From "Isolation" to Undead Road Trip with the "The Walking Dead:"A Television Review

Director: Daniel Sackheim.

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

Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan and Chandler Riggs.

Epis. 3 of Seas. 4 of "The Walking Dead" put more characters in jeopardy. Nearly half of the survivors at the prison are infected with a deadly virus. Though, Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and friends are off on a pharmacy road trip to track down a cure. Herschel's (Scott Wilson) Elderberry tea making trip was a little too dramatic. And, a voice on the radio promised salvation. A great action sequence near the end of the episode helped balance "Isolation's" focus on drama, with this showing offering a good deal of mystery and character development.

There were a few interesting story developments in this episode. Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), Tyreese's sister, had come down with the sickness and so had the doctor, Glenn (Steven Yeun) and a whole host of others. The infected are continuing to be placed in quarantine. In a sideplot, Tyreese is searching for answers, in regards to Karen's (Melissa Ponzio) death. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is lackadaisically on the case, when he is not saving Carol (Melissa McBride) from being killed. But, Carol is the real killer. As well, a journey to the local pharmacy is slowed down by thousands of zombie speed bumps. Other smaller plot points involve Beth (Emily Kinney) suppressing her grief for Zach (Kyle Gallner), Carl looking for targets to shoot and a creepy voice on the radio offering sanctuary. All of these story elements kept "Isolation" very interesting and sometimes mysterious.

Don't turn your back on Carol if you have a cough.

The character Tyreese was prominent in this episode. He was lashing out at others, after the tragic death of this girlfriend Karen. He seemed to blame others for the situation. But, level heads are not always predominant. Tyreese also showed some vulnerability in Cell Block A. He showed some sincere concern for his sister. Sasha does not have long to live and Tyreese is compelled to join a zombie killing road trip, to possibly save her life. Tyreese is no TDogg (IronE Singleton) and this character is changing from a minor one into a more major role.

Who was that voice on the radio? To this critic, it sounded like a recorded message and that message stated: "those who arrive survive." That voice also sounded very creepy. Not unlike Major West from 28 Days Later, that voice could be promising something contrary to the message, like rape, murder and plunder. You never know who you will meet up with in the zombie apocalypse. Still, this voice is creating some mystery. It will be curious to see who is on the other end of the recorder and to discover what their intentions, wholesome or otherwise, actually are. This voice and message was one of the major, but more subtle plot developments.

There was a lot to like in "Isolation," but this viewer has a few annoyances to air. Does every action really need a five minute discussion? Can Herschel just deliver his Elderberry Tea to the infected in peace? He is a grown man and somewhat of a doctor; he is trained to help the wounded (usually horses, but sometimes humans). Let the man go about his business without an unnecessary dialogue, please. Also, there is no urgency of action in some plot elements. Daryl (Norman Reedus) is prepping his new car for a 100 mile road trip, to abscond some medicine, for the many infected. He checks the oil and such, which is necessary. But then, he is having overly deep conversations with Michonne (Danai Gurira), when there are people to save. Just get the keys and get going, or people are going to die! The characters need to show a little more purpose when lives are at stake. These two elements were a little strange to this watcher, but they are, admittedly, minor.

"Isolation" introduced a few exciting plot developments. Carol is becoming more hell bent on killing and murder as the season progresses. As well, Rick is still looking in corners for Lori's (Sarah Wayne Callies) ghost. Tyreese is developing into a multidimensional character and actor Chad L. Coleman is helping that transition. This zombie television fan is most excited to see the new characters on the other end of that transmission. Are they like West and in search of women to molest, or are they less sinister? There was also some excitement generated by the pharmacy road trip and the next episode, titled "Indifference," shows the potential for more thrills, down the road. Overall, this was another excellent episode spent in a more dangerous zombie apocalypse, especially compared to Seas. 2.

Overall: 7.75 out of 10 (Carol is showing an interesting character arc, lots of sideplots developing, lots of threats both internal and external are keeping the show's tempo up).

A clip for this episode is available here:

An "Isolation" Movie Clip


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