The Walking Dead

[Reply #280 on:]

Worst episode yet in my opinion. Absolutely awful.

Nothing happened spare for the final 30 seconds and even that wasn't very interesting. The spent the first 10 minutes retreading the ending of the last episode, then they wasted a load more time with the two children nobody cares about and lots of characters whining, then there was a horribly cringey bit of romance and then it ended with a crappy cliffhanger.
The only interesting or entertaining part of the episode was the 'pit-bitch' in the well and even that was stupid if you analyse it for a second.

[Reply #281 on:]

That scene was the worst part of the ep for me..

"We can't risk contaminating this uncontaminated water that a rotting corpse has been lying in for months"

"We need to get the zombie out of this well so that we can drink out of this eau d' rotting corpse well specifically, instead of one of the other 4 totally clean wells on the property".

"We need live bait, so the zombie will thrash around like crazy, making it easier for us to get a noose around it's neck."

"Lets get Daryl to catch us a squirrel or something lower Glenn down as bait, the guy that was just getting ready to make an emergency trip to the pharmacy for much-needed medical supplies. That can wait, this zombie totally can't though, we need to glug down the corpse water pronto."

"Lets tie the rope to that rusty pipe and not have anyone hold on to it."

[Reply #282 on:]

I don't think it was ever implied that these characters were supposed to be geniuses. I think the fact that they did the exact wrong things and handled the situation in the worst way possible was actually the point of the entire segment. Especially with how frustrated T-Dog gets at the end, with his "Good thing we didn't do anything stupid like just shoot it" line. That's why I enjoyed it so much.

[Reply #283 on:]

Another great episode.
Flashback in the beginning showing more and more how Shane and Lori got closer and how they met the Peletier.
Interesting development between Shane and Rick too.

Daryl's accident and then nearly being eaten by zombies was well done indeed.
Love his ear-necklace too, a D&D character of mine had something like that before.

The "return" of Merle and his confrontation with Daryl makes me wonder though if Daryl'll change now and  goes more towards confrontation and maybe even antagonism. Especially too with him being shot too.

Hershel is slowly showing his true colours too. Wanting the survivors out and especially Glenn it seems.
And seeing the ending (which was kinda obvious) shows why he wants to get rid of them asap.
Makes me wonder why he keeps them alive in there.


And now time for you all to rant "but there were way too few zombies *whine whine*".

[Reply #284 on:]

actually of the two zombie scenes it would have been a better episode without the first of the two - reducing the danger factor again (lying unconscious in the woods, no danger!)

cliché alert, zombies in the shed, mysterious malevolent leader with a group of underlings just waiting for an excuse to leave...

[Reply #285 on:]

I thought it was one of the better season 2 episodes, but it still wasn't great. It still suffered from the problem of only having 10-20 minutes of material stretched out to an hour.

I'd blame the budget cuts, but given that I'd be fine with 'filler' if it was interesting character exchanges, it's not really acceptable on their part. I can only hope the pace picks up a bit when they inevitably

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get to the prison

.

[Reply #286 on:]

Last episode was okay, but hope next one is better.

[Reply #287 on:]

Glenn: "Does this mean we're not going to doink? "

[Reply #288 on:]

Not everyone is whining about the lack of zombies Bend-err; the first season was rather plagued by an inability to connect with the characters.  In this regard, I feel that season 2 is a much needed improvement to the show, and we're having some good insight into small groups of people truly struggling to survive in a world after zombies.  I enjoyed the most recent outing, more filler back story, and seeing the characters make stupid choices, question their own decisions, and fight between moral complications. 

As for old Hershel, I believe the writers may be trying rather hard to paint him out to be a bad guy.  I for one don't see him as such; he's flawed no doubt, but his reasonings are both logical and morally based.  There's a reason he doesn't want his daughter around Glenn; that doesn't mean he's right, but those are his perspectives and his perogatives.  He has a point in addressing the issues of his son going out into the zombies, his horse being taken without permission, strangers shooting themselves on his property, and even a dinner time that he wasn't aware.  All the little things add up and his reactions are natural and rather well portrayed. 

