kidding right? Because that was the most obvious part of the show.

You obviously haven't read the posts in this thread, because I'm talking about the debate between myself and Ani. It's literally three posts above. He thought the baby was dead, I said it would still be alive. I called it right. That's all I was saying. Not exactly sure why you felt the need to point out how obvious it was to me. >_>

[Animeniax]

It wasn't really a debate, so much as guessing (at how depraved the show's writers are *cackle*). I haven't seen the second episode after the break, glad to see some things are revealed.

From the previous episode, they had Rick playing possum pretty heavily. You could see his chest wasn't moving up and down with breathing as he "slept". Of course what would the show be without him, so we knew he wasn't dead.

[Animeniax]

I'm liking these episodes with just two or three of the survivors, it allows for more personal interaction. I especially like the Daryl and Beth episode, though I thought for sure they'd be boning before the end of the episode. Next episode doesn't look quite so good, as its more Maggie running around endangering her people while looking for Glen. Bleh.

[lilphatboi88]

At some points yes, with two or three survivors, you have the ability to do more character development/backstory. Unfortunately, I just think there's too much filler. They are trying to drag it out so much. The whole episode was basically Daryl and Beth talking back and forth about what kind of alcohol is good and then Daryl finally admitting he felt like losing the prison was his fault for not being there. 1 hr for that. At least let us see some chemistry between them, it's not even realistic how they don't have feelings for each other.

[Animeniax]

How did you not feel the growing sexual/romantic tension between them? I think it's pretty obvious they are developing feelings for each other, and in the next episode preview they even show them holding hands. I preferred it to the Rick/Carl and Carl/Michonne pairings.

[lilphatboi88]

They definitely have a growing relationship. But it's so slow that it feels like there's nothing there. We just basically saw them spend 2 days together and they didn't talk much. Dialogue was really hard. Welp, about to watch this week's ep.

[Animeniax]

Yeah but that's Daryl's character, he's not much of a talker and he's not one to easily open up to a sunshine and lollipops type girl like Beth. A lot was said about their characters because they didn't talk. By the end, they were closer in a deeper and more meaningful way so that if/when Daryl dies, Beth will definitely miss him (unlike her last 2 boyfriends).

[lilphatboi88]

Finally, this last ep we saw that relationship thing we were talking about. All it takes is that little look in their eyes.

Anyways, it looks like Daryl lost Beth. Why would she drive so far away?

[exglitch67]

Finally, this last ep we saw that relationship thing we were talking about. All it takes is that little look in their eyes.

Anyways, it looks like Daryl lost Beth. Why would she drive so far away?


She did not drive herself, she was abducted.

[Alhuin]

They're intentionally dragging out the story right now because it's almost the end of the season. I guarantee the finale will have each group end up at Terminus, either at the same time, or within a few days. Just in case it wasn't obvious enough. In any case though, I don't really understand the distaste of this "filler", given that the majority of the TV series isn't canon (which we've been over before). So much is happening all at once, I feel like they're doing a good job of maintaining each story. Sure, some have been more interesting than others, but what's happening now beats the first few episodes of the season, and it's definitely better than half of season 2 at the farm.

Does anyone else think the "biker" group that Daryl met at the end of the episode is the same group that showed up at the house Rick was at? I don't recall what anyone other than the people that died looked like. It'll be interesting to see what happens there.

[exglitch67]

Does anyone else think the "biker" group that Daryl met at the end of the episode is the same group that showed up at the house Rick was at? I don't recall what anyone other than the people that died looked like. It'll be interesting to see what happens there.

Yes it is the same group. The leader that is shown talking to Daryl is the same guy that was on the porch before Rick made his escape.

[Animeniax]

Wow, just saw the Grove episode and things got really dark. Carol is a badass, so different from when the series started and I wanted her character to die a gruesome death. I'm surprised she handled the little girls like she did and that she admitted what she had done back at the prison to Tyrese, and I'm surprised he took it so well.

After this season of smaller group dynamics, I'd like to see the group reunited and with some greater purpose than just surviving. I'd prefer they don't join a larger group at Terminus though.

