Keep in mind that 90% of this episode stuck directly to the comic's material. Also, it seems like some of y'all don't even bother to notice the mechanics of good story telling. Example: They didn't just put the zombie dog pile on Carl scene to make YOU think Carl was going to die, they did it to plant the seed for CARL to think he was/is/will die without Rick. The reason his stubborn jackass-ness was at an all-time high this episode. It's a character arc. Granted this show has a laundry list of too many non-sensical, dumb scenes/direction/plot points/etc and due to that, I feel people are more or so automatically examining each episode for things to gripe about. This episode IMO was one of the best and most emotionally deep episodes they've produced and I loved every second of it.
I don't think the term "good storytelling" has ever been associated with this show. They ruined the michonne part which was great with an absolutely terrible Carl part which was some of the worst stuff I've ever seen in the show
Yeah, I was really disappointed in the fact they didn't try to follow any part of the comic book series when it came to the Govna. I also knew it was going to be really hard for them to do it since it's on AMC. If they were on HBO, I think they would have done things differently. I really wished they had kept Andrea closely to the comic book as well. Carl isn't nearly as bad in the comic book though.
I meant the schematics of good story telling in general. Which they've had to have some success with, otherwise.. Why are you still watching???? As far as the mechanics of storytelling, the Govna's solo episodes were mighty stellar. Whether you enjoyed them or not for various reasons, the character arc and plot points to send that character on his journey was there. In fact this entire 4th season has shown some of the series' best character developments, period. After two full seasons (with her character), we're FINALLY getting a respectable look into Michonne;s characters past. A look that started well before this last episode. In seasons' past, once you get a bit of depth to a character it usually meant they were fixing to off that character. This season has been a turn for the best.
You probably do have a point, in that they are trying to develop the characters more and take a look into their past. The problem for me is that I am probably too jaded to care. The writers have screwed the series so much that it makes it hard to watch it without being skeptical. The three characters you've mentioned: the Governor, Carl, Michonne, they've all been setup in the past as awful characters that do stupid things for no particular reason. None of them have redeeming qualities that makes me care about their character. Therefore, I found the Governor's backstory episode and this past episode dreadful to sit through.
Carl is awesome in the comic. Michonne, Glenn, Maggie, and herschel might be the only awesome comic characters done well in the show. I need to get the second compendium soon.
You're absolutely right. I'm just saying I believe they've turned that around this series. Where as Carl was always a p.o.s. little brat, they've actually justified and expanded on such this season. Where as the Governor was just a translated evil from the comics, they've actually made him human this season. and Where as Michonne was a non-speaking, sword swinging "badass" with an attitude, they've actually expanded on why she's been cold to begin with this season. But looking back on all of the misfires they've strung together as a whole, it is in no way farfetched to be jaded into assuming the worst out of the series I suppose. I'm just trying to highlight the turn around.
I'm also holding out hope that Carl becomes the evil "Gohan" of the show. Just as it was originally set up for Gohan to become more powerful than his father, Goku, they'd do the same only if Gohan grew into the villain. Imagine if years from now, Carl became Rick's biggest, most unrelenting enemy. That would be some heavy reversal Luke/Vader ****.
It's getting really good. I was able to get it all online from a buddy of mine. Some really good stuff.
I should also point out (if it's any consolation prize) that: All of the series' best episodes (critically/ratings-wise) were written and/or directed by the same guy, Scott Gimple, and he took over as this years "Vince Gilligan" (aka a show runner) of TWD. So that would also be substantial proof of a substantial raise in quality. So your husband takes his life as well as your baby's to avoid living in a post-aocolyptic reality. The two people you love most in the world. That isn't something you could view someone growing callus and cold towards others over? What more do you need? They've laid out the dots this whole season and finally started connecting those dots last episode. I'd assume we'll dive even deeper, but even if they don't - they didn't need to spell it out why Michonne has became the cold monster that we were introduced to. I believe the pretentiousness in the her kitchen table scene was a reflection of living a rich LIFE rather a life of riches. And the spunkiness only helped emphasize her perspective of survival in contrast to a perspective ready to "call it quits".
I think that's what the writers and director are striving for. But if falls flat on its face when nobody cares about the characters. The ball was dropped. Nobody likes or cares about Carl. Or Michonne's psyche. And the viewers that still care about Rick are just clinging to the way his character used to be written, not who he's become. Does the audience feel attached to the baby in any way? Do we care if it's alive or dead? No. I think the last character the majority of viewers cared about was Herschel. Maggie & Glenn too I'd imagine. And Daryl. But the concepts covered in Sunday's episode - weak.
i am really curious how they do the negan character. he is so f***ed up in the comic, they will really have to water him down for AMC. i was thinking jon hamm would be great, but what about rob riggle from the daily show. he is a really big guy. funny, but kind of intimidating at the same time. he is good at playing that guy who can flip on a dime and go unhinged.
I don't read the comics but I have a hard time believing that AMC would water him down. Shows on AMC (Breaking BAd in particular) probably have some of the most ruthless villains in the history of tv
Agree with most of this. Michonne's part was good. There is obviously more to come. Probably very few people care about Carl. He's not as unlikable as before but (as someone already said) Chandler Riggs can't act well enough to carry such a large role in an episode. Hopefully this represented the biggest role he will ever have. Rick has had so many emotional turns I can't take any more. That well is about dry. I'm ready for a little more depth with Maggie, Glen and Daryl. Maybe Tyreese too. I definitely miss Hershel (the character and the actor) but it was time to cut him loose.
One of my favorite characters but wasn't cut out for the zombie apocalypse world. One of the most touching death scenes on TV since Charlie from Lost.
They watered down the Governor a LOT. The comics go well beyond anything they could reasonably do on AMC
I must not have been paying close enough attention to that sequence of Michonne with her baby and those two guys. I didn't pick up on the fact that her lover took his and the baby's life. No wonder she was so damn emotional when she held the baby in the prison cell scene...and had no problem taking her lover as a zombie pet.
