Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Michael Allen
Creator: Frank Darabont.
Director: Bill Gierhart.
Writers: Frank Darabont and Robert Kirkman.
Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal and Sarah Wayne Callies.
On February 12th "The Walking Dead" returned to pick up after the zombie barn massacre and Sophia's (Madison Lintz) demise. There was much tension, questioning and coming to terms with loss and finding hope in difficult times. But isn't that what life is about? Herschel (Scott Wilson) and Rick (Andrew Lincoln) have at it again and some new characters turn up: Tony (Michael Raymond-James) and Dave. Glenn (Steven Yeun) proves to be a little mentally challenged in the presence of violence and Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) is one character that you are not going to want to hitch a ride with.
And Lori might not be offering any rides soon after her car hits a zombie and then goes flying. If you are in a car and needing directions, would you really obscure your entire vision with a map? Hopefully you said no to this question and Lori's strategy to driving is more Evil Kenevil than cautious and controlled. Back at the farm the usual mumble and grumble continues with Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) somehow hypothesizing that Shane killed Otis. This theory is correct, but that is a pretty good read of Shane. Is Dale channeling a higher power or is he poker playing and using tells offscreen? The best sequence takes place in town when Dave and Tony turn up "looking for coos," otherwise known as vagina. They find bullet holes instead.
They make quite an impression on Rick, Herschel and Glenn who are enjoying a drink and some discussion. Dave and Tony talk of escaping Philadelphia and of how Ft. Benning has been overrun. This sequence is also interesting because many of the reviews have questioned Rick's morality in gunning these two men down. If two men were going to kill you, would you not fire first? In slow motion, it can clearly be seen that Dave reaches for a gun to kill Rick. This starts the action sequence. Tony is already holding his shotgun ready to fire and if Rick had been a little slower then Glenn would have been dead along with Herschel. Rick puts his hand on his gun in a tense situation; yet, Glenn does not clue in to realize his life is in danger. Did Glenn drop out of the school of hard knocks at an early age or is he just a little slow? The sequence ends with a bang leading to more questions.
"Nebraska" offered a lot of repetition from earlier episodes with characters arguing with each other. There is more of that inter-group conflict going on with Shane (Jon Bernthal) and Dale puffing out their chests. Shane is doing much of the puffing. As well, Shane tries to console Carol (Melissa Suzanne McBride) after the loss of her daughter. The show seems to favour character interaction in an attempt to lessen the budgetary losses of the show. This show's budget was reduced despite being one of the most watched series on television, remember?
Alan Sepinwell notices a formula over at Hitfix where "The Walking Dead" will introduce a hook early, stumble around through the middle and then end with another bang or hook: "the seasons would have great premieres and finales and drag for a long time in between." Sepinwell is comparing "The Walking Dead" with the television series "Lost." If they are truly similar, then both television shows spend a lot of time wandering around when they should be moving towards a goal. Ft. Benning was previously the goal. With that now gone, it looks like the show will sit comfortably and safely at Herschel's farm for a few more episodes. This type of mediocricity must be making the financiers at AMC very happy.
The next episode of "The Walking Dead" is titled "Triggerhappy" and this next showing will appear February 20th. Some doors were opened in this episode with the possibility of more survivors nearby an interesting path. This zombie fan is expecting more episodes at the farm and possibly the entire second season will stay here. Are fans happy with this going in circles strategy? Everyone is different, but hopefully someone working on "The Walking Dead" knows where this show is going.
Overall: 6.75 out of 10 (introducing two new characters, interesting gunfight, Lori does not know how to drive and Glenn might need hospitalization of some kind).
*here is another question: why was Lori heading into town? Rick was already sent to bring Herschel back. Lori's motivations seem a little contrived.
Another review of this episode at Hitfix (Sepinwall):
"Nebraska" at Hitfix
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Posted in: amc,andrew lincoln,jon bernthal,sarah wayne callies,television review,the walking dead,the walking dead season 2,zombie,zombie apocalypse
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