War Erupts on "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review ("Made to Suffer")

Director: Bill Gierhart.

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

Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Michael Rooker, David Morrissey, Melissa McBride, Emily Kinney, and Scott Wilson.

Epis. 9 from "The Walking Dead," titled "Made to Suffer," created for an excellent mid-season break. This exciting episode also created a lot of conflict, while introducing five new characters. Meanwhile, one character was outroduced. Rick (Andrew Lincoln), the show's main protagonist, continues to show psychological instability. Rick was still able to humiliate the Governor (David Morrissey) on his own turf as the story took events to a confrontational head at Woodbury. "Made to Suffer" is the highlight of the season for this watcher, so far.

For those who missed it (see the episode), Rick gathered his group for an assault on Woodbury. His plan involved rescuing Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan). Of course, events do not go as planned. The ever quiet Michonne (Danai Gurira) heads off to confront the Governor. Daryl (Norman Reedus) is captured and the minor character Oscar (Vincent Ward) dies. However, Rick is still able to extract his missing members, despite Merle (Michael Rooker) and more of the Governor's goons standing in the way.

One of the major developments in this episode involved the introduction of the character Tyreese (Chad Coleman) and his group. Tyreese's quintet was compromised of: himself, Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), Allen, Donna (Cherie Dvorak) and Ben. Donna is bitten early in the episode. Then, this group quickly meets up with Carl (Chandler Riggs) and the remaining survivors at the prison. These two groups are already conflicting as Carl locks Tyreese up with a future walker. It will be interesting to see how Tyreese extracts himself from this cell block.

Actor Chad Coleman as Tyreese

Also in the same cell block, Carol (Melissa McBride) has an awkward exchange with the former prisoner Axel (Lew Temple). This scene was the funniest of this episode. Carol pulls Axel away from Beth (Emily Kinney) as Axel tries out his best pedobear moves. Axel turns his attention to Carol instead, when he finds out that she is not a lesbian. Axel appears to be developing into the series' much needed fool. His scene with Carol created some necessary lightness and comedy.

Many reviews have focused on two other characters: Michonne and Penny (Kylie Szymanski). Critics have complained of this interaction's artificialness. Michonne unhoods Penny, despite a growl coming from behind the cloak. This scene did seem a little set-up, but it was necessary nonetheless. The Governor's secrets needed revealing and even Michonne would have difficulty beheading a child walker straight away. Though, Michonne has mostly shown a tough exterior through the first half of Seas. 3.

And, the Governor's motivations were clearly defined in this episode. The Governor has been using Milton (Dallas Roberts) and his experiments on the undead in order to find a cure for Penny. Those who are astute could have guessed this development from the previous episode, "When the Dead Come Knocking." However, director Bill Gierhart made this plot development very obvious in this episode. There will be no happy ending for Penny as she succumbs to a sword attack from Michonne.

Shane returns!

This reviewer continues to enjoy the psychological developments with Rick. This central character hallucinates during a climactic battle. He sees Shane (Jon Bernthal), while under gunfire. This is actually dangerous for Rick. It was fine when Rick was talking to an imagined Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) on the phone. But now, he is unable to respond when his life is threatened. Can Rick keep it together? Rick is one of the more interesting flawed heroes. It is always exciting to see if Rick can respond to the latest crisis, while trying to deal with the loss of so many close friends.

Speaking of excitement, "Made to Suffer" provided a lot of thrills! Rick's militaristic-like attack on Woodbury created a lot of chaos in this small town. Smoke cloaked the area in fog as Glenn and Maggie finally managed to escape, with Rick's help. The battle between Michonne and the Governor in his office was surprising. The Governor was blinded and Michonne was almost eaten by several severed walker heads. As well, the confrontation between the brainwashed Andrea (Laurie Holden) and Michonne was also tense. Andrea looked ready to shoot her former friend. Much of this episode had a very war-like tone to it, overall. As well, the pacing kept events moving along at a rapid clip. There were many events and developments to enjoy in this showing.

"Made to Suffer" brings the first part of Seas. 3 to a close. The rest of the season will pick up in February with "The Suicide King." This reviewer is expecting Merle and Daryl to escape from their predicament as seen in the trailer for Epis. 9. Andrea appears willing to act as a go-between for Woodbury and the Prison. This reviewer wishes Andrea had offed herself as she threatened to do in Seas. 2. She is easily used and often led astray. Andrea will cause more problems for Rick and his group, in a couple of months. And, this zombie fan will continue to watch the chaos unfold through the final eight episodes!

Overall: 8.5 out of 10 (lots of confrontation, a well developed script, lively, this series is able to focus on both minor and major characters in a believable fashion).

The AMC has more details on this episode below:

Made to Suffer at the AMC

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