The Walking Dead Review: Wreck-It Rick

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If it wasn't obvious before, it's obvious now: Woodbury is no Mayberry - and the Governor is certainly no Andy Griffith.

Severed heads in fish tanks, the Governor keeping his walker daughter around for family time and one-on-one fights surrounded by clawing walkers for the town's entertainment? I think I'd take one last shower, nab some clean clothes... and get out of the creepy community.

Time in Woodbury

Except as viewers, we have the ultimate understanding of the deep-seated secrets hidden with the leader and his home that Michonne and Andrea aren't really privy to yet. Sure, Michonne has her suspicions and she's seen the caged walkers, but she never really had any proof that her gut was telling the truth. As for Andrea, she seems too smitten with the Governor's smile and charming personality to even consider the dangers. But maybe experiencing the walker fights might snap some sense into her.

I wonder what Andrea's reaction will be when she finds out those darker surprises.

Certainly, I'm loving Woodbury and the Governor. There's so much to explore and learn, and each episode draws out more and more. On the surface, there is that happy town with cold drinks and friendly neighbors, which is a great contrast to the prison and it's dirty grimy drama.

And in turn, that's what makes the prison just as entertaining. It's stripped down to the bare essentials. There aren't secrets and everyone pretty much wears their emotions on their very bloody sleeves. Both locations are equally scary but for very different reasons.

But if Woodbury didn't have as fascinating characters as the Governor or Merle, I wonder if I'd still be interested in seeing what's going on because Michonne and Andrea aren't doing it for me.

I know Michonne's supposed to be a bad ass and it was great seeing her pull her weapon on all those caged walkers, but why would she open it just to slaughter them? Was that necessary, other than to show her skills? I just don't understand her motivations for her actions.

Andrea might have an understanding because she's been with the warrior for eight months, but we've only seen her for about four episodes. Maybe if we knew more about her past, it would all make more sense.

It's the same way I couldn't understand why she wouldn't just leave Woodbury. And then when Michonne was able to, she was mad that they were letting her. I know she wanted to save Andrea, and that's why she was sticking around, but I'm glad she finally did what she'd been wanting to do since they got there.

As for Andrea, she seemed too accepting of the place and I couldn't help but get a vibe that she's ready to hop in bed with the Governor. She just met him and she's already batting goo goo eyes and holding hands. C'mon, Andrea!

At least she's not creepily brushing a walker kid's hair with love. That's just freaky. As is the odd form of entertainment that everyone seems to be enjoying. What happens when those walkers do happen to still have their teeth one time?

Of course, "Say the Word" didn't just revolve around Woodbury, as the prison was sent reeling from last episode's shocking deaths.

Frankly, everyone took the loss of their friends pretty well, but Rick? Rick was a feral animal with a mission to take out his grief on every walker in the prison. And whatever you do, don't get in his way.

When Glenn tried to calm him down and take him back to the group, Rick growled with a possessed look that I'm shocked Glenn didn't get taken out. And Glenn's fought a lot of scary walkers, but he looked even more frightened with Rick inches away from his face. A great tense moment between both of them.

Really, Andrew Lincoln is providing one of the best performances of the season. Not only did he go from determined and focused leader to a heartbroken husband and father, but his turn into the dazed and angry mourner was another great one for his character.

Each stab and slash combined with plenty of graphic detail had him heading straight into the dark side. I feel for him and as much as I want him to, I'm just not sure if he will ever come back from it. And who the heck is calling him?!?

Daryl with a Crossbow

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Daryl on daddy duty. Every scene with him is always true entertainment, so sometimes I gloss over his moments, yet it was enjoyable to see Daryl step up in Rick's absence. He and Maggie got the baby supplies, and now he's taking care of "Little Ass Kicker." What a classic name.

Daryl just delivers cool with each smart alec line, tender moment or straight shooting.

I do have to admit that when Carl was running through the list of names, there were a few I didn't recognize. At least "Little Ass Kicker" works.

Once again, The Walking Dead provided another gripping episode full of action, drama and surprises. I still want to know more about Michonne to better understand her, but overall this season continues to drive through with engaging force, much like Rick plowing his way through stumbling zombies.

Say the Word Review

Editor Rating: 4.4 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (132 Votes)

Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.

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