Hey guys. I know the bulk of my posts discuss video gaming, but I've been enamoured by AMC's The Walking Dead ever since I caught its premiere. And since the second season finale is airing tonight and I'm in the writing mood, I wanted to give my take. Enjoy the review! Spoilers, of course!
It was most appropriate to review the second season finale as my first episode, given the explosiveness of what happened. And what an episode it was. Everything from a zombie invasion to a few major revelations to some character deaths, the season finale firmly anchors The Walking Dead's place among the best shows today.
The first half of the episode was beyond thrilling, whereby the sound of Carl's gunshot, a zombie hoard invades the farm. It's been a long time coming too, but what an astonishing way to shift locations. Characters running frantically all around the lot, and somehow all major characters make it out alive. It wasn't three episodes in a row with a major character dying: Jimmy was overwhelmed, sacrificing himself to save Rick and Carl in the burning barn, and Patricia, eaten while still holding Beth's hand.
By far the coolest sequence was Rick and Carl inside the farm. Rick telling an apprehensive Carl to climb the ladder and drop the lighter was extremely frightening as Rick swings open the doors to let the walkers through. The ideal shot of the episode was after the barn collapsing as walkers ravage the rest of the farm. It seemed almost metaphorical -- like it was time to move on. Also, Rick speeding off and leaving Andrea was a truly terrifying moment; given the string of recent deaths, I was unsure if Andrea would go.
It turns out everyone is infected! What Jenner whispered to Rick was that everyone is a carrier, and that death turns anyone into a zombie. When Rick unveils this information, the group slowly begins to distrust his supposed leadership. And later, after their vehicles run out of fuel, Rick tells Lori Shane's true fate. She pushes Rick away, foreshadowing the rest of the group's reaction as they camp for the night.
And now for the nod to fans: as Andrea is abandoned and barely making it through the forest, a mysterious figure comes to save her. Wielding a katana fearlessly, this character is a particular favourite from the comics, and one that's been confirmed to appear in season three.
This episode really showed Rick's breaking-down emotionally, culminating in a hateful but realistic speech about the state of the world. Piling on the murder of his best friend and leadership responsibilities, Rick finally snaps, putting his feelings out there. And the group doesn't like what he has to say.
Most notable is the last shot, especially with fans of the comic, who know that place very well.
Overall, I cannot wait until season three. Rick's temper is finally getting the better of him, and it'll be interesting to play witness as to how the group responds. Moreover, the news that everyone is infected will change the dynamic of the characters' relationships, and I'm positive we'll see that evolve over the course of future seasons. Jeff out.
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