The Walking Dead: Made to Suffer

Pleased to meet you/Hope you guess my name/But what's puzzling you/Is the nature of my game – Rolling Stones

Oh, shit. New person. Oh, shit. Whole new group. One of the new group’s members gets a chunk of herself bit off, but they still carry her into an enclosed building with them. That enclosed building is the prison. Tyrese is the new person. I’ve only read the summaries of the comics, so I know he supposed to have a relationship with Rick/Rick’s group. I’m just not sure what it is.

It’s been an intense season, almost like they’re making up for last season, but I’m looking for forward to a midseason break. The intensity and creepiness is a little overwhelming. My nerves are a bit shot. The Governor is so creepy, I can’t even feel sorry for the way he’s dealing with his daughter turning. No sympathy.

Glenn repurposes a walker’s bones for use as a weapon. How “sustainable” of him. At least he and Maggie are in the same room. He and Maggie make a good attempt at an escape, but Maggie hesitates when her gun is on Merle and they’re recaptured. Then Rick and ‘em come through SWAT style (how fucking sexy is Rick being a professional law man again?) and grab the captives.

Glenn spills the beans about Merle once the group reach a place they can regroup. The desire in Daryl’s eyes to reconnect with his brother breaks my heart, but Rick convinces him to stay with the group.

Andrea wants to help with the invasion, but the Governor shuts her down. Gee, I wonder why. Don’t want your girlfriend to know you’re a sociopathic dictator torturing her friends?

Daryl decides to stay behind to provide cover fire. You just know he’s hoping to see Merle. Rick starts hallucinating, thinking he sees Shane. Helpful prisoner gets shot and the ratio of black people to white people remains as the writers wish. *eye roll* My nerves are shot from all of the gunfire and violence. I don’t play videogames or see action movies all that often. I have a very low tolerance for such things. The horror movie commercials in between don’t help much, either.

Tyrese’s group runs into trouble in the prison and Carl rescues them and is the voice of reason. First of all, it’s been long enough that any group should be able to better strategize going into an enclosed building. Secondly, Carl? Carl “Get in the Fucking House” Grimes? I don’t think the former America’s Top Model (Tyrese’s girlfriend/wife/annoying “Lori” of her group) has the acting chops for this show. She’s destroying my suspension of disbelief. I already love Tyrese, though! Good looking and smart. I’ll take it!

Michonne loses the group and makes her way to the Governor’s apartment and finds his freak show secret lair. Unfortunately for him, Michonne decides to put a little reality into his life and ends his walker daughter’s life. He doesn’t take it so well. This whole scene is messed up on so many levels. She manages to stab him in the eye with a piece of the broken glass from his aquariums holding walker heads. Andrea shows up in the nick of time to save his life. If only Michonne had told her what had just happened. She could’ve in less than 15 seconds. Andrea is moved by his love for his walker daughter. What a surprise.

This show is starting to feel like a bad Three’s Company nightmare. Lack of knowledge leading to misunderstandings and mistrust.

Michonne somehow finds the group and Rick is still being a dick to her. I’m not sure why. Daryl is missing. Saw that one coming.

The Governor wasn’t really the governor until now. The eye patch makes the man. Turns out Daryl was captured and is going to be used as a test for Merle. If Daryl dies, I’ll probably stop watching the show. This is a horrible way for Daryl and Merle to meet.

Kevin Smith talks about how The Walking Dead is what happens after a zombie movie is over. I’ve always wanted to see that and feel so curious at the end of those movies, but now I know why a show like this hasn’t been done. It gets a bit tedious. Most people would want to find some place safe, stay put, and keep on living. It would almost be boring. Kind of like if Frontier House had multiple seasons.  Great initial run (I loved that show), but watching someone chop wood or plant seeds over and over would get pretty boring. The forced emotional rollercoasters and cliffhangers are too much for my nerves. This is why I’ve always preferred series that have single standing episodes. Looking forward to the break. Definitely not watching the marathon New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

The Walking Dead: When the Dead Come Knocking

“This is what makes us girls/We all look for heaven and we put love first/Something that we’d die for/It’s our curse” – Lana Del Rey

Glenn and Maggie are being held captive and interrogated by Merle. I’m glad Glenn toughened before this event came to pass. I’m very concerned for Maggie. T-Dog’s name coming out of Merle’s mouth bothers me more than a lot of other stuff that’s happened on this show. Merle unleashes a walker on Glenn while Glenn is strapped to a chair. What a fucking coward! Glenn manages to free himself and take down the walker. Today, he is a man. The Governor winds up interrogating Maggie. I wish I could kill through the television, but, as much as I hate depictions of misogyny, I’m glad they finally showed how things might go down for women in such a world. All they want to know is where Rick’s group is. Damn, shut up, Maggie! Under the threat of rape, Maggie doesn’t break, but one gun to Glenn’s head and she spills it. She probably did save Glenn’s life and those left behind know about Woodbury and the Governor, thanks to Michonne.

Rick and Carl help Michonne into the prison, but Rick is still in full dictator mode. It sucks that Rick doesn’t know Michonne’s recent past of having her weapon taken away and being held by the Governor. It’s going to be that much harder for her to trust him. Seeing Rick’s emotional reunion with Carol seemed to help, though. Plus, I’m guessing Andrea filled her in on all of them during their travels. That didn’t mean Michonne will trust them on sight. I’ve read a lot of great things about the actress that plays Michonne, but so far she’s only had one expression. It can’t just be the writing. Seriously, so over Michonne’s scowl.

I really wanted Michonne to mention Merle’s name just to see everyone’s reaction. I’m so ready for the Woodbury/Rick’s Group meeting!

So, Rick and some of the gang are going to Woodbury to bring back Glenn and Maggie. Rick briefs Carl on what to do in case he doesn’t come back and says “take care of your sister.” He doesn’t even realize she doesn’t have a name. His own daughter. Not surprising since he only spent half a second acknowledging that his son watched his mother die then put a bullet through her head. Carl names the baby Judith. A bit anticlimactic.

So, Rick, Daryl, and helpful prisoner set out on their quest. Rick acknowledges to Daryl that Daryl has stepped up. The group gets stuck in a cabin, but they get out when Michonne creates walker chum out of the shack’s resident. How come the black guy has to carry everything?

These last two episodes have been boring until the last few moments. My blood is pumping for Rick to enter Woodbury and for Daryl and Merle to meet. My heart is pounding!

It’s strange how the walkers are mostly background now: something to live beside.

The Walking Dead: Hounded

Michonne is running and knows she’s being followed. The Governor sent out his most degenerate henchman, Merle. “Go back” says the “bitergram.” I would do what the woman with katana says to do. They should’ve listened as Michonne devastated the the Governor’s team. Damn, just as I was beginning to like Merle he goes and shoots at Michonne who gets hit in the thigh. Looks like that’s where the femoral artery is, but I guess it missed. Merle isn’t a great leader, but it seems like he’s effective. His newly appointed second, who was previously freaking out and damn near pissing in his pants, is doing some killing and seems really motivated. Turns out he was too motivated and wanted to actually complete the mission instead of lie about it. Merle didn’t have any finesse left in him to convince him otherwise. Bang. Michonne doesn’t know how many people’s wishes she’s fulfilling by whooping on Merle like that. I’m glad Michonne figured out another way to hide from the walkers in plain sight – just cover yourself in their guts.

