None at all. They never had met before all of this. Sophia's father was the abusive son of a bitch who died in the tent in the first season.

Darryl just really wanted the girl to be alive is all.

I think things just got very confusing down there. People got scattered, it was dark, they were extremely tired, and they were biting off a lot more than they could chew.

By the looks and sounds of things they have just been nibbling around the edges all winter and for the last few months and then tried to get and eat the whole enchillada at once there with the prison.

I'm fine with Carl doing a bit of growing up. He feels responsible for Dale's death and it has been 7-8 months for him to come into his own.

That's a great point to point out that they had never met. I'm well aware of when the husband died (same time whatsherface's sister was bit). But they never did say much of the relationship at the time of everyone. It's very possible that some of them knew each other. Especially with his explosion. Hellsbells these people are so redneck they not only could have interbred but they're probably all related ;)

I loved Herschel with the cockblock on Carl.

I'm ok with it happening, I'm not ok with one of the most important shifts in any character over the course of the series not even happening in a time lapse, but just being implied between seasons.

Agreed.


Also, SWAT TEAM ZOMBIES. Dude I was watching the episode with said that it was like they just moved on to the next difficulty in a video game... Zombie Armor +10. Perfect.

So anyway, I take it the season 3 premiere did not disappoint? Is it playing anywhere online?

They actually first figured it out in the prison with Allen (the twins' dad). He ended up surviving for awhile, but eventually passed away. Later on, they tried again with the survivor you mention, which ends up working for quite awhile until the scenario you mentioned..

I thought it was fantastic, as far as red meat goes. The Michonne/Andrea stuff was a little weak, but the prison stuff was great.

Seems as if they may be merging some of the characters (re: Herschel & his daughter) that they killed off earlier in the graphic novels, which I am fine with.

I did a pause and replayed the last scene several times. Looked like there were five prisoners still alive (vs 4 in the GN). Wondering if they merged another GN fan favorite into a fifth prisoner. Also, I assume that was Axel that spoke in the last scene -- I expect he'll become another fan favorite. :)

Did not disappoint. If you catch up by next week, they usually replay the previous week's episode before the new one.

AHHHHHHHH! WTF Dale died because of Carl's dumb ass! Stupid fucking kid!

I think the reason they didn't use their guns was because of the close corridors of the walls and the chance for ricochet bullets. But all of them are phenomenal shots now, so maybe not.

My question is why would Hershel go anyway? Why not he same five that cleared the courtyard?

Still don't know why they don't literally have hundreds of spears ready to go. Obviously nobody watched 300.

There was a reference earlier about ammo being very low.

Man, the fighting here between DISH and AMC is getting nasty. Just saw an AMC commercial that said "Don't switch to DISH"

i only have online TV and netflix stream

they are available to buy from Itunes, etc for a couple bucks each

The Walking Dead - Google Play

I'd think they will be 1.99 when they become available(tomorrow maybe?)

Not to mention, it's just plain stupid to take your only trained doctor on a recon mission. I can only guess that they took him because they were looking for the infirmary. But still, you need to keep your doctor safe.

I'm still holding out hope that they turn over a large part of this cast soon. It's certainly a possibility from what I've read about the comics....let's make it so.

:lol:

I'm good with that. Pick up in a different country. Maybe a different continent :)

We went over to a friend's house to watch the premiere and the moment Hershel was suiting up to head out with the group, one of the people there said the exact same thing.

I'll say Episode 1 was encouraging - much better than most of last season. Yeah, there were some questionable decisions and dumb moments - for example, why not just poke ALL the zombies through the fence rather than actually going in there? Yeah, it'd take more time, but there's zero risk to everyone. But overall, it was well done and entertaining. Lori wasn't as insufferable as she normally is either.

I also really enjoyed the zombies in the riot gear. As someone who has played hundreds of hours of "Left For Dead 2", I feel their pain.

It also makes for terribly boring television.

Largely obvious, but I think a big part of the storyline (and really most zombie fiction story lines) is getting (or not getting) too comfortable with the walkers. The stuff that seems like stupid or questionable decisions is largely because their experiences generally don't lead to anything too dramatic, especially when there are only one or a handful around.

Yeah. And you can imagine they "honed their craft" during the many hours since we last saw them and got comfortable doing it. It is only when something dramatic happens that it is worthy of being televised.