I'd agree with the cliche alert that hopie4ever gave off, but I don't want to say that holding up zombies in a barn is specifically a cliche.  I'm more curious about the logistics of getting them in there, and how come nobody magically noticed it before; I can't imagine all the zombies have been sleeping in there this whole time.  Regardless, there are definite reasons for keeping zombies in a barn, unfortunately they'll probably expound upon that in the next episode or two.

Fazey, that's Glenn's problem.  He's going about his hormones all wrong; he'd have her in the bag if he could learn some romance instead of just "OMG, I had sex, that means we can go again right?"  You're so silly though, go get your friends to bring more of their single friends to the pub in get some drink in you daft silly Fazey...

I hope our pal Buddy13 is enjoying this season as much as we are.

[Reply #289 on:]

I read the two latest issues of the comic last night and it reminded me why I love this series. There were barely any zombies in either issue, it was all human interaction. Mostly talking, but a bit of conflict, but still, nothing you couldn't find in a drama without zombies.
But it was gripping and compelling and I was worried for some of the characters well-being and I can't wait to see what happens next even though they didn't leave it on a cliff-hanger.
Not just that, but I love so many of the characters in the comic whereas I'm sick of them all on TV and wouldn't really care if any of them died.

I'm so gutted about this show. I feel how Paula Radcliffe's best friend must have felt. Supporting her through all that training, then standing by her side during those early races only for her to sit down and shit herself in the middle of the street when she should have been winning a marathon.

[Reply #290 on:]

I thought it was a good episode. I am interested to see why the zombies were in the shed, great cliffhanger. Is it because Herschel religious beliefs forbid him to kill a human, even if it's turned into that?

It's just freaky knowing that a few yards down from the tents there is a whole herd of them.

I don't see Herschel as a bad guy, our gang came upon his property and imposed on them the minute they walked up the porch. It's all about survival. Nice southern hospitality works for a while, but in time supplies wear out, horses go missing, daughters get pregnant, etc etc.

[Reply #291 on:]

I thought it was a good episode. I am interested to see why the zombies were in the shed, great cliffhanger. Is it because Herschel religious beliefs forbid him to kill a human, even if it's turned into that?

If it's going to turn out like it does in the comics,

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then you're more or less right. He's basically intent on holding out for a potential cure that might make them all normal again.

[Reply #292 on:]

Seems like it.  I wasn't too bothered by it in all honesty; it's whatever.  This last episode was ridiculously melodramatic though.  i know Dale means well, but that crap with Shane wasn't particularly helpful, even considering Shane left that guy to die.

[Reply #293 on:]

The look on Dale's face when Shane and Andrea came back was priceless.

[Reply #294 on:]

Yeah, Dale plays all Mr. Nicey Nice but you can tell he really just wants to jump her bones. Several months of putting up with her agonising whining and even saving her life by putting his own on the line gets him nothing but another round of whining and then Shaney drops by for a few minutes and she's grabbing shlong without even asking for a drink first.

They need to mention the CDC video to Hershel, that there is no higher brain function going on with the walkers, and that they are proper corpses. Might not convince him, but someone should at least remember that season 1 actually happened (and also have rick tell us what doc suicide whispered in his ear).

Of all the characters, Lori needs to die. Real soon. Can't bear to watch any scene with her in, especially not the 5 minute monologues of "is it worth living in this world?" which are basically reworded repetitions of speeches that already happened in the last ep and the one before that, and the one before that.

Hope Otis comes walking back to the farm and they see the gunshot wound in his leg. That would be neat.

They still haven't found the little girl yet...

[Reply #295 on:]

I thought doc suicide told Rick that Lori was pregnant...since he drew everyone's blood.

[Reply #296 on:]

Blood can't get pregnant. 