Merle goes on and comes across Maggie and Glenn on a formula run. He, of course, kidnaps them. Come on, Glenn! You know what Merle is. Shoot to kill. If it weren’t for the baby, none of this would’ve happened. Lori can still annoy from beyond the grave.

The caller on the other end of the line is some woman at some safe place. Awesome. Honestly, this show has enough action and uncertainty without adding extra mystery. I could’ve done without the chick on the phone. This is some boring and annoying “Lost” shit. At the least, it made Rick take a shower, clean up, and come back to the land of the living. However, hope can be the enemy of reality and practical action. Oh, he’s just hallucinating. The horror. The horror. *eye roll*

Andrea is making a place for herself at Woodbury. I don’t care about her at all. I find it wholly unbelievable that she was ever a human rights attorney. I’m going to try to be fair: We all do things, anything, to make ourselves feel better. She’s just fighting the dying of the light and I, too, make poor decisions after drinking whiskey.

Daryl is really growing. He’s becoming a better leader and, weirdly, a father figure. I hope all of that doesn’t go out the window when he meets up with Merle.

This episode was not that great, but when Rick and Michonne locked eyes, it gave me goose bumps. I could feel the power! THE POWER!

The Walking Dead: Say the Word

“When you have a chance to kill someone, don’t hesitate.” – Terrorist in Die Hard

The normalcy of the party seems wrong. I didn’t think anything could seem more wrong in that setting until the next scene when the Governor is brushing his walker daughter’s hair. It was shocking for a second, but, after Hershel’s family’s weirdness with keeping their own and their neighbors in the barn just in case a cure was possible, all kinds of crazy seems normal. However, it’s still an abomination. I can’t think of another way to describe it.

Any kiss could be the last. That’s one way to keep the magic alive. I love Maggie and Glenn. It’s the only true thing on the show. It feels so real. I still wouldn’t have let me girl ride off on the back of Daryl’s bike, though, no matter how close I felt to her. When Daryl and Maggie were at the daycare center, my first thought was, if I they show a toddler walker, I quit.

Rick has been ruthless and decisive, but never irresponsible. His character has changed, but this is way out of character. Charging into the prison alone to go on a killing spree . . . yes, anger is one of the stages of grief, but there are safer ways to deal with it. Think of your psychologically damaged son. Someone needs some Ativan, stat! Glenn is one of the best. Putting hands on him isn’t going to win you points with anyone. If killing the walker that ate your wife doesn’t make you feel better, I don’t know what will.

Michonne having her katana back is the only relief I’ve felt while watching this show since the second episode. A girl’s gotta keep her skills sharp! I love how transparent the Governor seems when he’s in Michonne’s presence. His sliminess gets extra shiny. Too bad Michonne guessed wrong about the Governor’s list. I hate this creepy-ass motherfucker. She should’ve killed him. In that world, the living are as a big of a problem as the dead. She shouldn’t think of it as a waste to take a human life. I don’t like seeing that weakness in her.*

First of all, Andrea, the Governor is not your daddy or Michonne’s daddy. He tattles/chides and Andrea plays hall monitor/big sister? I’ve lost all respect for Andrea. I’ve been waiting for Michonne to leave her ass for a while. I would run as fast as I could out of that compound. My first thought would be that the Governor’s people are watching me through binoculars, going to track me, find me, and kill me. Run, Michonne! RUN!

You’ve got to be kidding me. Totally the future of UFC, though. People need entertainment? Put on a Shakespearian play. Hell, turn Star Wars and other movies into plays. Have a salon or something. Jeez.

Was it just me or did this episode fly by? And is it first name Ass, middle name Kicker? Or all the first name “Asskicker”?

*Confession: On The Talking Dead poll, I voted no on killing the prisoners at first sight. 

The Walking Dead: Killer Within

“Do you know what I touch here?” she said, laying her hands, one upon the other, on her left side.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What do I touch?”

“Your heart.”

“Broken!”

I love how quietly it always starts. I knew this episode was going to be exhausting (in a good, never ending suspenseful way) with that bit of mystery and shocking action in the first few moments.

Good for Glenn and Maggie! Getting laid seems to be the last good thing left in that world. Get as much as you can. Also a good thing: being able-bodied. They should’ve had Hershel up and around sooner rather than later.

Convict whispers, “Come on, dude.” Worst. Pleading. Ever. I was thinking they should put it to a vote, but when they did, the majority voted no. I loved Daryl's position. I would’ve voted yes. I would get bored easily in that situation and would welcome a limited amount of people every once in a great while. Considering they have a pregnant woman and a disabled person, you would think they would want more able-bodied people to fight walkers. The one prisoner ended up being helpful by the end. Of this episode, at least. What was that other prisoner thinking, though? He would be in the same danger by letting walkers roam free in the prison. I guess he didn’t really know the level of danger since he was stuck in the prison for so long, but did he think he was going to stay in that one room forever? Good lesson. Being consumed with revenge makes one stupid. Idiot.

As an independent, educated woman, I’ve learned it’s good to not be so smart all of the time. Or at least not seem so smart all of the time. It’s a good thing Michonne is so closed mouth. It’s her saving grace. Andrea wanting to stay is understandable. People are social creatures and would naturally desire to create a society and have a community, but Michonne is a girl after my own heart and ability to be completely alone. If she prefers to be alone, she should just take off. She’s an anomaly, but would be a more common person in that world, I think. Being hyper-suspicious and preferring your own company is not necessarily a bad thing in that situation.

Andrea, shut the fuck up. Ever heard of “loose lips sink ships”? If I had to choose between rapey Merle, a manipulative leader, and no one at all, I would take no one at all. Yes, Andrea doesn’t know what the Governor really is, but still. You just met the guy. Show a little restraint. (When I read the show’s description “Merle has a request for the Governor” I for sure thought it was a forced night with Andrea. Glad I was wrong.) Is there any world in which white men in power don’t play golf?

What a fucking horror show. You could kind of tell something bad was coming when Rick and Lori had their loving-glance moment. A little schmaltzy, but when the shit went down, I could really feel Rick’s desperate frenzy. He had a nice moment with his wife, then she, (possibly) his unborn baby, and child are all in danger all of a sudden. He could’ve given Bolt a run for his money at that moment. 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Fuuuuuck noooooooooo! T-Dog! Oh, no. I just can’t. He’s one of my favorites. I don’t write about him much, because the writers never give him anything to do. Anyone but T-Dog, Glenn, Rick, Daryl, and Maggie. They’d better name the town they eventually establish after him. Doglandia. Tadogistan. Beverly Dog. Really, truly, can you feel my heart? It’s broken.

I’m still not comfortable with Carl and guns. Watching his mom give birth, die, then having to prevent her turning didn’t do him any psychological favors, either. I’ve read that’s actually a good way to give birth while standing or in a squatting position. I stand by my preference of having a baby inside of a moving car. I know Lori wasn’t in a position to not have the baby, but a crying baby is possibly the worst thing to have in that world. I would be all for a zero population plan of action for twenty years.

