The Walking Dead Season 3 Report Card: B+

The prison and Woodbury finally faced off (sort of), more characters died and a new hope began for Rick and company.

Now that we've all had time to mull over The Walking Dead Season 3, let's break it down in our TV Fanatic report card....

Best Episode: "Sick." It may have been at the start of the season, but nothing was really able to top this episode for me with the tension, surprises, and enthralling excitement. I did enjoy "Clear" for the later episodes, but it didn't have the effect this one had. Really the first half of the season was for the most part strong: that dark gritty tone was set, new characters established, working in the surroundings, and sucking us in on the new journey faced.

Worst Episode: "Prey." This was by far the most disappointing of the season, (Although, I'm sure some might think the finale), but this episode was so focused on a character I'd grown to dislike for her poor decisions. Everything felt silly from the dialogue to the actions taken, including an attempt to make the chase scary. Except, it makes it harder to be invested when not only everything feels ridiculous, but the character in jeopardy hasn't really made you care or nervously worry she might get killed off.

Best Character: This was tough because Carl really came into his own and Daryl's a continual badass, but I have to give it to Merle. He's smarmy, a wise-ass, and the character you love to hate. Yet, I was actually upset that Merle was killed this season. He went out valiantly, sending Michonne home, drinking one last drink, and fighting to the death in trying to kill the Governor. A tragic end for a character and one who truly never failed to entertain, even if the characters around him weren't so keen on him.

Worst Character: Andrea hands down. She was written into the ground making her have the worst judgment, actions, and demeanor. At the same time, trying to give her a redemptive death as if to make up for everything that she did just didn't hit home I think the way the writers wanted it to. It became even more difficult to care with her know-it-all attitude and she became more frustrating to watch every time she came on screen. Maybe if her arc hadn't been dragged out towards the bitter end, but I can't say I'm going to miss her character now that it's over. At least she died sticking to her ideals, as ridiculous as they were in the zombie apocalypse.

Best Death: If it were a walker death, my mind keeps running back to one whose head was squished under the car trunk by Daryl. And while I think Lori's was as shocking as it was tragic, waiting for Milton to turn was intense. He tried to face the governor and failed (and he wanted him to succeed), but lying in the corner across from Andrea with ragged breaths that made you think "is he still alive?" was rather nail biting. Poor Milton. Wish you'd been able to make it to the prison.

Best Daryl Dixon Moment: This character exemplifies cool in the face of danger. With a signature crossbow, poncho, and a witty retort for everything, Daryl never fails to please. Yet, seeing him come across his zombiefied brother was a fantastic scene that opened his emotions and heart, his anger and sadness, in a brilliant breakdown. You felt for the guy as he was forced to kill his brother, when all he'd been trying to do this season was bring his brother into the group. I hope Daryl is around for a long time to come because he delivers like a champ.

Hopes for Season 4: With the Governor surviving, if he comes back (and he will), it better be in full force with no more fooling around. No more cat and mouse for the entire season. I think the show, which became more about the destination than the journey towards the back half of the season, needs to regroup and try something new and not make it another fighting the Governor type of season. Get back into the characters, the psychological aspects, dealing with living in the prison, and the inner turmoil emotionally and physically with trying to survive. Plus, it'd be nice to see some new characters that get more than a few lines before being killed.

It'll be interesting to see the direction with a new show runner in Scott M. Gimple, but I'd love to bring back the tension, the danger, and scariness of the walkers. It doesn't have to be all the time as I love the human danger, but they can't always just be a nuisance.

Either way, I'm all geared up and ready for whatever season four has in store. The Walking Dead is just way too addictive.

Overall Grade: This was a toss up between A- and B+ because I felt this was the strongest season so far, but especially with how the back half of the season played out, I have to give it a B+.

Your turn, TV Fanatics! What grade would you give The Walking Dead Season 3?