[Alhuin]

After this season of smaller group dynamics, I'd like to see the group reunited and with some greater purpose than just surviving. I'd prefer they don't join a larger group at Terminus though.

Guess we won't have to worry about that, huh.

That was seriously an amazing season finale. I knew Terminus wasn't going to be this "safe haven" that everyone thought it was, but I'm actually having a hard time trying to figure out how it ties into the comics. The best guess I can make are the Hunters, if only because of the (implied) cannibalism. I'm very interested in seeing how things play out in the next season. It's already been confirmed that, while Terminus will play a major role in the beginning, Gareth and his group are not the main villains of season 5. I'm thinking Negan will make his appearance.

[poopdeville]

Those who arrive, stir fried.

[Animeniax]

Saw the season finale, pretty good way to end on a cliffhanger and to reunite the group. It was a bit frustrating though, with the characters still doing ridiculously dumb stuff after having been through so much. Carl running to help a random stranger yelling, then Rick and Michonne camping in the middle of the street... you'd think they would have learned by now. But who knows, maybe they're just tired of hiding and running, or they've survived so far so they're getting complacent.

One thing I thought was silly was how the bandits reacted to Rick going feral on their leader. They live in a post-apocalyptic hellscape filled with zombies, one of their members was about to rape a boy, and they've beaten people to death from their own group. You'd think they wouldn't be so shocked at seeing a guy rip another guy's throat out with his teeth.

What makes you all so sure they Terminus folks are cannibals? Is that from the comics? Maybe I need to rewatch the episode and pay more attention to the end.

[Alhuin]

What makes you all so sure they Terminus folks are cannibals? Is that from the comics? Maybe I need to rewatch the episode and pay more attention to the end.

I'm a little late to this post, but no, Terminus is not from the comics. It is strictly a TV creation. However, there has been speculation that Gareth is based on Chris, who is the leader of the Hunters in the comics. The Hunters were a group of people that resorted to cannibalism as food became scarce. The decided to hunt people because it was easier. If this is speculation true, then it would make sense for Terminus to be a community of cannibals. Instead of them hunting, they are luring their victims in with false hope. Even without that, though, there were some very subtle hints that allude to their ways. First of all, how was the grillmaster able to cook so much meat without any livestock in sight? Secondly, as Rick's group is running through the compound, a fenced area flashes by the screen that shows skeletal remains of human beings. ...I think there was one more thing, but I honestly don't remember it at this point.

[Animeniax]

I'm a little late to this post, but no, Terminus is not from the comics. It is strictly a TV creation. However, there has been speculation that Gareth is based on Chris, who is the leader of the Hunters in the comics. The Hunters were a group of people that resorted to cannibalism as food became scarce. The decided to hunt people because it was easier. If this is speculation true, then it would make sense for Terminus to be a community of cannibals. Instead of them hunting, they are luring their victims in with false hope. Even without that, though, there were some very subtle hints that allude to their ways. First of all, how was the grillmaster able to cook so much meat without any livestock in sight? Secondly, as Rick's group is running through the compound, a fenced area flashes by the screen that shows skeletal remains of human beings. ...I think there was one more thing, but I honestly don't remember it at this point.
Ahh I see. During the entire chase scene with Rick's group I kept thinking they were being herded in a specific direction. Some of the rooms they went through, like the one with all the writing on the walls, hinted that the place is a death-trap for newcomers.

It's funny how the people of Terminus look like a bunch of hip vegans and farmers' market type of people. It'll be really ironic if they are cannibals.

[poopdeville]

What makes you all so sure they Terminus folks are cannibals? Is that from the comics? Maybe I need to rewatch the episode and pay more attention to the end.

I don't read the comic. But I did notice this.

http://media.comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/terminus-cannibals.png

And I noticed that there were very few survivors. Which is strange, considering that they advertise sanctuary. Even the governor's camp had like 100 people. This one seems to have like 20.

[Animeniax]

I don't read the comic. But I did notice this.

http://media.comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/terminus-cannibals.png

And I noticed that there were very few survivors. Which is strange, considering that they advertise sanctuary. Even the governor's camp had like 100 people. This one seems to have like 20.