If Carl had not been on the scene when Lori died, I would’ve been happier about her death. It’s still a relief. I feel a little bad for Rick. I thought Lori and the baby would die at the same time. Of course Lori would leave a burden in her place. It’s just like her.

I am going to hear that alarm in my nightmares.

Regarding the preview of next week’s episode: I get it. Rick has lost most of his soul, but it’s overkill to make him go all Colonel Kurtz. 

Most brutal episode so far. How could it just be episode 4? I don't know how much more I can take. I think I need a bye week.

The Walking Dead: Walk with Me

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away . . .

At first it seemed like a dumb idea to seek out a helicopter crash, but then I thought about how the thought of coming across some military personnel might lead to some answers about what happened or a helicopter could be evidence of fan organized and fortified city. Andrea and Michonne did get some valuable information: that everyone is infected. And hot showers!!!

I've read the synopsis of the entire comic book series (I just couldn't help myself!), so I’m not a fan of the Governor and not very excited to see him. Benevolent dictators are still dictators. Curfews. Noise ordinances. Armed “escorts” for visitors. Secret laboratories. He’s good, though. Deliciously charismatic. And knows how to scavenge weapons and is a wicked shot. Atticus Finch would so not be his friend, though. In his defense, if I ruled a colony, I would be wary of bringing a tight-knit group of military guys into it. Military coups happen to popular sitting leaders every day. They probably wouldn't give up their weapons easily and allow for a get-to-know-you period. Still, never trust a man who spends most of the day outside and is still so pale.

MERLE! Merle’s gotten leaner and meaner and funnier. Much better than when we saw him last. Ugh, he’s still the kind of guy that would sit on a backwards chair. *eye roll* Despite Merle’s repulsiveness, there must be some sort of comfort in the familiarty of someone from your past in that type of world.  Andrea doesn't seem all that suspicious. I wish she had been more detailed when describing how Rick went back to get him. If I were Merle, I would be the most pissed off at my little brother for not looking for me until he found me. 

It actually hurt my feelings to know that Michonne was separated from her katana. She seems naked and off balance. Too bad for Michonne that the Governor knows how smart she is. I think Michonne is as close to a human terminator as possible. Stay suspicious, Mich!

I have this sense of dread during every episode and throughout the entire episode. At first I thought it was the dread from sensing a startling moment around the corner, but now I think it’s about realizing that there’s no civility in that world and probably wouldn't be if society did break down. Unless you’re with your family and isolated, it’s going to be rape and murder and tyranny. Writing of rape, I wonder if males watching the show pick up or think about the undercurrent of imminent sexual violence in the show and in such a society.

I felt like I was watching a spin off  Like when Jake guested on Beverly Hills 90210 (original) to usher in Melrose Place and Golden Girls and Empty Nest and Bones and The Finder. During this episode, I realized that I would rather live in an open field or a farmhouse or an RV or anything except for a small town or city. The sense of emptiness gave me the creeps.

Something seemed off the last few episodes, but I couldn't put my finger on it until I had to wake up early Saturday morning to let my dog out: Carol seems strangely happy and free and alive considering her only child recently turned into a walker and was executed by the leader of her group. It just reaffirmed my belief that children are mostly a burden. (Sorry mom and dad.)

Who would you rather have as a leader in a zombie apocalypse?

The Governor

Rick

Michonne

Daryl

The Governor is actually pretty good unless you want to think your own thoughts and contradict him or are any kind of threat.

Rick is the best choice, but there’s an element missing from his leadership abilities.

Michonne is too much of a lone wolf. I think Andrea is about all of the subjects she would be able to manage and she can barely stand having her.

Daryl is the hotness, but he’s better as a second. He’s actually a great second-in-command.

I supposed I would prefer a committee and eventual parliamentary structure. (I'm still proud to be an American and think that the U.S. system of government is one of the best in the world and that our judicial system is the absolute best.)

The Walking Dead: Sick

T-Dawg and Daryl are a great security team! It’s a nice, subtle display of how well the group has gelled. Everyone has changed a lot, but I wonder how Daryl will handle Merle’s reappearance.

I have no medical training whatsoever and even I know you need to cauterize the wound. Maybe shoot a few rounds and put the barrel of the gun against the wound? And I’m having a hard to buying that he wouldn’t turn.  Every time anyone left Hershel’s cell, I expected him to turn and bite whoever was left.  What eventually happened was so scary, I jumped and woke up my dog who then gave me the nastiest side-eye. He's not a fan of the zombie genre.

Prisoners are usually the hardened, do-whatever-it-takes, no morals characters in a show. In a post-apocalyptic world, everyone’s a prisoner and has to do whatever it takes to survive. I hope there are more interactions between the group and the prisoners. I’d like to see if they recognize that survival instinct in each other and how they each demonstrate it.*  I would, however, like to thank the prisoners for the first laugh out loud moment I've had watching this show in a long time. They’re violent as hell, but dumber than a box of rocks. They learned the right way to be violent very quickly, though. The group learned something from them, too: violence can be used to end an argument. Kudos to both groups.

Rick admits that killing the prisoners is an option. I’m surprised after everything they've been through, he seems reluctant to even say it out loud. He can’t hate Lori that much if he’s still confiding in her and looking for her approval and support.  FINALLY: “I know I’m a shitty wife and I’m not winning any mother of the year awards.” – Lori Grimes. I also liked her reprimand of Carl for going out by himself. Pure comedy. I’ve been through some bad breakups, but that last scene with Rick and Lori was rough. Despite my feelings about Lori, I think it would be better for them to be together. Having someone’s support that you feel close to could really make the difference. And not just in a post-apocalyptic zombie world.

And so it came to pass, that Rick had to kill another person. Nasty style, too. Another two people if you count the guy he left out in the side yard with the walkers. I’m very impressed with Andrew Lincoln’s ability to show the hardness (borderline tyrannical psychosis) on his face. I’m officially afraid of Rick Grimes. He has earned his dictatorship.

After thoughts:

Why would they kill the prisoner with just a scratch, because he was going to turn, and let Hershel live who was bitten through flesh? I thought blood pumped pretty quickly. Losing Hershel would’ve been devastating. Worse than losing anyone else so far, but it feels like a cheat.

I think that was the least sexy scene involving a woman’s panties since moving pictures were invented.

*Well, that was quick. RIP prisoners.

The Walking Dead: Seed

Hello there, the Angel from my nightmare.

Beautiful opener! There are few stories that can be carried off with such little dialogue for such a long period of time. There was There Will be Blood and this.

I didn’t like seeing Carl use a gun. I know it’s an extension of last season when he killed Walker Shane, but that should’ve just been a one- time thing.  I recently watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day with audio commentary by James Cameron. It turns out that despite all of the violence in that movie, John Connor’s interactions with weapons was carefully handled. He never fired or launched anything and it was because James Cameron* wasn’t comfortable with children handling guns.  It’s one thing to protect your father, but to be told, “You and Carl take this tower.”???  At least he’s finally doing what he’s told. Maybe the moral of the story is to give your kid a gun if you want them to listen to you.**   And the hat does look better on him with his hair long.