Good point, but it's SO obvious that it kinda kills the suspension of disbelief. Especially since they were running so low on ammo. It ultimately didn't kill the episode for me, but there was perhaps a better way to do that (especially since we had great hand-to-hand zombie action later in the courtyard and in the prison itself).

I think one thing the premiere did a good job with was showing just how much worse things have gotten over the past few months. Given how the virus works - anyone who dies becomes a zombie - there are just going to be more and more and more of them as time passes. It did feel like there were more of them and a constant threat. It will be interesting to see if that continues throughout the third season.

As was mentioned earlier, this season is setting up the traditional zombie theme going back to "Night of The Living Dead" - its the people who survive who are the real threat - so it will be interesting to see what "role", if you will, zombies will play throughout.

They definitely setup this theme in the "Cold Storage" webisode. That was some bleak shit there.

First of all, awesome to see so much conversation after the episode.

Can someone remind me why they needed to push ahead into the tunnels after clearing the courtyard and then getting the cells? I understand that they want to claim more territory, find resources, etc but I'm not sure why it was remotely a good idea to go into the dark tunnels with 1,001 points of entry/exit in the manner that they did. It would seem to make more sense to continue clearing areas where they could have some recon - like the gate where the armored zombies came from, for example.

Might as well clear out as many walkers as possible in terrain you've scouted - and with good lighting - before you take that plunge into the extra hard part of the prison. Chances seem decent that you would unearth many of the zombies (since they seem to flow like water to the nearest opening, in a manner of speaking) on the terrain of your choosing, and that there would be fewer left in the dark/inside when you finally needed to make that move.

Just finished Compendium One GN book. Holy smokes- if this season is anything like the last few chapters of this book we're in for one hell of a ride. I have Compendium Two on order from Amazon and it can't get here soon enough!

I think your plan is more logical, but they were looking for either the warden's office (to find a map or more logistics about the prison) or the infirmary and/or food storage. Lori being due any day and the scene showing them scrounging for food lend some credence to the premise, even though it seemed way to risky to us.

I thought they found a little bit of ammunition in the prison block, but I could be wrong.

I am guessing the rush was because of Lori's status. So once again, even though Lori did not open her mouth much, she is still being needy and annoying. I also think they were trying to isolate themselves from the rest of the walkers and just leave them on the other side of the gate.

Obviously, Hershel made a lot of mistakes in that sequence that I am guessing will ultimately lead to his death. But I guess he panicked since Maggie and Glenn got cut-off. It will be interested to see if Hershel's other daughter (do we even know her name?) plays a bigger role this season.

They found some ammo in weapons they got from the armored walkers.

Mainly the reason they are pushing in to those areas are because they want, to get to the infirmary, the armory, and the cafeteria. I would assume the armory would be their priority so they can stock up on ammo, guns, etc. Considering they have been running for 8 or so months, they probably aren't used to sitting around and they aren't going to feel very comfortable till all the zombies are cleared.

And her name is Beth. Something tells me her and Carl will be playing doctor soon...

Shouldn't there have been a huge increase in the carrion bird and rat populations?

1) Perhaps there has been; or

2) Perhaps ther is less of one than you think because either: (a) the zombies would eat the rats or carrion birds or (b) for whatever reason the "virus" that makes the dead come alive makes their flesh inedible to rats and carrion birds.

I haven't read the thread..but I had so many other shows to catch up on, I finally started watching this. I will finish Season 1 tonight, Season 2 this week and hope to catch up as well.

That prison would likely be on a USGS survey map like the one they were using to plot the walkers. Although it probably depends on what the scale of their map was.

All in all, I thought their team looked a lot more experienced in how they were working together against the walkers ... right up until they decided to go into the dark interior of the prison and depend on "spray paint on walls" as their route to run back in case of trouble.

Speaking of which ... the relationship that appears to be blooming between the characters -- approximately aged 16/17 & 13 -- wouldn't seem nearly as creepy if the people playing the roles weren't approx 28 and 13.

(Emily Kinney's birthdate isn't on her imdb but Wiki notes that she graduated from college in 2006, so unless she was an early entry prodigy or something then 22+6 = approx 28)

I doubt that they'll have Carl and Beth have any kind of actual relationship. They made it clear he has a bit of a crush on her, which is normal I suppose, but I don't see them taking it too much further than that.

If there isn't a walker with a chainsaw and a bag on his head, I will be sorely disappointed.