That picture about seals the deal... gross!

[Animeniax]

I've noticed in cast interviews that Lauren Cohan (Maggie) distances herself from or just gives the cold shoulder to Steven Yeun (Glenn), like if they weren't co-stars on the show, she wouldn't give him the time of day. Has anyone else noticed that or is that just my yellowman sensitivities to being shunned by hot white women?

[Alhuin]

Amazing premier. Action straight from the beginning. Much better than the start of last season.

Without going into too much discussion, I'm glad the Terminus storyline has been wrapped up, more or less. We know Gareth is still alive and will be joining Rick's group for an unknown reason (based on the SDCC trailer), and the flashbacks indicate that we'll probably get an episode dedicated to him (much like the random alcoholic black dude that I can't remember the name of). While the prospect of dealing with a cannibalistic community fits perfectly with world of TWD, I just don't see how you can stretch it out over several episodes. At that point, it would almost be like Governor 2.0. I thought it was brought to an end quite nicely.

Oh, and the return of Morgan. That's a thing.

[deadlydreamx]

I thought Bob was going to die when he decided to talk to Gareth. I figured if any of those 4 had to die I would be ok if it was Bob.

[Animeniax]

Good season premier. I was surprised they ended Terminus so quickly, basically in two episodes even if their leader survives. I thought they could milk it for a few episodes at the least, if not the entire season. Not sure who much time they'll spend on the flashback to how Terminus came to be a cannibal community, but I guess they're setting up Gareth's background so we can sympathize or at least understand his motivations once he becomes a part of the group.

[Penner]

I guess they're setting up Gareth's background so we can sympathize or at least understand his motivations once he becomes a part of the group.

What? Once he becomes part of the group?

[Alhuin]

What? Once he becomes part of the group?

It was shown in the SDCC trailer. Originally it appeared as though he was "allowing" Rick's group to survive for an unknown reason, but now, based on the premier, it does appear that he becomes "a part of the group". What that means exactly is still to be determined.

@Ani: I'm confused why you think they should have been able to extend the main Terminus storyline. After everything that has happened to Rick and the group, I don't believe for a second they would agree to work for or with Gareth, at least while being captive. Even ignoring that, Terminus has a cut-and-dry method of dealing with anyone that starts up trouble. The premier is exactly what I would have expected between both parties. The ONLY possible way that I could have seen Terminus being spread out further was if Judith was somehow captured and used against Rick.

Ultimately though, I don't think the producers really wanted to spend a lot of time on Terminus since it's a TV-only creation, and they didn't want to risk fan disapproval.

Back to the premier though, I don't think Tyreese killed that guy. And I think that will come back to haunt him. Maybe that guy is who leads Gareth to Rick's new settlement.

[Animeniax]

Maybe not extend the Terminus part so much, but they could have shown Rick and crew dealing with being captive, maybe interrogations or a short lived escape, or even showing Carol and Tyrese scoping the place out and making plans before the rescue. They kinda had a lot happen relatively quickly with Carol seeing Rick and crew getting captured, attacking Terminus herself, then everyone getting freed and leaving. They could have filled 2 or 3 episodes with everything that happened, but people might not have enjoyed it as much.

Also I recall we saw Gareth get shot as walkers surround him, so it will be amazing how he survives. Though the fact he survived those aholes who took over Terminus in the flashbacks shows his resiliency and toughness.

I think Tyrese did finish the guy. That guy had "one episode character" written all over him.

[Penner]

It was shown in the SDCC trailer. Originally it appeared as though he was "allowing" Rick's group to survive for an unknown reason, but now, based on the premier, it does appear that he becomes "a part of the group". What that means exactly is still to be determined.

Ahh that explains why i was confused by what Ani wrote, lol.

I didn't watch any trailers or teasers for season 5 at all because i still had the final 3 episodes from last season saved up for some reason, so i watched those plus the s5 premiere in one go... which was awesome :P

Now i'm really curious why the hell they would let Gareth (if he survived) anywhere near the group again, let alone actually join them, unless he has some incredibly useful knowledge/skill/talent they could use. Even if that were the case, i still find it really hard to believe they would allow him to join up them.