Now, Carol and guns . . . that’s just great! I like the idea of Carol and Daryl. Toughen her up and soften him up. Speaking of the future father of my children, Daryl finally did something that I didn’t like: He killed an owl! For food!  Due to my many viewings of Thunderheart, I think owls are sacred and omens of something big.  According to “That 70s Show,” crows carry human souls and you’re not supposed to eat them. I would say owls carry otherworldly souls and you shouldn’t even kill them. Or maybe if you eat an owl, you give up a part of your own soul. Daryl quickly redeemed himself with this quip, “While the others go wash their panties, let’s go hunt.” Have sexier words ever been uttered?

I know the powers that be at AMC are cheap bastards, but Lori’s pregnancy belly is awful and ruins my suspension of disbelief. Maybe two less Walker extras and little more money into the fake belly?

I think Sarah Wayne Callies knows how awful her belly looks and has stepped up her acting game to try to distract from it. Or maybe the writers have figured out how to write for her character better. She’s definitely less shrill. She keeps trying, though. Rick is moving trying to move the whole situation forward, physically and psychologically. Now, yes, a Lori and Rick should show each other a little emotional support now and then, but it can wait until they get a few days of being in one place. Until then, zip it, Lori, and march on.

I could totally imagine Rick as a knight, taking over a castle. Good lord, when he smiles, he gives Daryl a run for his money in the “get in my pants” department. Add that to his attitude and interactions with Lori (way to sack up, bro!) Her sleeping with Shane is understandable, but she has to acknowledge how difficult it is for Rick to know she might be carrying someone else’s baby.  He’s the leader and his wife might be carrying someone else’s baby. His loneliness and the weight of all the responsibilities are affecting him. He’s ready for a break.  I’m glad she’s finally acknowledged her part in Shane’s death, but she has a ways to go on being a little less selfish. If her fetus was a Walker and ate her from the inside out, that would be pretty bad. Even I wouldn’t wish that on her.

Well, that’s just wonderful. Armored  zombies. As if those horrifying fast-moving zombies from 28 Days Later weren’t bad enough.  Why don’t you just make them invisible, too?

Michonne! And Andrea! This show would be that much better if Michonne and Andrea became a romantic couple. According to Laurie Holden’s Twitter account, she had thrown out her back killing Walkers and Andrea had the flu.  I can’t wait for Andrea and Michonne to meet up with Rick’s group. Rick will have a proper co-leader.

Hershel's leg . . . no words . . . But can you really stop the infection that way?

This is one of the few shows where I constantly feel dread throughout the whole show, but in a good, suspenseful way. I now live alone and watching The Walking Dead is not the smartest idea, so my plan is to think of Michonne whenever I get scared. Move over Wonder Woman, I have a new role model!

On a personal note: I asked the CEO of my company (he’s an MD and was an OB), “Where’s the best place to give birth during a zombie apocalypse? A moving car? A prison cell? Or an open field?” Turns out he doesn’t watch the show, but he did answer: A moving car, which was my answer. I totally felt validated, especially after a prison cell was the winning answer on “The Talking Dead.” (He kept walking by my office and I kept saying in my head, “dontaskhimdontaskhim” and then I asked him and now everyone at work knows I’m a stone-cold weirdo.)

*The director of some of the most violent movies I’ve ever seen: The Terminator, Aliens, Rambo: First Blood Part II, True Lies, etc.

**Don’t worry. I don’t have kids.

The Walking Dead: Beside the Dying Fire

Oooooh. There’s that helicopter again. And that’s what set the herd of walkers on their quest to Hershel’s farm. Note to self: in case of a zombie apocalypse, chain link and barbed wire > wood.

Everyone back at the farm is worried about the group out to find Randall and Andrea wants to go looking for them. Lori says no, because if Randall came back, Andrea would be needed. Validation that you are the resident badass. Way to go Andrea! Darryl makes an observation that hints at Shane’s motives. I doubt the rest of the idiots picked up on it.

Rick is saved from confessing his ACT OF SELF-DEFENSE to Carl by the walker herd. How are the walkers already near the barn? I must not understand the layout of the farm.

“This is my farm. I’ll die here.” – Hershel Um, did I miss something? Is Hershel’s farm named the S.S. Titantic? I DON’T THINK SO!

Are the cheap fire effects and complete disregard for chemistry a throwback to old school zombie movies?

Some of the group gets into separate cars (and sexy Darryl on his motorcycle) and start acting like they’re at a carnival shoot out booth. What a waste of ammo! They can’t get all of the walkers and shooting some isn’t a deterrent. It’s not like they kill ten and the other 200 are like, “Oh, gee, we could die. Let’s turn around, guys.” *shaking my head*

“What should I do?!” – Lori, in response to not being able to find Carl in the house. Be a better mother, you worthless shrew!

Jimmy is an idiot. Once he felt Rick and Carl jump on top of the RV, he should’ve started driving. Or Rick should’ve done two taps on the windshield or something. I would say that it’s poor planning, but it’s just no planning.

Hershel looks awesome! The doctor becomes the assassin! Carol remains worthless, of course. Maybe she was running to what she thought was laundry that needed folding. Andrea saves her only to be left behind. Man, would I be pissed! After all I had done for the group and they ditch me. And Carol gets a ride on the back of Darryl’s bike. There is something horribly wrong with the universe.

I love that Maggie and Glenn are in the same car. It’s so couple-y!

I really, truly, madly, deeply thought that Hershel was going to get it. My heart was slowly starting to break as the walker approached. I didn’t like Hershel for the longest and I almost wrote him off when he took that jaunt to the bar in town. I may have hated the man who went into that bar, but I loved the man who came out. But poor Hershel. His illusionary utopia went up in flames.

I can’t imagine any viewers having ill will towards Rick for putting down Shane, but I think if you save a doctor’s life, you get a pass if you kill an asshole.

This is what every girl dreams of . . . hearing I love you with zombie smears on the window behind your head and what looks like a bloody head print behind your boyfriend’s. And all kinds of blood on the windshield. The ROMANCE! Glenn finally telling Maggie he loves her. Despite the circumstances, it was great, because it did steady her. She was on the verge of becoming seriously untethered.

Meeting up at the last place a group remembers being together is an excellent idea at Magic Mountain, Disneyland, Raging Waters, and during the zombie apocalypse. In this group’s case, it has to be the last safe place they were together: Sophia’s rendezvous spot. Well, I guess it wasn’t the last safe place, but it was the last place they were together before the barn. Man, seems like a million years ago. 

Hahahahaha! Oh, Hershel. Hey, maybe he’s right. Maybe Christ’s promise to resurrect the dead was really about zombies. Hmmmmm??? Bible class would’ve been a lot more interesting.

Lori is with Beth and T-Dawg. She wants to go back to the Sophia rendezvous point. T-Dawg doesn’t. She threatens to jump out of the car if he doesn’t go back. T-Dawg, KICK HER OUT OF THE CAR AND SPEED OFF! Do it!

Rick is about to leave the spot then Darryl and Carol roll up, then Maggie and Glenn and T-Dawg and Beth and blech. Rick admits that Shane is gone without saying how. The group wants to look for Andrea, but Rick says no and they go on their way. Rough.

