Sunday, February 23, 2014
Michael Allen
"Claimed" was the latest thrilling episode from "The Walking Dead." This episode returned to the character Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Rick (Andrew Lincoln), whose new home was being raided by looters. There was one other story told in this show's short runtime. The army characters Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) and Rosita (Christian Serratos) were hell bent on reaching Washington, initially. And, this episode satisfied this viewer's need for: chaos, zombie action and solid characterizations. "Claimed" was one of the better episodes in Seas. 4.
Rick, Carl and Michonne (Danai Gurira) are back together again, but things are not going smoothly. Michonne is reminded of her past, by a room full of bodies and of suicide. Andre, Michonne's lost child, is still understandably haunting this character. Rick is also disturbed during nap time. A group of murderous looters take over his abode and Rick must battle to the death, with a man taking a crap fully clothed. Luckily, Rick escapes any excrement and he is back on the road with Carl and Michonne. Meanwhile, Glenn (Steven Yeun) is determined to reunite with Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and he is not interested in any promises from Abraham, involving saving the world. Abraham's goals seem a little far-fetched and his intentions are likely more malevolent than he lets on. All of these characters were tasked with overcoming some sort of obstacle.
There was a little more chaos in this episode. When Eugene was not busy shooting up the truck, Glenn was fighting with Abraham. Plans for a trip to Washington were circumvented by a Children of the Corn, or Zombies of the Corn scene. Where did all of those farmers come from? More chaos and tension emerged from Rick's storyline. Rick had to postpone his nap, when a looter took over his bed. Apparently, the looter could not tell that the bed was warmed by someone else, recently. More chaos took place downstairs with another murder occurring off screen. Who are these raiders and why do they get along so poorly? These questions will likely be answered in future episodes. An appearance of the prominent actor Jeff Kober will signal to viewers that these raiders will reappear shortly and they will bring more a lot more unpredictable behaviour along with them.
The zeds made their feeble presence known in "Claimed." They started the episode with action scene involving Abraham. This hand to teeth combat seemed to impress Tara (Alanna Masterson). The Zombies of the Corn scene was the climax for the zeds. But, the zombies were unable to score another kill. They seem to be scoreless in a number of episodes, now. Still, the zombies are the McGuffin in the series. It is just too bad that they are too weak, one year on in the zombie apocalypse, to create very much tension of their own. They appeared almost comical emerging from the corn in this episode. Zombies on steroids would be a welcome addition to this television series.
Still, the series continues to insightfully focus on characterizations. With Andrea long gone, many of these characterizations are welcome. Rick continues to assume the multi-layered hero role and Rick's character is one of the best on television. He comes through when the chips are down, but he also comes across as vulnerable when needed. This character and actor Andrew Lincoln are two reasons to continue watching the show. As well, Michonne is continuing to deepen through Seas. 4. In this episode, Michonne was talking of her past with Carl. She is showing more emotion in Seas. 4 and this is a big change, compared to Seas. 3. Michonne is no longer a grim faced warrior. Finally, more characters were introduced more fully within "Claimed" including: Abraham, Eugene and Rosita. It will be interesting to see how these characters develop through the remainder of this season.
Overall, "Claimed" was one of the better episodes of this season. There was a balance of tension, action, characterizations and future plot points. The zombies remain on the periphery as the show focuses on more lively threats. "Claimed" covered a lot of ground in a short time. And, the episode ended with Rick, Carl and Michonne heading for Terminus. Terminus, meaning end point, will likely be the setting for the end of this season. Perhaps, looters, survivors and zombies might converge at this rendezvous point.
Overall: 8 out of 10 (some good tension with Rick and the looters, deeper characterizations and a solid cliffhanger).
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