Or maybe, for some reason, they take him as some kind of hostage/prisoner instead of just killing him.

I'm also seriously loving this new "unleashed" version of Rick. None of that doubt/hesitation crap, just straight up take out any fuckers that deserve it and/or pose a threat.

Also, Carol was pretty badass when she went fucking Rambo on Terminus lol

[Animeniax]

Actually I cribbed that factoid from Alhuin's post about Gareth joining the group. I just watched the trailer and this season looks awesome. It looks like Gareth joins the group on their quest to Washington with the cure, but not fully trusting him along the way. I definitely prefer that they are on the move this season.

New Rick is awesome, but we needed old Rick to set up this change so it's all the more badass. Same with Carol, wow what a change from the first season where she was a helpless victim! Now she's almost single-handedly taking down an entire group and their compound!! I was actually happy to see her reunite with Daryl and now a love interest side story isn't a bad idea like I thought before.

Also I completely forgot about Beth until I saw the end of that trailer.

[Animeniax]

I guess the trailer had some red herrings in it. Brutal church scene.

[Alhuin]

Yeah, I guess they really wanted to throw us off. At least I was right though; I could see no conceivable way that Rick would ever work with Gareth.

Oh, and I knew Tyrese didn't kill that guy.

It was nice to see the Hunters' story tied into the TV series now. I knew that Gareth was modeled after Chris, but I had been wondering how everything would play out, considering Dale died back in season 2. But as soon as I saw Bob leave the church, I knew exactly what was going to happen. I'm not quite sure how Rick figured to come back to the church though. There hadn't been any hints of him laying a trap, and I know there was no way they made it to the "school building" and back in that short amount of time.

Also, I don't see why they needed to split up at the end. The initial reason was because of the threat of Gareth and his group, but since that threat is gone, why didn't they either all stay or all go? I guess maybe the bus wasn't big enough for them all...

However, that does set up the next part of the story. Alexandria...

I'm not going to spoil, but let's just say... there was a lot of foreshadowing in the season premier.

[Animeniax]

I didn't think Gareth was all bad, just trying to survive. I thought they showed his history as kind of an explanation for his current mindset so we could sympathize with him, leading up to him joining the group. If he had something to offer and showed remorse, I could see Rick forgiving him. But the way he was in this episode, I see I was wrong about that. He's a bad guy throughout.

I was surprised Tyrese didn't kill that guy, but I guess it goes with his big teddy bear character. Kinda frustrating but it's the character and I'm sure his lack of killer instinct will be a source of tension and problems in the future.

Yeah Rick and co going to the school and getting back to the church in time was a bit off. I chalked it up to how much time the cannibals spent negotiating with the people in the church, and Carl stalled them long enough to give Rick a chance to circle back.

They split because Sarge wanted to get going to Washington but Rick wanted to wait for Daryl and Carol to return.

[Alhuin]

Well that was an amazing, albeit predictable, mid-season finale.

I was surprised Rick actually agreed to do the exchange inside the hospital, especially considering Woodbury and Terminus. He was basically giving the "enemy" the advantage. Speaking of "enemy" though, I still can't figure out if Don (Dawn?) was essentially good, or bad. Sure, she made irresponsible and cruel decisions, but from what we saw, and what she explained, it seemed like most of those decisions were necessary. She didn't kill Beth when she had the chance many times, she helped keep Carol alive, she covered for Beth when that one rape-cop was killed... but then she plays the villain card when she demands that Noah stay with them as well. Beth says "I get it now"... but I'll be honest, I don't get it. TWD has ruined me in thinking that, anyone who opposes the main group of characters, is instantly a bad guy. So I really don't know how to feel about Don/Dawn.

I'm glad they didn't end on a cliffhanger this time though. I didn't like the final scenes with Morgan. It inferred that he was going to make his way to Washington, but we have no idea if Rick's group is still going to head that way, so it's possible they won't meet up. Other than that, I feel like this really could have been an actual season finale. The wait for Feb. won't be so hard.

[Penner]

Damn, I did not see that coming at all.