On a personal note, Andrea’s predicament is why I’ll be adding miles to my runs. You never know when you’ll need the endurance. And I believe that speed and agility will be more useful than strength. Especially if it’s those damn 28 Days Later f*%@ers.

Running out of gas??? From the beginning, there should’ve been full gas cans in every car. Couldn’t they all fit in Maggie’s car? Sit on some laps, people. I agree that they shouldn’t split up, but they’re not on high ground. They’re as close to sitting ducks as can get. 

Darryl tells about how Randall wasn’t bit and had still turned. Rick reveals what the doctor told him back at the CDC. That everyone is infected and turns when they die (not of a head wound). People are all butt hurt about it. So? He’s right. How does it make a difference? How does this change their reality? I would be grossed out by the new knowledge, but would forgive the guy for keeping it to himself.

Rick walks off and Lori follows him. She gets all cozy and wifey and supportive about his decision to keep the universal infection a secret. Then Rick confesses to killing Shane IN SELF-DEFENSE. Lori pulls away in utter disgust. Are you f*%@ing kidding me??? I hate this effin beyotch!!! She practically goads Rick into killing Shane. Then gets Shane all riled up. If anyone’s hands are bloody, it’s hers. In The Talking Dead, the executive producer says that she’s upset because she feels like it’s her fault, but that’s not what I get from her reaction. Pulling away from Rick when he reaches out to comfort her and that look of contempt she gives him. Even if it is just because Carl had to kill a walker he knew, IT’S HER FAULT FOR NOT KEEPING A BETTER EYE ON HER SON! I hope she’s torn in half by walkers. Even if I have to wait ten seasons, it’ll be worth it.

Oh, hello, Michonne. Thank you for saving Andrea’s life. I’m looking forward to YOUR badassery next season.

All of a sudden, Carol decides to have an opinion about how the group should function and what type of man/leader she wants. Shut up, Carol. Does she want to be the new Shane? It’s the end times. I don’t want a man of honor. I want a man of action. The thing is, people can do whatever they want. Maggie can say, “I’m leaving, who’s coming with?” Carol would go. Glenn, too. Hershel and her sister would probably go, too. That’s not a bad group. Go on. Don’t let a zombie bite your ass on the way out.

Rick confesses to killing Shane to the group. He maybe should’ve been a bit clearer about the circumstances and Darryl could’ve jumped in, but at the least, the old ways have finally died. It’s about time for a Ricktatorship.

Oh, my. What’s that in the near distance? Is that a prison? THE prison? Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuun. I think we all need a break, because things are about to get serious! 

http://i.imgur.com/JcGoF.jpg

The Walking Dead: Better Angels

Shane, Andrea, T-Dawg, and Darryl in a truck . . . I would watch a spin-off of that group on their own, trying to make it in the zombie world.

I disagree with everything Rick said in his eulogy. Just because somebody died, doesn’t mean you have to live your life they wanted to live theirs. That’s just tyranny from beyond the grave.

Rick re-takes the leadership role and makes some great initial decisions.  He even includes everyone, though he’s still naïve when it comes to Shane. Asking Andrea to babysit Shane is like asking Rihanna to babysit Chris Brown.  I do love Andrea’s sass, though.  Feisty! People might start shaking off the molasses now that they have defined duties and some sort of schedule.

I don’t like Lori opening up to Shane. She doesn’t need to talk to Shane at all. If she feels like expressing her thoughts, she needs to talk to Rick. What the hell kind of wife is she?

[I love the Mad Men promo with The Walking Dead theme.]

I would brave The Walking Dead world for some face time with Darryl. Yum.

I now involuntarily tune out interactions between Rick and Shane. I have to strain to hear them, but, even when I do, it sounds like gibberish. Two guys spewing bs. I don’t  even care. I prefer Shane and Rick just beating the hell out of each other.

Wow. The talk that Rick gave Carl would’ve been so great without the Lifetime movie of the week piano soundtrack. Silence is golden, AMC.

So, Shane is pretty good at coming up with plans. Too bad he uses his power for evil rather than good. Randall’s right. Shane would “fit in good” with a bunch of rapists. Hmmmm, I guess Shane doesn’t know about everyone being infected with the virus and turning into walkers when they die.

Oh my Daryl is so smart! I really like Glen and Daryl together are quite the team, though I find it hard to believe that one walker could get the upper hand for even a moment against them. I’m going to chalk it up to Randal being fresh.

Beautiful cinematography in the Rick/Shane showdown scene. (Is it called that for television, too?) Holy smokes! I did not see that coming!!! I thought Darryl and Glen would find Rick and Shane, see what’s happening, and then one of them would put Shane down. It doesn’t make sense for Rick to care so much about killing Shane. Rick killed Sophia and Shane was just as sick as she was, just in a different way. In relation to Rick, Shane was an attempted murderer and Rick had a right to defend himself with equal force. And, finally, Carl makes himself useful. [Note: In the comics, Carl kills Shane outright when Rick and Shane are arguing.]

Looking forward to the next episode. Bummed that it’s the season finale! I won’t have any shows to watch until True Blood and Boardwalk Empire start. Ack! Mad Men is interesting, but I don’t get sucked into it the same way.

The Walking Dead: Judge, Jury, Executioner

Daryl seems to be a believer in the John Yoo definition of torture, as in it’s not torture if you’re trying to get certain information. Daryl does get information. Turns out that the marauder, Randall, was part of a group of about 30. They have a lot of weapons and don’t mind raping teenage girls in front of their father.

Rick decides they need to get rid of Randall. Dale, of course, disagrees and spews about humanity, blah, blah, blah . . . Hey, it’s a shoot first, ask questions later world.  Deal with it. Then Dale runs to Andrea and asks for help. He convinces her to guard Randall to prevent Shane from just killing him. She doesn’t think Dale is right, though. Then why? (Andrea was a civil rights lawyer?! I guess I missed that along the way.)

I can’t believe anyone buys Shane’s bs. His is so patently manipulative.  Then he warns Carl against the prisoner being manipulative. Sounded like he was talking about himself.

Oh, my gosh! I cannot take anymore of Dale’s proselytizing. So over it!!! Um, Dale? Civilization IS over. Carol’s still a sap. Carl is turning into a sociopath, which might actually be useful. He seemed to snap Carol out of herself for a moment. And how is Carl just allowed to wander off? What a dumb *$@%.

Beth is still like a depressed invalid in bed. I thought she chose to live? Hershel and Glenn have a nice heart to heart and Hershel gave Glenn his blessing about being with Maggie. Nice! I can’t help but be wary. Every nice gesture in this show has a suicidal undertone for me.  

Man, this group loves to talk, talk, talk. They could just put the prisoner on trial. Andrea could guide them. He could be charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The people he was with tried to kill Hershel, Glenn, and Rick. He was a part of that group. He could also be charged with murder. His friends died while they were committing a felony. Or something like that. It’s hard to think that there are laws in that world. Mores, sure. Personal ethics, yeah. But not a set of laws.  If they want to kill the prisoner, they should have a firing squad of whoever agrees with it. One shot each.

Okay, now I feel kind of bad about hating Dale so much. Not really. It's just the expected sentiment. They should’ve told him they didn’t kill the prisoner. Something nice for the end. And they should’ve gone for a shot to the side of the head. Not something so in his face. It was so sweet of Daryl to step in for Rick. After all, Rick shouldered the burden of killing Sophia when she came out of the barn. 

