"The Walking Dead" Hits Close to "Home:" A Television Review

*there are spoilers here.

Director: Seith Mann.

Writers: Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman and Nichole Beattie.

Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Laurie Holden, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Michael Rooker and David Morrissey.

"The Walking Dead" continues into the second half of Seas. 3 with another exciting episode, "Home." "Home" brought lots of conflict to this apocalyptic series. Events were especially climactic in the show's violent finale. Creator Glen Mazzara also continues to show a good understanding of pacing as events come to a head quickly. Meanwhile, other characters are struggling to figure out their roles, with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) still grief-stricken. The Dixon brothers, Merle (Michael Rooker) and Daryl (Norman Reedus), bicker in the backwoods, while the final prison attack offered a few surprises. All of this chaos created another thrilling episode.

The plots and storylines seemed a little fragmented. "Home" began back at the prison, with Rick still seeing visions of Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). Rick has some feelings that need to be put to rest. Meanwhile, Glenn (Steven Yeun) is petitioning for leadership of this small band of survivors at the prison. But, who will follow? At Woodbury, Andrea (Laurie Holden) is being distracted once again by the Governor's (David Morrissey) charms. She seems oblivious to the fact that not one other character would support Andrea's role as a leader. Characters would not likely follow her directions to a local 7-11. Then, the Dixon brothers reunite back at the prison with Rick and his group just in time to offset an attack by the Governor. Stories were developing on several different fronts.

Axel exits permanently in "Home."

Glenn seemed to be forefront in this episode. Glenn was conducting some reconnaissance on the prison, with the undead again infiltrating the building. Glenn also confronted Maggie (Lauren Cohan) about her encounter with the Governor. Maggie relates her humiliating story and Glenn appears incensed. There is little he can do, however. Glenn petitions to lead the group at the prison, but he does not seem up to the task. When the chips are down and the Governor is at his doorstep, he does very little. He seems unable to step up in a true crisis. Glenn will continue to take on a secondary role in his group, unless everyone else at the prison disappears violently, like the character Axel (Lew Temple).

Meanwhile, the Dixon brothers are bonding out in the woods. Daryl shows his high moral character by intervening in a zombie attack on a small and desperate family. The other brother, Merle, wants to simply rob them instead. Merle is a little more morally dubious. Their opposing views on other people leads to a conflict, which has taken three seasons to take place. As well, the Dixon brothers share their haunting past, at the hands of an abusive father. These two characters have a long history and their brotherhood is tested when Daryl heads for the prison and for his "Home." It remains to be seen if Merle will be welcomed back by the other survivors.

The finale for "Home" seemed taken from another apocalyptic vision. This critic was reminded of George Miller's The Road Warrior (1981), during this show's finale. The Governor's attack on the base seemed more of a test, with Axel falling, shockingly, to a sniper bullet. The Governor seems happy to wait the prison survivors out much like the Lord Humungus, in this early '80s film. However, the Governor does not want oil; he wants to repair his bruised ego. His attack is only half-hearted and he seems content to simply make his presence known. The mad rush through the fence by a customized van was pulled off with some flair. This strange looking vehicle looked similar to some of the many trucks in Miller's earlier work. Zombies are released by the van into the field. This scene added some much needed spectacle into the series.

This viewer was hoping for a couple of elements. The Governor needed to press the attack. But, he gives up with the prize within reach. As well, Glenn had a perfect opportunity to disable the Governor's vehicle, but he just drives by. Glenn seems unwilling to risk a direct confrontation. The writers appear to be teasing further conflict in this late battle.

"Home" is another episode from creator Mazzara that brings a lot of energy to the film's pacing. Events are moving ahead quickly. This fast pacing is a nice improvement over Seas. 2. As well, the conflict in this episode and other recent showings seems believable. Rick's psychological meltdown shows a man struggling with too much death. Mazzara also seems to be playing with the theme of leadership, with certain characters trying out this role. Though, some characters are more natural as leaders, compared to others. Overall, "Home" was a great episode, with an exciting finale and more interesting personality conflicts.

Overall: 7.85 out of 10 (great conclusion, lots of spectacle in Act III, interesting conflicts, themes of leadership, suitable action and surprises).

Further details on Epis. 10 of "The Walking Dead" can be found at the AMC:

The Walking Dead at the AMC

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