What Happened and What's Going On and No Real Answers on "The Walking Dead:" A Television Review

Director: Greg Nicotero.

Writer: Scott M. Gimple.

Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun and Danai Gurira.

Two of the biggest filmmakers for "The Walking Dead" come together for the episode "What Happened and What's Going On," showrunner Scott Gimple and frequent director Greg Nicotero. In this surreal episode, another character lost their life, while others questioned the purpose of it all. Michonne (Danai Gurira) believes the purpose is to get to Washington. This viewer is a little more skeptical about that destination. Meanwhile, Gimple used Tyreese's (Chad L. Coleman) death as an argument for the afterlife. And, some of the dialogue questioned the meaning of it all, or perhaps the meaninglessness of it all. Despite all of the deep subjects and profound shooting styles, "What Happened and What's Going On" was an enjoyable showing and a welcome return for the season.

Events took place outside of Georgia. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the crew relocated to a new locale, several hundred miles away from Atlanta, Georgia. In this new location, they are in search of Noah's (Tyler James Williams) home and parents. Big surprise, Noah's family are long since dead. This new location is no safe haven, too. Soon, Tyreese is attacked and infected by Noah's brother. His trip to death is a slow one, but he passes the time by hallucinating the Governor and other dead characters. There is a fight to get out of the compound, with Tyreese succumbing to his injuries, along the way. Two important characters have died in two episodes, now.

Another Character Takes a Bow on TWD.

This episode was shot in a very surreal way. Like a hallucinogenic drug trip, several larger-than-life shots of inane objects introduced the episode, only to be repeated later on. Some of the shots, like the drawing of the sun, were also repeated by Nicotero, with the sun prominent in the episode's final scenes. As well, the appearance of the Governor (David Morrissey) , Beth (Emily Kinney), Mika (Kyla Kenedy), Lizzie (Brighton Sharbino) and Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) was equally strange. Stranger still, Tyreese began a dialogue with these characters. These characters invited Tyreese to the other side, with Tyreese wanting to fight on; eventually, Tyreese gives in. Many scenes in this episode were likely conjured from a Nicotero drug trip.

This episode also made an argument for the afterlife. Used often in television and film, Gimple created a transitory episode here. It was as if Tyreese was journeying to a better place, with Lizzie stating: "it is better here." This viewer is less convinced of another world and Tyreese resists their encouragements, initially. Also, the shots of the sun, both figuratively and literally, symbolized a god, or specifically: the Christian God. Tyreese looks at the sun in later scenes as if he is being beckoned onward. But, the shots of a shovel and earth are a little more accurate, in regards to Tyreese's final destination. This viewer is cynical about any sort of destination, outside of the physical.

Finally, the theme of nihilism haunted his episode. Early in "What Happened and What's Going On" Rick questions his murder of Dawn: "does it matter one way or another?" Rick sees Dawn's death as pointless. In a later scene, Glenn thinks that there is no safe place in this new world. "It doesn't matter" where they end up. The characters are starting to fall into the emotional trap of hopelessness and despair. The characters believe that there is no point in fighting on. Even Tyreese gives in: "turn it off." But, it is up to everyone to find their own purpose, even if that purpose is not obvious.

"What Happened and What's Going On" brought a lot of deep topics to the screen. Some of these themes were intriguing, while others distracted from the episode's value. Though, overall, this fan of zombie television found this showing more entertaining than usual. Along the episode's bizarre path, another character was lost and several others were reintroduced. Somewhat haunting, this episode, if it focused on anything, focused on death and the possible meaninglessness of life. Despite all of the hum drum, this show carries on and hopefully, future episodes will lighten in tone, somewhat.

Overall: 7.25 out of 10 (a focus on dramatic elements, a slight pause in the zombie apocalypse, a sombre episode overall).

A two minute clip for this episode shows some of repeating imagery:

A "What Happened and What's Going On" Clip on 28DLA


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Posted in: 2015,amc,greg nicotero,review,scott gimple,television,television review,the walking dead,the walking dead season 5,zombie,zombie apocalypse,zombies