Maybe not ... but she clearly seemed open to the prospect, and not just in the "isn't that cute" sort of way.

edit to add: Under the circumstances they're in, 16/17 and 12/13 might not be all that creepy or even odd. I mean, not like she's running into a whole lot of prospects lately. I think the age of the actress has to kill that possibility for the writers though.

Daryl rejecting the suggestion that he lay the pipe was pretty funny.

Well, now I feel much better for being somewhat attracted to her.

I thought they made it pretty clear that they are in a (at least a sexual) relationship. The scene where he said, "I'll go down first..." and her reaction was pretty solid TV writing. :)

Speaking of good lines, I really liked Herschel's comment to ZombMomToBe about how "we've all been dealing with it all winter", or something to that effect. Thought it was a great way to highlight the group's annoyance with that particular personal drama.

LOL

I was also wondering why they haven't figured out to make spears yet. Seems like it would be a perfect way to advance down a dark hall way, stabbing anything that got within 6 feet of them.

Yeah, they have supposedly been living off what they find in houses but somehow haven't realized the value of ordinary garden tools. Rakes, hoes, shovels etc. Zombieland this ain't.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::D:jester:

Problem there is likely disengagement.

Nothing says "oh shit, I'm zombie food" quite like having a long stick get stuck in a walker. While you're trying to wrench it loose from his eye socket, his buddies turn you into a full meal deal.

Glen was sporting a hoe.

When the group went into the yard to clear it out "hand-to-hand" they seemed to do so pretty efficiently with what they had.

Glen seemed to have some sort of spear-type thing. I am not sure where you'd really be able to find spears. Making wooden spears doesn't sound like that great a plan. I'd question the durability and their ability to keep a point.

That's not really fair is it? I mean, I think Maggie really cares about him.

Not really much breaking news or dazzling insight in this article from the AJC but I thought it was kind of interesting/fun that IronE Singleton (T-Dog) held a viewing party at his house in the Atlanta exurbs last night. Merle was there, as was Jesse James Dupree (from Jackyl) and CNN's Holly Firfer. Pics & stuff at
‘The Walking Dead’ recap, season 3, episode 1 | Radio & TV Talk

No really he had a hoe, it had a round head.

Here is a full basically scene by scene recap for those that want something to read.

Walking Dead TV Show - Seed - Walking Dead Recaps, Walking Dead Reviews, Walking Dead Episodes | TWoP

After the cannibals that are in the game I am really not looking forward to seeing them in the show too. :eek:

I stopped watching early in Season 2 after the Z's suddenly and unexpectedly started sprinting short distances.

Is this still happening with any regularity?

It's so funny that with every episode, everyone moves more and more toward talking like Boomhauer :)

Hrmm... Nope. Though I cant' say I really recall that ever happening, so ymmv.

Woooo Shane died! It is about time. So with Dale AND Shane gone, we no longer have to keep hearing Shane's mumbled angst and Dale's google-eyed rebuttals.

No wonder the show is now better. Altho Rick and Laurie still probably need to go away :)

That last shot was kinda sweet. With Carl's gunshot attracting ALL the walkers, seeing them in the distance walking toward them very nice. This show needs more cinematography like that and like the first season to get back to greatness.

So interesting. Merely dying turns you into a zombie, presumably because of the "virus" that only affects dead people.

I'm very old school in my Z movements. If they aren't shuffling around, uncoordinated and easy as hell to just "walk briskly" past them, then I can't enjoy the scene. Season 1 was true to this, but not so much in Season 2. As far as Z's go, they must be moving at a pace so that at no point both feet are off of the ground.

okay I couldn't wait and watched the last episode too. Ha! NOw THAT'S what I'm talking 'bout! There's the stuff!
Good episode except this show has done more to resurrect the concept of "The Red Shirt" than any show I"ve ever seen.

I KNEW Herschel's wife was gonna bite it (or I guess the other way around) because she's been comatose for 3 episodes so that they didn't have to pay her. And Jimmy only got enough lines to earn his SAG card and sustain his membership. :) But man Jimmy's death was just sad.
" Okay so I park here and I slowly get up and just wait for zombie's to rush in, right? That doesn't make sense. That doesn't fit my character" "Jimmy, we're losing light, just get up and die."

And that "person" that saved Andrea...ha! I died laughing at that. Looked like a zombie paladin! :)

HA! This made me chuckle!

She doesn't care how you die, only that you die.