The Walking Dead - 18 Miles Out

“The pain doesn’t go away. You just make room for it.” - Andrea

[flash forward] Shane and Rick are being surrounded by walkers. Oh, and the guy from the marauder group is in restraints trying to get to a knife. Interesting. Shane runs into a bus and has to hold the door shut against a grip of walkers. I like Shane in a can. I hope the walkers bust open that bus like it’s a can of tuna fish and Shane is delicious albacore. [end flash forward]

Rick confronts Shane about how he killed Otis and about how he screwed (and possibly impregnated) his wife.  “You can’t be the good guy and expect to live.” – Shane. True, but you don’t have to be a bad guy. Just willing to make the hard decisions and Rick recently has.

Lori and Maggie have calmed down a bit from their previous melodramatic nonsense. Lori is the big advice giver this episode. Better her than Dale. 

Turns out, guy from the marauder group went to school with Maggie and knows where the farm is. Bummer. That’s rich, Shane calling that guy a piece of garbage. Shane has made it so easy for Rick to make a “hard decision” about him. Especially now that Andrea is making strides at being Rambo, Shane can easily be taken out of the picture. He has no relatives, loves, or any ties other than Rick to the group. He lifts right out.

I love Andrea so much for that wicked burn on Lori! However, both Andrea and Lori have valid positions on their situations. They’ve had different experiences with the end times, so they’re bound to look at things differently, but it doesn’t mean that either of them is wrong. Having something to live for is very personal. Parents, siblings, a semi-stable life can be reasons to live for one person and not another. However, I’m surprised Andrea is so pro-choice (suicide or life) as she was talked out of killing herself and has gone on to be a badass and not suicidal. It’s also Lori’s prerogative not to want anyone to commit suicide on her watch. Tough call.

Maggie’s reaction to Beth’s request for a double suicide was brilliant. The perfect balance of horror and sadness.

Well looky who seems to be on the sucky end of a hard decision . . . Muhuhahahaha! Too bad it was a fake out for the audience and Rick was just going to find a way to rescue Shane. Wrong decision, Rick! Wrong. Decision. Of course, with Rick’s luck, if he had left Shane, Shane would’ve figured out a way to escape, make it back to camp, and vilify Rick.

This was a great episode! Forward movement. Character development. Changing group dynamics. Dale, Daryl, Carol, and T-Dog were all missing. I think the streamlined cast helped the storyline a lot. Can’t wait ‘til the next episode!

(You know, I thought one grew desensitized as one grew older, but I am having a really hard time with the gore. I guess I’ve grown soft in my old age.)

The Walking Dead: Triggerfinger

I was not looking forward to this episode. Having consumed many apocalyptic stories (through books, television, and the movies), I know how ugly encountering “bad guys” can be. For the first time, I thought it would be okay if they stayed on the farm and just built their own little society.

At first, I was scared thinking of myself in Lori’s position: alone and trapped in the dark with walkers trying to get at me. But then I remembered how she ended up in that position and I started rooting for the walkers. I wouldn’t have minded her being ripped limb for limb. It’s nice to see some fight in Lori. No time to be wishy-washy or emotional.

Hell no does Shane get to sit at the head of the table! Any table! That disgusting waste of a human being! Ugh!

Oh, c’mon! Rick! What a dumbass!

And Shane takes off to be a hero. I hope the walkers eat the both of them. And Carl is left without a single person he knew before the . . . whatever.

Rick tells the marauders outside, “We all know this is not going to end well.” It’s already ended. And, yes, it did not end well, but it’s all over. Everything, so nothing matters. The world ended. Everyone (except for Daryl) is a little suicidal. There can be logic and reason in this new world, but there is no reasoning with anyone.

Hershel: “I can shoot. I just don’t like to.” Dude, it’s a zombie apocalypse. This is the one time you can shoot first and ask questions later.  And damn can he shoot! (I could kill Glenn for being so still!)

The marauders take off leaving their friend who’s been shot by Hershel. At first I thought they should’ve just put him out of his misery. Leaving him to be eaten by walkers is horrible, but he did prove a nice distraction. The guy that got impaled should’ve been shot, for sure, though. A one-legged man would be a liability.*

I never thought I would ever, ever think that someone deserved to be lied to, but Lori deserved to be lied to by Shane. By anyone. How is Lori okay with being alone with him??? Shane finds out that Rick knows about him and Lori. The scared look on his face is the only moment I’ve enjoyed of him on this show. Then he goes off the deep end. Lori’s made it perfectly clear that she does NOT want him.

There needs to be more scenes like the one with Andrea, Maggie, and Beth. Not intense, but still personal. It gave a nice sense of connection between the characters.

If I see Dale with a confused look on his face one more time, I might throw up. Befuddled old men have no place in that world!

Oh my gosh! I finally like Hershel! Of course, I would like anyone that told Shane to keep his mouth shut.

And now Glenn is crazy? No bueno. He froze up because he didn’t want to die . . . So? All Rick and Shane think about is Lori and Carl. Whoever still has someone is thinking of them and doing just fine.

Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a fan of sex on the screen. However, The Walking Dead is the one show that could use a little bit more skin. Lori helps Rick undress. Rick helps Lori undress and then . . . SHE BRINGS UP SHANE.  Lame.  Lady MacBeth to Lori: Don’t steal my schtick, bitch!

What an unpleasant episode. It’s kind of rough going from no action to the type of action and suspense that causes that gross feeling in the pit of one’s stomach. There’s still a lot of hurry up and wait. Waiting for them to leave the farm. Waiting for the seemingly inevitable division of the group into Rick/Shane camps. Waiting for some hanky panky to go down. Is the rest of the show going to be the anti-climax to the first season?

*Though in World War Z there was a character in a wheelchair that did well, but he was in a wheelchair prior to the zombie war. 

The Walking Dead: Nebraska

Started right where the show left off. Rick with a gun in his hands and Sophia and her brains on the ground.

Beth (one of Hershel’s people) sought out a friend or relative among the walker wreckage only to have it reanimate and try to kill her. She got to watch her friend/relative get stomped and impaled.  She ends up sick, either from shock or . . . is the infection now airborne?

Shane’s accent still changes sentence to sentence. So annoying. Shane accuses Rick of being delusional for having them look for Sophia for so long. I think Rick knew that Sophia was no longer human, either dead or a walker, but he knew how much Carol needed some closure, so he kept up the search, if just to find her body.

There’s accusations that some of the farm people may have known Sophia was in the barn. How would any of the farm people know that was Sophia in the barn? They had never seen her.

When a woman asks, “What happens now,” it’s not about the next logical step in whatever is happening in the world. It’s “What is going to happen with us and our relationship?” Poor Glenn. So inexperienced with women.

How is Rick so pale? They’re out in the sun all day. At least they used bronzer on Lost. Rick needs to stop being so hard on himself. It’s a very dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. Shit is going to happen. Everyone’s traumatized. No one is thinking clearly (except for Daryl).

