The "Infected" are Both Inside and Outside the Prison on "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review

Director: Guy Ferland.

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

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

Epis. 2 of Seas. 4 of "The Walking Dead" showed the door to a few more minor characters. As well, the protagonist, Rick (Andrew Lincoln), is transitioning from farmhand to gunslinger. And, this episode, titled "Infected," brought several threats from both inside and outside the prison. The first two episodes of this season are focusing more on action, while still introducing several dramatic sequences and deeper characterizations. "Infected" was a strong outing from director Guy Ferland (Bang Bang You're Dead) and "The Walking Dead" writing crew.

In this episode, a little mystery was introduced as an unnamed figure fed the local zombies. The mice were unenthusiastic about being the meals, but the zombies were eager to eat them and tear down part of the prison fence. As if that was not enough, Rick and his crew are still dealing with a virulent infection, which took out many survivors in Cell Block D. The illness is not finished finding victims, though. Karen (Melissa Ponzio), Tyreese's (Chad L. Coleman) new squeeze, is also showing signs of infection. Meanwhile, Rick is transitioning out of his farmer gear and back into an authority figure and leader. Rick gives a tearful goodbye to his little oinky friends. Sideplots are also developing left, right and center. For instance, Carol (Melissa McBride) is gathering together a group of killer kids and Michonne (Danai Gurira) is making peace with the loss of a child. All of these story elements came together in a fairly tense fourty plus minutes.

It is time to put down the hoe, Rick.

This critic is enjoying the introduction of the virus into the survivor population. It can strike anyone at anytime, especially minor characters. The show is continuing over a story element from last season in which any character on the show can die at anytime. Though, some of the primary characters seem a little more immune to the deadlier going-ons of the show. This virus is the latest threat to the group and its invisible and quick striking ability is creating some solid tension.

The threats are not only airborne, though. The undead are still making their presence known outside and someone at the prison is encouraging a zombie takeover. The zombies are being attracted by the noises of the prison and by the lure of free food. The feeder's identity is being kept in mystery; but, someone is obviously not happy with prison conditions. The undead almost infiltrate the lower yard. This watcher is expecting the identity of the zombie feeder to be revealed in the next two episodes.

Farmer Rick is now, again, zombie-killing Rick. This transition from sedate groundskeeper to gunslinging warrior was a little overly dramatic. However, it is good to see the protagonist undergoing some changes. This is not the same gung-ho character from Seas. 1. Instead, the protagonist has undergone a series of losses, while sacrificing for the greater good of the group. These changes are creating for some humble heroic moments, which can be silly at times (the killing of the pigs and burning down of the farm). Yet, it is good to see the protagonist face difficult challenges, which he sometimes rises above and sometimes is bowled over by e.g. Lori's (Sarah Wayne Callies) death.

All in all, the "Infected" offered a suitable balance of dramatic and action sequences. The characterizations continue to offer complexity, while minor characters are continually introduced only to be outroduced an episode or two later. Who will die next? "The Walking Dead" fans will have to wait for Epis. 3, titled "Isolation," to find out. And, this viewer will have to be patient for the introduction of new groups and possibly new external threats later in the season.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (lots of subplots, Michonne's character is developing well, Rick is back on the horse again and the final scene was a bit of a surprise).

A short clip for the "Infected" episode is available here:

"Infected" at 28DLA


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Posted in: 2013,andrew lincoln,review,rick grimes,television,television review,the walking dead,the walking dead season 4,zombie,zombies