Did ‘The Walking Dead’ Really Deliver Its Best Episode In Years?

Viewers who watched “Chokepoint,” last week’s episode of The Walking Dead and thought it was the best episode in years were not alone in their beliefs. The episode, which featured a major showdown between Daryl and Beta, has been hailed by critics and fans alike. In fact, according to IMDB, it’s one of the three highest-rated episodes of the show since the seventh season premiere in October 2016, although fans likewise rewarded Rick’s final episode and the midseason finale with high scores. It’s particularly noteworthy given the fact that the last two seasons typically saw scores in the 6-7 range, rarely going above an eight. Likewise, Rotten Tomatoes gave the episode a 94 percent rating. Fans were fully onboard with the episode, directed by Liesl Tommy.

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A number of fans singled out the confrontation between Beta and Daryl, calling it the best fight sequence in the history of The Walking Dead.

Ryan Hurst’s Beta also recalled two iconic horror movie villains in the best way imaginable.

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Not for nothing, but “Chokepoint” is just one of many excellent episodes in the 9th season, which has proven to be a huge rebound season for the series. Indeed, season 9 overall has a 93 percent Rotten Tomatoes, which is not just the series highest rated season ever on Rotten Tomatoes, but it represents a significant jump over season 7 (63 percent) and season 8 (64 percent). The show may not fetch the ratings it once did, but under showrunner Angela Kang, it’s as good as it has ever been, even without Rick and Maggie, thanks in part to new fan favorites like Connie.

There are just three more episodes this season, beginning with this Sunday’s flashback episode, “Scars.” Those who may have bailed on the series during the last few years would be wise to jump back on board and catch up, beginning with the 9th season premiere.