Sunday, March 30, 2014

"A" is for an Arm or a Leg on "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review

Director: Michelle MacLaren.

Writers: Robert Kirkman.

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

The finale of "The Walking Dead" was more of an introduction to Seas. 5, than an end to this season. Though, the episode did say one last good-bye to an important character, Herschel, through a series of flashbacks. Lots of conflict was introduced in this showing, titled "A." Rick had to fight his way to Terminus and all he found there were some cannibals. The use of cannibals in an apocalypse is a bit of a cliche; still, Rick and the other survivors will have to use their wits to get out of that cattle car. Overall, "A" was a well paced episode, involving lots of bloody violence.

"A" was a Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and crew focused episode. Early scenes involved Rick showing Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) how to create a rabbit snare. This scene was foreshadowing for what was to come at Terminus. Not too long after, Joe and his group of louts ambushed Rick just outside of Terminus. These scenes were some of the most action filled as Rick found himself becoming ever more monstrous. He overcame the band of rogues by utilizing some of the zombies' best strategies (biting into the neck). More violence was to come later, when Rick's introduction to Terminus became a fight for survival. Unfortunately for Rick, he is captured and he is on the dinner menu, with Glenn (Steven Yeun), Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and all of the others.

The flashbacks in this episode offered an opportunity for saying one last good-bye to Herschel (Scott Wilson). A lot has changed over this year's season of "The Walking Dead." Herschel was more than a voice of reason. He provided a path for Rick to follow, one of peace. However, a peaceful path is difficult to follow when faced with zombies, cannibals and brigands. As well, other characters shown in the background of these flashbacks have been lost in this season. Beth (Emily Kinney) was briefly shown and she is still missing. The other where's-Waldo character was another character consumed by the undead. These flashbacks were more of a memorial than a vision of what is to come.

It is fairly obvious that the people at Terminus are cannibals. Did anyone else notice that Mary was offering large meat portions for dinner but not much else? Whose thighs were those sliced from? The zombie apocalypse can never be simple. Instead of finding sanctuary, Rick and his cohorts have found another demented group of people, who are eating other survivors. One quick scene offered compelling evidence for the cannibal argument. A fenced in area, within Terminus, housed several bodies, which appeared butchered. It seems strange that bodies would have their meat cut-off, unless the meat was being used for something improper. As well, Rick and his group are being kept in what appears to be a cattle car. This type of welcome is only used for the soon to be deceased. Viewers have surely seen scenes of Jews being shuttled off in similar cars during World War II reels. Things look bleak for Rick and his crew.

And, it would be interesting to make some predictions for Seas. 5 of "The Walking Dead." This viewer believes that Rick will be facing a matriarchal leader in this upcoming season. Mary seems very quiet at the bar-b-q pit, but this does not mean that the character is not prominent in the new group's hierarchy. Though, the prominence of new characters Gareth and Alex might show counter-evidence to this prediction. As well, Rick has a penchant for taking over new locations. Viewers will remember how he took down Woodbury. He also cemented his position at the prison. Terminus will be next on the takeover list for Rick. Also, Rick will have to outfox or outtalk some of the less cannibalistic folk at Terminus. And, where is Tyreese and Carol? Could they help Rick escape the cattle car? More than likely, Carol and Tyreese will appear in one of the first two episodes of Seas. 5. Again, Rick will be prominent in rallying the survivors against this new threat.

With that aside, "A" was one of the better episodes in this up and down season. The pacing in this episode was very quick. Rick, Michonne and Carl moved from one dire situation to the next with impetus. There were only a few slow moments, but these seemed necessary to keep the pacing even. Also, there was a good deal of solid conflict in this showing. The encounter with Joe and company seemed the most dire. The night shooting in these scenes helped amplify the horror elements and tension. All of conflicts, from zombie chases to cannibal encounters, kept this watcher excited through much of the episode. "A" was an up in a season which has had several ups and downs. An episode like "Us" can be forgotten when an episode like "A" comes around.

"A" was another exciting adventure in the zombie apocalypse. Rick continues to turn more and more monstrous. Others are also struggling in this difficult environment as seen by the future dinner menu. Cannibalism in an apocalypse is a bit of a no-brainer, but it will be interesting to see how showrunner Scott Gimple reworks this plotline for viewers. This viewer is expecting fewer lulls and more action in the upcoming season.

Overall: 8 out of 10 (good use of foreshadowing, great night shooting with Joe and the goons, a good cliffhanger).

*this viewer is voting for 1.5 hours per episode in future seasons.

Two video clips for "A" are here, at 28DLA:

A Preview of "A" is Here


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