Andrea seems to have gotten it together. She wins the character-that-makes-the-most-sense prize for the episode so far.  However, watching a pile of dead bodies burn in a fire you started has GOT to eff you up. There’s no going back from that, but maybe it will serve as a wake-up call for anyone else watching. New world. New way of thinking.

I would like Shane and Dale to kill each other in a duel. Guns at ten paces. Uh-oh. The group seems to be slowly taking sides: Rick v. Shane. 

Ew ew ew ew ew ew . . . arm fell off . . . ew ew ew ew ew.

Dale tells Lori about Shane’s murdering ways and Lori doesn’t believe him at first. Think hard, Lori. Remember that guy who tried to rape you? Yeah, that one. I’m pretty sure THAT guy is capable of violence against others, too.

Hershel, who is winning the most-irresponsible award, runs off to a bar in town. That is so ridiculous. Rick and Glenn should just grab Hershel, tie him up, and take him back to the farm. And why the hell is Lori going into town. Rick already knows that Beth is sick and needs Hershel and told Hershel. She leaves her son without a parent to handle something that is already being handled.  What a dumb beeyotch.

OMG! Is that Rene? Yikes!!! That guy did such a good job on True Blood that he still gives me the heeby jeebies. Thank you, Rick!

The Shane situation is ruining this show. This is why he was killed off so early in the books. He’s a boil that should’ve been lanced, but wasn’t and is now poisoning the whole body.  To be honest, I’ve never wanted so many main characters in a show to die. I like Glenn and Daryl. I’d almost given up on Rick until he took care of those creepy marauders and just barely started to respect Andrea. Everyone else can get bit.

This episode started off with the usual dumb-assery, but picked up at the end. I wish the show and individual episodes were more consistent, though. Let’s hope the spring season goes at a faster pace than the fall season.

THE WALKING DEAD: Pretty Much Already Dead

“Should I stay or should I go, now? If I go there will be trouble. If I stay it will be double.” – The Clash

It’s daytime, but the scene is dark. I sense impending doom. Blabbermouth Glenn finally spills beans that should’ve been spilled a while ago. The group heads to the barn where Shane and Daryl have a confrontation and things get loud. Um, hello? Walkers like noise. So, they start pushing on the door. I think being on the farm for this long has made the whole group lose touch with reality, even Daryl. Just drop a few Molotov cocktails into the barn already.

Glenn tries to talk to Maggie, but Maggie has regressed to the first grade and Glenn is left with egg all over his face. He manages to say his piece later on and Maggie really, really liked it.

Carl tells his mom he wants to stay on the farm. We all know where he gets his I-say-so-and-so-it-is expectation.

Even for an abused woman, Carol is a bit too dead inside. All she really had was her daughter and she’s choosing Daryl’s well-being over Sophia. I feel like I’m watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.  C’mon! The damned writers are making Daryl stupid, too.  Daryl and Maggie need some mood stabilizers.

Dale tries talking to Andrea about Shane, but Andrea doesn’t want to hear it. (Note: In the comics, Andrea and Dale are an item.) Dale lays an ugly guilt trip on Andrea about her rejecting him every time he tries to help her. She had a dad. He’s dead. You’re not her dad. Stop acting like it. Ugh. I am not a fan of their relationship.  Skeevy.  

Rick wants to have a discussion with Hershel about the barn. Hershel has never discussed anything. He dictates. I don’t care that it’s the zombie apocalypse. In my experience, the older a person, the harder it is to change their way of thinking. Trying to change someone using your own experience almost never works.* It’s rural Georgia. Can’t the group find another farm and some barbed wire and start their own colony?

Rick tells Shane Lori is pregnant. I’m terrified. And two scenes later, rightfully so. Shane is so sick. I finally feel bad for Lori. There’s no way to handle this situation correctly, but telling Shane that even if it is his, it’s not going to be his, was bad, bad, bad. Then Carl, just like his mommy, tells Shane what to do. Hell to the no.

Hershel makes Rick an offer he should absolutely refuse. Some walkers are stuck in the mud and Hershel wants to help them out and put them in the barn. Rick helps. Jesus wept (John 11:35).  

Dale steals the guns and tries to hide them from Shane. Shane finds him and confronts him. Dale misses a golden opportunity to kill Shane. I think the group would’ve forgiven him. Except maybe Carl, but who cares.

Shane loses it, but it does have some benefits. At least he armed everyone first. Then he opens up the barn door and it’s like a live-action video game. If I were unarmed, I would’ve started running, especially if I had a child. Daryl is just as sexy with a shotgun as he is with a crossbow.

Whoa!!! What a punch to the gut! Sophia was one of the walkers in Hershel’s barn this whole time. Totally gut-wrenching. I did not see that coming. Rick reclaimed his role as leader by putting her down.

I was too stunned to comprehend the preview for the next episode.

[Norman Reedus in the aftershow!!!  He’s so yummy!!!]

*But daddies do listen to their daughters. Maggie gave it her best shot. A Hail Maggie?

THE WALKING DEAD

Secrets: I know it was you, Shane. But you didn't break my heart?

I enjoy a good, spooky opening. One of the women from the farm feeds chickens to the zombies and they attack. Glen, understandably, is keeping a close eye on the barn full of zombies.  I love that it’s Glen that found out. He seems the least likely to be able to keep a secret, especially when he is already keeping Lori’s pregnancy a secret. What’s Lori trying to do by keeping it a secret, anyway? Is she going to throw herself down some stairs? It doesn’t take Glen long to spill his secrets.

Daryl easily forgives Andrea for shooting him in the head, because she was protecting their group. I would like to immediately have Daryl’s babies. Or at least start trying.

 Again with the miraculous recoveries. Carl is up and walking around and wanting to learn how to shoot. Shane’s interaction with Carl seems indicative of Shane having changed his mind about leaving.  Lori is upset and surprised that Carl wants a gun. She has now taken Shane’s place as the most ridiculous, character on the show. She is beyond unrealistic.

I really enjoyed thug-life, cowboy’s shooting style.  The excess of target practice seems like a waste of bullets and what happened to loud noises attracting walkers?  Each person should have their own cache of non-boom weapons they can use against the walkers.  Putting together that cache seems more important than target practice.

Dale confronts Hershel about the walkers in the barn. Hershel confesses that his wife and stepson are in the barn. Hershel and his people being so isolated helps explain the lingering sentimentality. If they had been confronted with an uncertain gypsy lifestyle and repeated attacks and other interactions with walkers, Hershel probably wouldn’t be so hopeful. See: Andrea putting a bullet in her sister’s head.  

Lori is hurt when she thanks Hershel and he replies by suggesting they need to leave soon. That’s the first time I realized that Lori is really just a spoiled brat. A lot of things make more sense. Her indulgence with Shane. Her demanding ways.  Lori tells Rick who already know. Her reaction: “How can you keep something this big from me?” Primary traits of spoiled brats: lack of self awareness and inability to empathize.

Dale confronts Lori about her pregnancy.  Lori tells Dale that Shane happened because she “wanted to feel something. Anything.” That’s legit. What I don’t understand is why there isn’t more humping around. Andrea and Daryl or Shane or Glenn. Carol and Daryl or Dale. (But then it happens towards the end!!! As much as I hate Shane, I’m glad someone is getting some! Post-walker slaughter rush.)

