The Walking Dead Review: Talk Talk Bang Bang

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Let's talk about feelings.

For a major portion of "Home," The Walking Dead characters wanted to talk, express emotions or walk around getting a chance to think... and then talk some more. Which, unfortunately, felt like a really long lull before that explosive and surprising ending.

Rick Grimes Photograph

One of the more standout moments during the talking time was definitely between Maggie and Glenn. These two are hitting some major bumps in the road because of everything that happened during their stay at Woodbury, and finally getting a chance to discuss it was as tense and uncomfortable as it was to watch.

Maggie's obviously trying to deal with feeling violated on her own, while Glenn simply wants to take action. It makes sense, too, that he's so blinded by trying to do something for his girlfriend that he ignores everything else.

It's certainly no surprise that she was upset with him either, opening his eyes to the fact that it was her experience and not his. This felt exactly like a real fight and one that I hope they can come back from.

As for Glenn, his attempt at leadership continued while Rick was on his crazy train, but it seemed pretty clear that Glenn will never take Rick's place. Even Hershel acknowledged it, and I'm sure if you took a poll, most of the characters would agree.

I like the fact that Glenn has really stepped up, but I do wish that we could actually see people get behind him as a possible leader. Maybe if he toned his crazy rage down, it could happen, but otherwise, he's playing imaginary leader.

Daryl and Merle's trek through the trees also featured exceptional moments, and frankly, anytime these two actors get together, you get TV gold.

Daryl is a good brother in picking to go with Merle, but his time apart has changed him from the complete and utter follower that he used to be. Having Daryl stand up for himself was a great step for his character, especially in the face of the sibling who has been that dominant one of the pair.

Even saving the family showed how much Daryl has become that good person. And just how much of a bad ass he is when taking down a ton of walkers. The guy looks so cool in the face of danger firing off arrows, knifing walkers or slamming van doors on walker heads.

But I'm glad that Daryl chose to go back. At the same time, I'm happy that Merle knew his chances with Rick's group were not good. Behind all that sarcasm and banter, there is a person with a sense of fear and acknowledgement for the way he acts. Perhaps, remorse and a chance to change too? Merle really is that guy you love to hate.

Of course there was some other stuff with Hershel trying to be the wise old Jedi telling everyone what they should do, despite nobody really listening. And then there was Andrea trying to be some type of leader in Woodbury, even though the Governor has other agendas.

And for the most part, I was prepared to end the episode with a few more convos, such as a final sentiment about becoming a leader or fighting the Governor or letting Tyreese join (where the heck did he go?).

Except what we got was a fantastic wake up to a rather quiet episode.

I couldn't believe Axel got a bullet to the head. Although, maybe I should have seen it coming as he was opening up and getting some more lines.

While I do give props to the shocking start of the attack, I'm bummed out that once again another character that could have grown on this show was quickly wiped out.

It feels like we could have explored more of the prisoners' psyche or seen their chance to change from the so-called bad guys they were locked up for... but, nope, all the prisoners are dead without having had anything to really do but stand around in the background. Kind of a wasted chance.

Yet, Axel aside, the attack sequence itself was stirring and action-packed. Planting that truck inside and unleashing the walkers was a brilliant move on the Governor's part. And who was behind that masked driver? Did they get away?

Sure, no one could seem to manage hit anyone with the barrage of bullets except for the random guy in the tower (how did he get there?), but it was a fun and cinematic battle. Michonne got to show off her cool sword skills, Rick was pistol whipping walkers, Merle was saving the day and Daryl was being his awesome self.

The prison group really needs to prepare themselves for round two because, even with one eye, the Governor is a good shot and a really bad dude.

Plus, I wonder how with the walkers caught in between the group members, how Rick will not only manage to get back, but take up his leadership again. That final look was definitely one of  action and revenge. You don't mess with a guy trying to follow around visions of his dead wife.

Overall, really, save for the last battle, most of the episode wasn't all that exciting. I do get that the show isn't all fighting and bloody deaths (and I never want it to be just that), but sometimes it feels like when the show slows down, it slows down.

For the most part, The Walking Dead Season 3 has done a good job of finding a balance between character drama and action, and with the Governor starting his war with the prison, things should hopefully play out positively.

I'm already prepared for what should be a great Rick vs. Governor showdown.

Home Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.4 / 5.0 (111 Votes)

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

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The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 10 Quotes

I may have lost my hand, but you lost your sense of direction.

Merle

Running is not an option.

Glenn