Monday, February 25, 2013

Shambling From Camp to Camp with Andrea and "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review ("I Ain't A Judas")


Director: Seith Mann.

Writers: Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman, Nichole Beattie and Angela Kang.

Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun and Lauren Cohan.

Are viewers sticking with "The Walking Dead?" Because, Epis. 11, titled "I Ain't A Judas," was a bit of a pitstop in the zombie apocalypse. The show focused on divided loyalties, with trouble brewing in both the prison and Woodbury. However, there was very little actual conflict and lots of drama in this episode. The storm might be coming in "Clear," Epis. 12, but the events here almost stalled out the series.

For those who have not seen the show, "I Ain't A Judas" focused primarily on Andrea (Laurie Holden). Andrea continues to sit on the fence. This character has been in the show as a primary character since Seas. 1 and it continues to be difficult to tell what is going on in this character's head. You can almost see the neurotic hamster spinning frantically on its wheel in Andrea's conflicted mind.

In this episode, Andrea was shuttling back and forth between the prison and Woodbury. She was providing valuable information to both Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the Governor's (David Morrissey) group, with both parties ready to do battle a fourth time. Andrea gave Rick info' in regards to Phillip's training of troops and she also told the Governor about Rick's strength, in numbers. Andrea seems very confused about where her loyalties lie and she will have to decide who she truly backs, before she finds a bullet. Meanwhile, Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) is siding with the Governor and Rick is preparing a fourth attack on Woodbury. Will this be the final showdown?

The bullshit is strong with this one.


This reviewer would have liked to have seen more tension in this showing. Instead, Andrea is making more enemies with characters and likely with viewers, as well. She seems liked by no one and used by most everyone. The Governor is using her for his sexual needs, while gleaning information from her jaunt to the enemy camp. Her welcome at the prison was cold from almost everyone but Carol (Melissa McBride). She seems unable to patch things up with Michonne (Danai Gurira) and this viewer is wondering if Michonne has romantic feelings for Andrea. Michonne seems overly excited about Andrea's return to the prison. Yet, the lack of conflict and action made this showing feel a little flat.

And, long time viewers of "The Walking Dead" might be noticing a recurring element with this show. The series seems to offer an action packed episode followed by a more slow paced showing. There is this up and down rhythm in the series. The last episode, "Home" offered a lot of action in its finale. But, there was no action in this episode. The writers seem to be focusing more on the upcoming episode "Clear," which promises more conflict than was seen here. Viewers can almost time their watching for a bi-weekly attendance. There was very little forward plot movement in this episode. This viewer is hoping for a stronger reason to watch in the next episode, because Andrea's wish-washiness is almost intolerable.

"The Walking Dead" fans can feel pretty comfortable skipping this episode. "I Ain't A Judas" only added a few interesting tidbits, with Andrea continuing to make enemies left, right and center. The character Tyreese and his group were given some much needed attention, but this episode did not propel Seas. 3 in any major direction. "I Ain't A Judas" was a bit of waylay station. Only a few late plot hints provide any reason to watch this episode at all. Viewers are best to skip this episode in favour of the next one, titled "Clear."

Overall: 6.5 out of 10 (nothing says frustration better than: Andrea, some development of characters, loyalties are being slightly challenged in this episode, a pretty flat showing overall).

*the zombies were very unthreatening in this episode. The undead seemed to fill the backdrop, only.

More details on this lackluster episode can be found at the AMC:

The Walking Dead Epis. 11 at The AMC

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