[Reply #297 on:]

Blood can't get pregnant. 

There are telltale hormones in the blood. And it's more reliable than a peeing-on-a-stick test. Though if he wasn't specifically looking for it, it might go unnoticed.

[Reply #298 on:]

I don't want to disagree with you Buddy13, I think you're a great writer, but Zmithy has a point.  All of this melodramatic, "OMG, how we can live in this hell of world?" is getting very boring at this point.  You would agree, wouldn't you Buddy13?

[Reply #299 on:]

...Buddy13, I think you're a great writer...

Not gonna let that one go, are ya? ;-P

[edit]: Although, oddly, since you mentioned it, the writer who seriously isn't me just tweeted this:

Damn, that might've been #WalkingDead best ep of the season. This is why I can't quit: it delivers big time when it nails it.

So there's that.

[Reply #300 on:]

Blood can't get pregnant. 

There are telltale hormones in the blood. And it's more reliable than a peeing-on-a-stick test. Though if he wasn't specifically looking for it, it might go unnoticed.

None of those words you just said can get pregnant. 

Hi winna!

[Reply #301 on:]

Blood can't get pregnant. 

There are telltale hormones in the blood. And it's more reliable than a peeing-on-a-stick test. Though if he wasn't specifically looking for it, it might go unnoticed.

None of those words you just said can get pregnant. 

Hi winna!

But... you're just saying... But... words...?

...pregnant...?

[Reply #302 on:]

I suppose we're all getting different things out of our consumption.  This isn't that wildly strange of an ideal.  I actually argued that the show seemed rather realistic in its depiction of real world situations and social interactions between individuals placed in this hypothetical situation.  I agreed more with the argument I received though: it's not entertaining; furthermore, we could assume that these exchanges take place with more subtle indicators.  I've certainly witnessed, and possibly partook in, more melodramatic moments in my lifetime over matters that are far less significant than the humans in this drama have to deal with.  However, I'd like to note that I didn't particularly enjoy these exchanges and there were always more worthwhile endeavors to seek after than these.  It's also very clear that the writers have now drawn out Sophia's disappearance.  Entertainment is a balancing act of immersing the audience in a plausible, but distinctly interesting world.  I have to believe that the characters are real whilst simultaneously finding their situations and reactions interesting and unique.  Rick's wife whining about the state of the world fails to achieve the second accomplishment to the point that it becomes repetitive, stale, cliched, and irritating.  Some of the other developments were interesting and less drawn out; but it's clear that the blonde is a danger to herself and everyone else around her.  I'm glad they didn't have the heart to legitimately kill off Daryl; he's one of my favorite characters currently.  I want closure on Sophia, and we could certainly benefit from an explosive interaction between Hershel's group and Rick's group.

HI BIRTHDAYCLOWN!!!!!

[Reply #303 on:]

• the cliché is complete, it's his family in the shed, didn't see that coming 
• the only way Herschel would know if she was pregnant or not is by putting on a long glove and sticking his hand up there for a feel, that's the vet way
• they tried to justify the "using him as well bait" as a way for him to realise that he was being under appreciated, didnt work for me
• the big mother whiner needs to cut it out about is it worth it anymore, the pregnancy is kinda unneccesary (even if shane turns out to be the father), but thankfully the cat is out of the bag and the fireworks can begin between our two male leads
• sophia has been gone too long i would have to agree

and relax...



I think there is potential that the series might be over a hump and can kick on to some interesting stories and interactions, couples are forming and splits are happening, all we need is the barn door to break and hershel and his boring relatives to buy the farm

[Reply #304 on:]

The "is it even worth living in the world" and the pregnancy themes were way bigger in the comic and went on for ages... also both had a interesting pay of which I hope the film will do too.

Sophia being gone for too long? Naah, it's perfect. Would actually be best if they never find any trace of her ever again. That what makes the world of TWD, often not knowing what happened to people and if they're still alive or not.