Also, fuck whoever it was that came up with the idea of mid-season breaks.

[Animeniax]

I loved the scene with Rick making the deal with the two cops in the parking lot. Didn't like how the actual tradeoff went down. Like Alhuin said, strategically it was bad for the TWD group. I also didn't like how they let their guard down and walked away after the exchange. They should all be dead now, but maybe Rick trusted the other side wouldn't go that far because they are cops.

Somehow the two or three episodes it took to hash out Dawn's mindset and Beth understanding it seemed redundant. Like it shouldn't have taken that long to understand her motivations. I won't miss Beth, her character was always kind of weak and under-utilized.

[Animeniax]

Wow, surprised Tyreese is done. I'm happy he's gone, as I didn't like the character even if I understand the conflict and turmoil that he personified about life in a post-apocalypse. I thought they were going to pull a fast one on us with the arm trick, but I think they did that on purpose to mess with fans of the show who aren't fans of Tyreese. Though I wonder what other large black guy will join the group now. Noah doesn't quite fit the mold of T-Dog, that unnamed prison guy, then Tyreese.

[xtallography]

What was with the truck filled with the severed torsos (from all the legs at the break in the wall) at the end?? Add in the letter carved into their foreheads and it's pretty creepy.

With Tyreese gone now who's the moral compass? Certainly not Glen after the discussion with Rick in the driveway. Michone? That seems somewhat ironic with all the decapitations she does.

[Animeniax]

I think the mutilated corpses goes with Rick, Glen, and Michonne's discussion about finding safety and being out in the zombie world too long, and with Tyreese's choices to be a pussy cat instead of a killer. The people in Noah's old community went crazy with despair and started doing some heinous shit like chopping up bodies and mutilating them. Kind of like a cabin fever effect.

I'm sure they'll replace Tyreese with another moral person, same as Tyreese replaced Hershel.

edit [SPOILER]: I read an article http://uproxx.com/tv/2015/02/all-the-incredibly-cool-details-you-may-have-missed-in-this-weeks-the-walking-dead/) about some details in this episode that most viewers might miss and they said the mark on the heads of the dismembered torsos are possibly made by a group from the comic books. So I guess they'll be in the show sooner or later.

[Alhuin]

I didn't get a notification that anyone had posted here, but I'm glad I'm not the only one still watching.

Last night's episode (which I couldn't see until tonight) pissed me off, knowing what is supposed to happen, from the comics. I won't discuss it, for spoiler's sake, but I really needed to get that off my chest.

Other than that, though, it was a pretty good episode. You could tell that Rick was struggling not to kill Pete for the longest time, which makes the misunderstanding/miscommunication quite sad. I didn't expect Michonne to knock him out the way she did, but it was probably for the best. It looked like Carl might be getting some action soon, if you know what I mean.

Seriously can't wait for the finale, though based on the previews, I think it's going to frustrate me.

[Animeniax]

Yeah according to what Norman Reedus said, it looks like someone important will die in the season finale. My bet is on Glenn with that wormy coward guy now toting. Or the group leaves the town but some of their members opt to remain and leave the show (Michonne, Carl, Judith).

I don't like how they portrayed the crew and their inability to let go and settle in, especially Rick. While it makes sense and speaks to the human condition, what happens after this story arc? Will they go back out into zombie world and find solace in killing more zombies and living dangerously? I think that leads to more mental health issues, more rotating cast of characters as they die, and it will be harder for them to settle into the next haven they find.

[Alhuin]

It's hard for me to reply to any of those questions or statements, without giving away spoilers.

If I were to go purely based on the last few episodes, and the preview, my guess is that Rick will be exiled, but he'll stay close plotting his revenge/takeover. He won't want to leave his people either. During this same time, Darryl and Aaron will come across the group that has been mutilating the walkers, and carving 'W's into their head. Darryl or Aaron may die/become injured (based on the interview with Norman Reedus), and the group will follow them back to Alexandria. That group will then attack Alexandria, Rick will come in to help his people, and the episode will end with Rick standing over a bunch of bodies, all bloody, stating that this group is "proof" that the community needs him.