For once, I enjoyed and agreed with one of Dale’s sermons. That they can still find joy and happiness from one another.  

Maggie is pissed at Glenn for spilling the beans, but it’s a pretty big secret. He tries to make amends by subtly revealing Lori’s secret. Which seems to be that not only is she pregnant, but she’s going to try for a medical abortion. This all goes down in the pharmacy where Maggie is awesomely attacked by a zombie and Glenn turns into a quick thinking warrior with a shelf and then a knife.  What’s up, Glenn? How you doin’?

Maggie is pissed at Lori*, but throws some love Glenn’s way. And she’s right. Glenn is brave and smart and a leader and the group does treat him like an expendable errand boy. She forgot sweet. Glenn brought back prenatal vitamins for Lori, too.

Shane takes Andrea with him to look for Sophia.  They find a house full of dead people and then they’re surrounded by walkers.  Shane uses it as a lesson and comes through. Straight up Michael Corleone with the steady hands. I think Andrea has a taste for blowing out walker brains. Nice!

Is Dale a psychic? Even for the classic wizened, old man, it’s beyond realistic. Although, he’s showing a bit of naiveté when pushing Shane, if he really knows what kind of man Shane is.

Rick finds the “abortion” pills and confronts Lori. Rick is understandably pissed and grows a spine in reaction to Lori, finally. They have a pretty good discussion on the pros and cons of keeping the baby. Lori admits to her dalliance with Shane and Rick is all like, “I know.” What the hell? He knew? Or even suspected? Could’ve fooled me. Rick is definitely the type to put the group’s interests and the interests of humanity above his ego, but I need Rick to be a little more upset and make Shane do a little penance. Killing Otis to get Carl medicine was not it.

The scare and gore factor were at a great level in this episode.  Better than last week’s episode, which was the best episode since the season opener.  So now, this is the best episode since the season opener.

*Why did the abortion pill case say “morning after.” Morning after pills don’t cause abortions or miscarriages and are only effective up to a few days after one has unprotected sex. I know this isn’t an educational show (unless you believe in an impending zombie apocalypse, then it’s a great what-not-to-do show), but come on. 

THE WALKING DEAD

Chupacabra: C’mon, little brother . . .

The episode starts off showing a little more of the backstory and a glimpse into the start of how Rick’s wife ended up with Shane for a bit. Apparently, the military just started bombing the city to kill the walkers.  It’s a miracle that Rick survived that as well.

So, there’s more of let’s find the little girl that I’ve already forgotten about. Everyone’s standing around listening to Rick’s plan.  Something odd, though. Has Shane always had that thick Southern accent? I don’t remember it from previous episodes. It sounds so fake, it’s just off-putting. Maybe the actor was directed to take that approach to show us that Shane himself doesn’t know who he is.  Anyways, Shane and Rick take off to their assigned grid. They have an inane and light conversation about women. It was a nice glimpse into their pre-zombie bromance. Then, a serious conversation, because God forbid there’s a moment in a WD episode that’s not overwrought and eye-roll inducing.  However, it provided a refreshing moment when Shane made a quick reference to their previous future plans (Fort Benning), temporarily relieving us of the aimlessness of this season. And where did Shane’s accent go? And why did it come back? “You best let us handle this”????? Shane. STFU.

Daryl, unlikely second in command and current owner of my heart, gets himself hurt in the first realistic someone-getting-hurt scene. (T-Dog rips open his forearm on a car door AND doesn’t die? Carl gets shot when a bullet goes through a doe/buck and hits him?  And HE doesn’t die? The cliché sprained ankle while being chased by zombies.) The way Daryl was hurt was realistic. The arrow that is in his kidneys, which doesn’t kill him was not. His subsequent journey and near death state, which he miraculously overcomes, are more in line with the ridiculousness of the should be fatal, but aren’t, injuries in this show.  I could be wrong. Damn it, Jim, I’m a lawyer, not a doctor.  But then he pulls out the arrow. I’m 99% sure you’re not supposed to do that.

Merle!!! The last person, even in hallucination form, you’d think would help a brother out. Nasty, but honest, even as a vision. I hoped Daryl wouldn’t take Merle’s words to be the Truth, but we all have someone that can get into our heads.  Even with his injury, I love that Daryl shows us how much he wants to live. He seems to be the only one who has a goal – to survive. Not out of a sense of sentimentality, with hope that things will someday return to normal, and not of out of a need to help the greater good, but out of basic human instinct and the belief that he can, while maintaining the appropriate amount of compassion and team-player mentality. I envy Daryl. He will never need therapy or Prozac. 

Back at the creepy farmhouse, Rick shows some vulnerability and Lori responds with compassion and support. That’s the first drop of warmth that woman’s given to anyone. Such a nice change of pace. It was the first time in this whole series that she didn’t annoy me.

This episode also brought a thankful reprieve from Dale’s sermonizing. If I were Andrea, I would’ve punched him in the face by now. I don’t care if you saved my life old man. This ain’t Rome and you ain’t Marcus Aurelius.

Interesting character development: Hershel’s cult-leader like controlling behavior revealing itself a bit more. 

Due to the above, I would strongly suggest that Glen, shuts his pie-hole. No one likes a guy who kisses and tells. Even in a post-apocalyptic world. Especially in a post-apocalyptic world, where a bad reputation can ruin your position in the tribe.  Especially, when it was your slightly sinister host’s daughter that you, um, “kissed.”

And then, my heart stopped and didn’t start back up for a whole commercial break. Andrea liberates herself from washing clothes and decides to be the lookout. The ARMED lookout, because one lesson from Shane and one day having her gun back qualifies her for one of the most important jobs. (Although, wasn’t she all right with a gun in the first season? She killed her reanimated sister with one. The only reason her gun was taken away was because Dale thought she was suicidal. Whatevs.)

What looks like a walker meanders out of the trees and Andrea points her rifle at it. Rick, Shane, and co. start running toward the walker and scream at Andrea, “NO!” As in, no, we’re four big guys with a heads up and weapons running to a single walker.  We can take care of it without a big boom attracting 100 more.  So, what does liberated Andrea do? She points and shoots, of course. It looks like the walker is hit in the head. Once the group gets closer, they realize it’s my boyfriend, Daryl.  Oh, COME ON!!!! Andrea, you finally assert yourself and gain some power and autonomy and then you do some stupid shit like that. Really??? However, it seems that people can survive anything in the great state of post-apocalyptic Georgia, including being shot in the head. Just a graze.  By a bullet. To the head. That’s all.  

So, Lori and Shane have another tête-à-tête. She reality checks Shane and basically tells him to get gone. I hope it goes better than the last time she rejected him. Nobody likes rape and Shane is now capable of a lot worse. There’s not much left but dismemberment on the sociopathic checklist.

And, man oh man, what a great way to end the episode. Glen goes to the barn for a rendezvous. Alas, his girl can’t be found, but a barn full of zombies welcome him with open arms. It was a bit of a shock, but a stranded group coming upon an idyllic, quiet farmhouse in the middle of nowhere has always ended badly in horror movies. Why should it be any different on television?

This is the first episode I’ve liked since the season premiere, despite thinking my TV boyfriend had died for a whole commercial break.  Can’t wait for the reveal!