[Reply #305 on:]

They were a large focus of the comics but they were never overbearing and more importantly, they were never boring. I can't really say the same for the show so far.

[Reply #306 on:]

I watch every week, but other than Daryl, I still want them all to get eaten.  I find it just changes from week to week which person I want to see eaten the most.  Dale is this week's winner.  He needs a chomping.  I've watched all the episodes and I still don't remember all the character names.  I had to look up the page at some of the other posts to get Dale's name!  That indicates to me what I think still needs a lot of work on this show; better character development.  I wonder who I'll want to get eaten next week?

Hell on Wheels, which shows after Walking Dead, has been pretty entertaining so far!

[Reply #307 on:]

Hahahahaha bankrupt.  I've thought the same thing (not your last sentence) before. It's nice to see you around.

[Reply #308 on:]

Yes yes yes yes yes.

That whole final scene was handled exactly the way I hoped the writers would handle it. And excellently shot and directed as well. Great mid-season finale.

[Reply #309 on:]

The final scene was fantastic, but I really would've liked to have seen...

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Rick shoot Shane and try stopping him. I would've rathered Rick stay the white knight character than fall into the pit of despair where Shane, Daryl, and Andrea now reside. I was quite shocked that T-Dog joined in on the shooting, and also surprised that Dale didn't try to stop them.

[Reply #310 on:]

Pretty good, agree with the above sentiment that the final scene was fantasic.

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I'm kinda surprised how much the show detours from the actual comic. I don't read the comic, but I talked to people who do and was kinda shocked to find out that Sophia was still alive and never got lost in the first place.

Of all the people, the group I watch the show with felt that Shane would be the one getting the bullets with his crazy behavior. I thought maybe he'd have shot Dale during that gun hiding madness.

Regarding Rick pulling the trigger, it had to be him. He's in charge of the camp and if one of their own is going down, it's his responsibility to take care of it, especially since he's responsible for them shooting up Herschel's wife and relatives. It also goes back to that scene from a previous episode of Rick shooting that lil zombie girl, that I predicted at the time might have been foreshadowing. That last scene...was so brilliant though. It was done exactly right.

[Reply #311 on:]

That was an excellent payoff, by far the best episode of season 2, and not just due to the fantastic ending (I really didn't see it coming, the previous episodes did a good job of setting up things to go in the other direction), the thing with Shane and Dale was great, and even the Rick/Lorie/Carl stuff wasn't overplayed.

Also interesting to note that Daryl was in fact right when he said:

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"We'll find her" ... they sure did!

Glenn had a great set of lines with Maggie, his character is at it's best when he's throwing raw logic in other people's faces. The egg scene made me laugh too.

Lori really doesn't know how to chop carrots... I mean, were those for eating? The chunks were too big.. unless she was cutting them up into smaller chunks to store later, but even that that doesn't make sense because carrots go all icky if you start chopping them up long before they get eaten, or at the very least you would end up with more wastage of the carrot. I kinda just glazed over the whole conversation while thinking about carrots.

I'm really liking how Shane's character is going, the new shaved head look suits him a lot better.

[Reply #312 on:]

I almost gave up on this show...but I am glad I didn't. That was a great ending scene. Wow.

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When Shane was going crazy opening the barn, my first thought was that Carl would shoot him, like in the comics. That would have been much lamer than what actually happened, so kudos to the writers/directors. Very well done scene.

Also, I am in love with the farmer's daughter. What a face! (Among other things!)

[Reply #313 on:]

The final scene was fantastic, but I really would've liked to have seen...

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Rick shoot Shane and try stopping him. I would've rathered Rick stay the white knight character than fall into the pit of despair where Shane, Daryl, and Andrea now reside. I was quite shocked that T-Dog joined in on the shooting, and also surprised that Dale didn't try to stop them.

