"The Walking Dead" and Murphy's Law: A Television Review ("Bloodletting")

*here be some spoilers.

Director: Ernest R. Dickerson.

Writers: Robert Kirkman, Frank Darabont, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Glen Mazzara.

Cast: Sarah Wayne Callies, Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Laurie Holden and Jeffrey DeMunn.

Some kudos can be given to the filmmakers of "Bloodletting," from "The Walking Dead." Their ability to get so much content into less than fourty-five minutes is impressive. However, the inclusion of so many subplots means there is a lot going on and a lot to keep track of. The inclusion of so many sub-plots breaks the illusion of the fiction, in some scenes. As well, some of the scenarios seem forced and awkward. But, this reviewer continues to enjoy the show, with the writers fully and effectively using the cliffhanger ending.

For those who have not heard, the premiere episode of Seas. 2 of "The Walking Dead' garnered seven million plus viewers; fans can expect a third season and rumours are already swirling that a Seas. 3 has been greenlit. Getting back to the showing here, "Bloodletting" picks up right where "What Lies Ahead" left off. Rick Grimes (Lincoln) takes Carl (Chandler Riggs) to a nearby farm, as directed by the hunter and gunman Otis. Here, Herchel (Scott Wilson) does his best emergency surgeon routine, while Grimes goes crazy in the situation. Thankfully, Shane (Bernthal) is there to calm things over and to offer solutions. A trip to the nearby hospital is in Carl's best interest.

This is the main storyline, but there is much, much more. There is T-Dogg (IronE Singleton) with a blood infection, Sophia (Madison Lintz) is still missing, Glenn (Steven Yeun) has a problem with escort missions and basically, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Can viewers think of one event that actually went well? You might get stumped. Staying with Murphy's Law and everything going wrong, Shane's quick trip to the local hospital with Otis turns into a rout and escape to the local high school.

And here you have your cliffhanger ending. As mentioned before, this zombie fan is a sucker for a cliffhanger ending. This conclusion is only slightly less exciting than Epis. 1's accidental shooting of Carl. Here, Shane and Otis must zig and zag their way through several shambling bodies before finding brief solace in a darkened foyer. Those undead hands will be wanting their flesh real soon! Unfortunately there is a week to go before "Save the Last One," Epis. 3, debuts.

The only critique that this reviewer would offer of the series thus far is the paring down of the previously mentioned subplots. The characters can often seem whiny and argumentative e.g. T-Dogg wanting to leave the others behind. Sure, there is a zombie apocalypse going on, but it is in your best interest to work with others to ensure your survival. The characters are likely outnumbered 1000:1 by the undead (estimating) and the only way they will stay alive is through teamwork. With all the dissenting voices challenging the group's direction, the show can get on one's nerves sometimes. As well, the continuous switching of scenes from sub-plot to sub-plot makes the show feel fractured at times. Some fans might enjoy all of these intertwining minor stories; this fan just wanted a unifying voice for a minute or two, or something to go right.

Fox has announced that the film Zombieland will be altered into a television series to compete with "The Walking Dead" and to exploit the zombie television genre. Is this a cash grab or the creation of something unique? Yet, "The Walking Dead" has a large headstart in development and "Bloodletting," while showing more forced drama, also shows an understanding of the zombie genre. The action in the episodes is improving, the dialogue is almost convincing and the finale of each episode definitely keeps one watcher interested. Stay tuned for more zombie evading this October 30th, with "Save the Last One." And hopefully that last shell actually gets to see a cadaver in this episode.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (there are flaws and there is improvement).

*Murphy's law in short: anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Another review of this episode at the Metro (Amber Ray):

Bloodletting Reviewed at the Metro

"Bloodletting" at the AMC:

Bloodletting Details at the AMC

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Posted in: 2011,andrew lincoln,horror television review,jon bernthal,sarah wayne callies,television,television review,the walking dead,the walking dead season 2,zombie,zombie apocalypse