"Consumed" Offered More Hazards in Atlanta on "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review

Director: Seith Mann.

Writers: Matthew Negrete and Corey Reed.

Cast: Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride and Tyler James Williams.

In "Consumed," Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) scouted about Atlanta. They were searching for Beth (Emily Kinney), but found Noah (Tyler James Williams) instead. Noah, a part-time robber, is rescued as this duo adjusted to urban zed warfare. This season is building towards a mid-season break and a confrontation looms at the nearby hospital. And, with all of the sombre music and focus on Carol, it is likely that another one of the survivors might be making an exit from the show. This viewer is betting it will be Carol. From night shooting to the development of characters, "Consumed" offered enough tension and confrontations to generate excitement.

This episode began with another series of scenes shot at night. Daryl and Carol chased down a cross-painted car, into the outskirts of Atlanta. From here, they scouted out locations of where Beth might be. They spot another cross-painted vehicle and decide to investigate. But, Noah steals their weapons and stalls their investigation. Still, Noah offers up some valuable information, just before Carol is apprehended by the hostile locals. Beth has been located. As well, a fight is brewing, just in time for the mid-season break.

Can Carol survive into another season?

The character Noah is acting as a bridge between the church survivors and the other hospital survivors. He is also the character who emerges at the end of "Slabtown," with Daryl. He knows the ins and outs of the hospital and where Beth is held up. He also seems better suited with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the others as he is slightly less prone to murder and violence. Still, he showed a ruthless streak by stealing Daryl and Carol's weapon. So, Noah is beginning to become more than just a minor character. He will be valuable to Rick and the other survivors as they gather to assault Atlanta.

This viewer enjoyed the use of the urban landscape. "Consumed" took part mostly within Atlanta. And, urban centres offer their own hazards. There are lots of places in which characters could become trapped, or held up by the undead. In one scene, Daryl and Carol are trapped on a bridge; their only solution is downwards. Though, this duo use the surrounding buildings as cover, to reconnoiter the hospital. There are advantages and disadvantages within big cities, in a zombie apocalypse.

This viewer senses an upcoming death in the next couple of episodes. The music, from Bear Mcreary, was often sombre, especially during Carol's flashbacks. As well, this show is known to focus on a single character, just before they make their exit. Just ask Bob for an example of this story device. As well, Carol's life is in more jeopardy, now that she has been captured by the show's latest villains. It is not too difficult to see Dr. Steven Edwards (Erik Jensen), the black widow of doctor care, injecting Carol with a lethal cocktail. This viewer expects Carol to exit stage left, in Epis. 8, titled "Coda."

Long time viewers of the show will notice the inclusion of more night shooting; as well, "Consumed" was another character focused episode. This reviewer has mentioned the use of night shooting a few times now, in this season. However, this is one of the major changes in directing styles. The night shooting also has its advantages and disadvantages. Story elements and character actions are difficult to see in the low light. But, the low light also hides looming threats, like the zombies outside of Daryl's car, in this episode. This show is very hit and miss with tone and pacing. Some of the episodes are action focused, like "Four Walls and a Roof." Other episodes are more character focused like the one here, or like "Slabtown." Characterizations are being built, but the show's overall tone is off and on. Still, there was enough conflict in this episode to keep the episode entertaining.

There are two more episodes before mid-season break. The next two episodes will bring Rick and the other survivors closer to the hospital as they prepare to rescue Beth. This viewer believes that Carol will not make it past the break. Other viewers can place their bets on who does not make it past the Christmas holiday. "Consumed" focused on the relationship between Carol and Daryl, with Noah developed as the hospital's mole. He knows the ins and outs of Atlanta and of Beth's location. The night shooting continues to amplify already tense scenes, while the use of a city setting brings even more peril. It will be interesting to see what develops in the upcoming episodes: "Crossed" and "Coda."

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (more character development through the use of flashbacks and dialogue, many scenes involving Carol were overly sombre, almost funeral-like, tidbit: Noah can be seen tracking Daryl and Carol in one scene as a door closes).

A preview of this episode is hosted here:

A "Consumed" Preview on 28DLA


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