There was talk of an article (I haven't read it, but a coworker said they did) that the 'W's are actually 'M's for Morgan, saying he's the one that has been marking them. I can't find the article, so I'm not sure how legit that is.

[Animeniax]

From the preview it definitely looks like they will try to exile Rick, but I can't see that most of his people will stay if he leaves. Daryl and Carol at least wouldn't, and Sasha is about ready to leave too. The Washington group might stay since they've only recently joined and only have loose ties to the group. I can't see Carl willfully abandoning his dad either, though I can see Rick wanting him to stay so he can live a more normal life. If previous seasons are a hint though, I wouldn't be surprised if Alexandria falls and the group moves on to a new setting next season, along with new members from Alexandria like Jessie as a love interest and counter-balance for Rick.

If the mutilations are Morgan's work, I wonder why he would do that. Marking them instead of killing them doesn't seem to fit any objective for a loner like Morgan.

[Alhuin]

Well, I was pleasantly surprised with the finale. I cringed for probably half the episode, expecting things to happen that would screw with the comic storyline. But in the end, I thought it was a good episode.

Morgan having Jedi moves was an awesome opening. I understand why he didn't kill those guys, but man, that's going to come back and haunt him, I'm sure. The Wolves appear to be a TV-only group; the closest I could compare them to in the comics is a group that's active right now, which wouldn't make sense. I'm almost positive that one, if not all of the Wolves, were the ones exiled from Alexandria previously. It seems like they're building an army of walkers to take to the gates. That should make for an interesting first-half of season 6.

I was glad that Rick wasn't exiled, however close he may have been. Even without knowledge of the comics, the whole situation was based on lies and misunderstandings. I'm looking forward to seeing how he and Deanna run the community next season. I suspect that Gabriel will withdraw his warning, now that he's had his breakdown, and seen that the group isn't going to abandon him. Nicholas has probably reached his peak as well. I'm sure he still doesn't really like Glenn, but I don't think he'll be stupid enough to try and kill him again. Sasha will probably calm down as well. I feel like this was a rather "happy" ending to the season, compared to previous seasons.

I really hope that Morgan doesn't decide to leave because of how Rick has changed. We've been waiting 5 seasons for them to reunite!

[Penner]

Yeah i really liked the finale.

Loved that Morgan is back now, but his reunion with Rick might be a tad awkward with his new "all life is precious" mentality, and the first thing he sees is Rick executing a dude, lol

[Animeniax]

I was disappointed with the finale considering Norman Reedus's assertion that we should bring tissues for this episode. Nothing really sad happened, mostly more frustration and then a finale that is a little too clean and happy with no significant deaths (unless you count Regg). At least Gabriel, Nicholas, Sasha, and maybe Glen, should have died.

I completely thought Glen was done for with the gunshot wound and 3 zombies on top of him. Why did he even follow Nicholas over the fence by himself? That had "trap" written all over it to the point Admiral Akbar should have made a cameo appearance just to punch Glen in his eyelidfoldless eyes and tell him so, then take Maggie away and show her what a real man is. Another thing that bugged me was Rick noticing the front gate was open and the sun is shining high in the sky, then he apparently runs around town for an hour seeing no one and speaking to no one before he encounters the zombies once it's night. And is this such a huge subdivision that he could fight off zombies without alerting anyone, and then not even yell for help?

Otherwise it was a good episode. We learned a lot and a lot was set up for the next season. I enjoyed it enough to watch the Talking Dead episode right afterward and that was fun too.

[Animeniax]

So people have been wondering if Daryl and Carol would hook up on the show, and age is always mentioned because people think Carol is too old for Daryl (I was in this boat). In reality, Melissa McBride who plays Carol is 49 and Norman Reedus is 46. I don't think they've said how old the characters are on the show, but if it happens then I'll be happy.

[Penner]

Holy shit Reedus is 46? I thought he was like 10-ish years younger lol

[Animeniax]

Yeah he's been around a while. He definitely looks younger than his years. I'm kinda surprised MMB is 49, she looks closer to 40 to me. I guess that rich Hollywood lifestyle keeps them looking young.