Interesting point of view, too bad I have exactly the opposite opinion. :P

Shane may be a complete asshole (sexually assaulting Lori in the CDC, shooting Otis in the leg instead of the head when using him to get away, seriously what the fuck was the point of that) but as far as his points on survival go...he's absolutely 100% right. Rick is a heartfelt compassionate character, and that makes him a good person, but because of that he's made some idiotic choices that have absolutely hurt the group. Going back for Merle and leaving the camp without guns, risking everybody's lives to keep looking for Sophia when there was hardly any chance of her being alive...these are not things you do in a zombie-ridden world, that's not how you keep your group safe and stay alive, and on those counts Shane was absolutely in the right. Shane is an asshole because he's an arrogant hothead, not because he makes the tough choices, and even though Rick is a good person he had failed to make those tough choices. Seeing Sophia dead was exactly what he needed to realize this, and he had to be the one to shoot her at the end because he was the one who endangered everyone's lives trying to search for her. It was his responsibility to make that right. He didn't join any "pit of despair"...he did what had to be done.

What exactly did Rick do wrong that makes you think he's bad now? Do you think he should have kept helping Hershel capture zombies and bring them back to the barn? Do you really think that was safe and logical, as opposed to, say, the most foolhardy and idiotically dangerous thing they could do?

As for all the other people joining in to shoot the zombies, well they didn't really have much choice, did they? Shane let them all out, were they supposed to just stand there and let the zombies attack them? Most of them didn't even know that they were Hershel's family members. So I'm not sure what you're condemning them for either...they only protected themselves from death. As far as I know, that doesn't make someone a bad person.

[Reply #314 on:]

Rick didn't just go to save Merle, he went back for guns and tools that the group needed as well.  I don't remember if they took all of the guns, but it was a calculated risk that needed to be taken regardless of the outcome. 

It's kind of like when you've got four aces in poker and you go all in while your opponent holds a royal flush.  You did the right thing, and you lost all your chips; that's how life goes.

I believe that the status quo could have been kept without Shane blowing up all over everybody.  My problem is usually less with what his actions are and more about how he's a dick with people half the time.  He's not right all the time, and the choices that Rick has made so far were the right choices.  You don't leave members of your group behind unless you know they're dead, and then you take what you can get.  We're only human after all.

[Reply #315 on:]

It's kind of like when you've got four aces in poker and you go all in while your opponent holds a royal flush.  You did the right thing, and you lost all your chips; that's how life goes.

Actually that tells me that one of us was cheating, because that scenario could never exist.

[Reply #316 on:]

In any poker variant with community cards, it absolutely could occur; in fact, it already has.

[Reply #317 on:]

You're talking about something like Texas Hold 'Em, yes that could happen. But not in standard poker, which is what I was thinking you were referring to. My mistake!

[Reply #318 on:]

It was the best episode of season 2 so far, but it should have been episode 3 or so of season 2. They've been padding out so badly up until now, it's ridiculous.

Anyway, it still did a lot of things I didn't like, but I found myself liking all of the characters again, I enjoyed their dialogues in spite of the melodrama and the final scene was great.

I'm really pissed off that they're STILL on that fucking farm though. I was hoping they'd pack up and leave in this episode and go and do something interesting.

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*cough* prison *cough*

[Reply #319 on:]

Lori really doesn't know how to chop carrots... I mean, were those for eating? The chunks were too big.. unless she was cutting them up into smaller chunks to store later, but even that that doesn't make sense because carrots go all icky if you start chopping them up long before they get eaten, or at the very least you would end up with more wastage of the carrot. I kinda just glazed over the whole conversation while thinking about carrots.

Thank you.  I thought I was the only one who watches a show about a zombie apocalypse and gets distracted by carrot cutting.  The way Lori was using that knife, she might have well just broken up the carrots by hand!  I do wonder if the person who plays Lori was "acting" there or if she just has no idea how to use a knife to cut vegetables in real life.  I'm sure that will be discussed on the DVD commentary!

I am a little disappointed that it seems than animals are immune from becoming zombies.  I was hoping for some shombie action in the second half of the season.