I have had my reservations about The Walking Dead. The first season had the show struggling to find an identity outside of the comic, and it ended on a reveal that is not a shocker to anybody who watches zombie movies. The second season was a frustrating mix of endlessly meandering dialogue scenes and scenes genuinely worth watching.
So I tuned into the third season bracing myself for either more of the same or something substantially worse. Instead I got a show that remembers that characters are more interesting when, oh yeah, they actually do things. This will be spoiler free, as much as possible.
#5) The Final Minutes
For those who have TiVoed the episode, let’s just say I wouldn’t plan on skipping the last five minutes.
#4) Rick Is No Longer Stupid
One of the consistent problems in season two is that Shane, while an incredible jerkass, was also usually right, and Rick, who was a really nice guy, was usually completely wrong. The point was deliberate but it was done clumsily and it didn’t always work. Rick seems, so far, to have learned his lesson even if he is a little gung-ho.
#3) Michonne Is Better Than I Thought
As I mentioned before, I have little patience for any story that introduces a hot chick with a katana, and I found it to really clash with the universe built by the comic. Here, they handle Michonne much better. I have some pretty serious reservations about introducing the character still, but I was worried we were going to see Miho from Sin City or something.
#2) Carol’s Apology
Just give Melissa McBride the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Actress now. Seriously. There’s literally no reason not to.
#1) It Doesn’t Spill All The Goodies
Season three is going to be fairly busy, as it stuffs in a major arc from the comics. But they thankfully don’t rush it.
Let’s talk the show in the comments, but keep it spoiler-free, guys.