"The Walking Dead" and the Governor's Bloody Secret: A Television Review ("Walk with Me")

*there are mild spoilers here.

Director: Guy Ferland.

Writers: Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Evan T. Reilly.

Cast: David Morrissey, Laurie Holden, Danai Gurira and Michael Rooker.

Epis. 3 of Seas. 3 of "The Walking Dead" introduced several new characters while reintroducing still more. The Governor (David Morrissey) was the latest major addition to the series in "Walk with Me." The Governor is not friendly nor admirable; he is more psychopathic and murderous. Also, Merle (Michael Rooker) returned from the abyss. Merle seems to have single-handedly (get it?) brought himself out of Atlanta and into Andrea's life (Laurie Holden), once again. Andrea is still as annoying as ever, but perhaps she is more humble after spending seven months on the run. Finally, Michonne (Danai Gurira) appeared in this episode, but she seemed almost mute through many of her scenes. Her presence was on the periphery only. Thus, "Walk with Me" focused a lot on characterizations and Seas. 3 is creating a solid foundation for the series in general.

In this episode, there were a few lively plot elements introduced. Michonne and Andrea spotted the crash of a military helicopter and so did a new character, the Governor. Merle then snuck up on the two ladies. Soon, everyone was back at the unusually quiet Woodbury. The town's serenity is just a facade, however. Something sinister lies behind the barricades and within the Governor's private study. Those who have not seen the episode nor read of it will have to discover the Governor's surprise on their own.

Andrea gets completely sucked in by the Governor's ruse, while Michonne is a little more reluctant to believe his promises. Andrea even seems enamoured by this man, which is a big mistake. If things seem too good to be true, then they generally are. Thankfully, Michonne is keeping a wary eye on all of these latest developments.

Merle's return brings two significant villains to Seas. 3. Merle is the Governor's right-hand(less) man (another one, zing!). And, Merle seems a little softer in this third season. He also seems to show some empathy at Andrea's story of losing her sister Amy (Emma Bell), which is a turn for the better? Maybe Merle's new social skills will help him get close enough to Andrea to find out where Daryl (Norman Reedus) is now (if she knows at all). Either way, it is always good to have Merle lingering around the series much like a rabid dog. You just never know when he is going to bite.

Of course, the Governor's introduction was the most important one of the episode. He seems to show light and goodness externally, while housing an evil darkness inside. He is all pleasant and smiles in front of Andrea and Michonne, but what is he really up to? And, what is in his special tea? A darkened room promises that Seas. 3 will be an exciting one as characters learn more about this sociopath.

"Walk with Me" was another exciting episode. The characters were developed in a suitable fashion. Meanwhile, there were a few surprises in this episode. The Governor wants no competition from a local military unit. They are eradicated with a wave of the arm and an ambush. As well, something was learned of the undead. Zombies who have their arms and jaw removed become docile. This discovery explains why Michonne was able to take two leashed zombies around with her for so long. Overall, this season seems a lot more focused on what matters: thrills, chills, a few well written villains and a Ricktatorship that is sure to clash with the Governor's dangerous world very soon.

Epis. 3, "Walk with Me," was another excellent showing. Fans of horror are encouraged to see this season as it improves greatly on the previous one. It will be interesting to see who becomes more murderous as this season develops: the Governor or Rick (Andrew Lincoln). This season is also developing a great future conflict between these two characters. And, this fan will surely be around to watch Epis. 4, "Killer Within," as Rick faces new challenges in the zombie apocalypse with murderous intentions.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (lots of solid characterizations, a good build of tension, a great reveal at the end of the episode).

More on this episode is available at the AMC:

The Walking Dead at the AMC

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