(I can't recall another character whose arrival was more eagerly anticipated. By most accounts she's a major league badass.)

I'm assuming you mean she's from the comic book? If so no need to tell anything else. Don't want to spoil it.

I figured that was safe enough to be non-spoiler. Just didn't want you to get on her bad side or anything :)

I'll try not to! Wouldn't want her burlap cape fashion sense to be catching or anything either.

I was going to quote Max Brooks' Zombie Survival Guide, but you pretty much just did. A weapon is only useful if it can be reused easily. Having an unwieldy two-handed weapon get stuck in a zombie can lead to a quick death.

If you're on your own sure, but two lines of people with spears and riot shields up front would be able to manage.

plus you have your backup machete. a spear and shield is the best combo againt dumb slow zombies. or at the least a sheild 1h wep

Did anyone else laugh at Lori's big speech about not hesitating to put her down if she starts to turn and becomes a danger to herself or the baby? At this point in their lives, does that really need to be said? Are they just going to try to talk her out of eating her own baby?

I'm not sure a shield is worth much. You can hold off one zombie, but eventually, a zombie is just going to grab the shield. Even if you can hold one off for some length of time, you will eventually get overwhelmed by the press of multiple zombies. The only real defense is getting out of reach, and anything that makes you think you are safe while within reach is a bad idea.

The body armor they were using seemed a bit odd to me, it's better than nothing but fighting walkers isn't like standard combat where you want to protect your chest and head. It doesn't matter where you take an injury when infection means that a wound on any part of the body is deadly, it seems like it'd be better to protect the extremities with arms and hands being closest to the walkers.

Shield wouldn't be for much more than pushing back anything that did happen to get through so someone behind you can stab it. The purpose of two rows of spears is to keep anything from getting within reach of you. The goal would be not to let anything get close enough to have to use the shield, though if something does get that close having it is better than nothing.

Never saw a walker sprint. It is a known fact in the universe of the tv show that fresher walkers are faster than older ones....

AMC, including TWD, back on Dish Network now.

Dish agreed to a $700 million dollar payment to AMC & Cablevision Systems to settle the lawsuit related to Voom Holdings.

AMC Networks: Press Releases

I guess I go first tonight.

Great twists & turns tonight on TWD.

Loved the first contact with survivors unaware, time constraints made them rush that more than I would have liked but still enjoyed it. Could have totally watched a lot more of that interaction. Significant divergence from the source material (as I understand it) but it works within the context of the TV universe IMO.

Huge mindset reveal in the final scene, Rick needed very few words to speak massive volumes.

Strong episode that really delivered afaic.

One nitpick, as I consider the episode further though. Badass Carl ... but off camera? A nod to possible real life negative reaction to Carl being a methodical killer? Too unbelievable on film because of his size? I mean, theoretically he would have melee'd those two walkers, right? But no blood on Carl that I saw. Presumably gunshots would have caused some sort of "OMG, where's Carl" hysteria for the world's worst mother. What really happened there? Could he have been bullshitting about encountering any walkers, trying to impress the blonde maybe?

Agree on all counts w/ Jon. They did more, and better, character development in this episode than they did in hours of strained dialogue at the farm. This is Walking Dead at its best, and not just because it was an action packed episode. Loved the final scene w/ Rick and Lori, loved everything with the prisoners, too bad some of that couldn't have lasted longer but it was done really well. There's still a couple left so I know that isn't necessarily completely done, but the giant dude and the leader seemed to be the ones with the most potential to be interesting at first glance. I did *really* enjoy the final scene w/ the leader of the prison group. The only death/kill I clearly enjoyed more was Shane's.

As for Carl, I've given up on trying to figure out what they fuck they're doing with him. He gets a lot more screen time than T-Dog but I feel no more invested in what's going with Carl than I am with T-Dog despite the apparent efforts of the show to make me care about him. I feel like he's just an annoyance and a plot device to create conflict for Lori and sometimes Rick. His off screen growth has made him less annoying, but no less hollow to me. They could change that, and I'd love it if they do, but that's where I stand on him right now.

I can't help but wonder if Chandler Riggs age (13) has an impact on what they choose to do with him and show with him, as far as showing him aggressively killing walkers the same way they do with the adults, and bloodying him up a ton. Just a random thought /shrug.

Was that a merle sighting in the trailer for next week?

Yup!

The axe kill on the one prisoner was pretty f'n cool.

I agree, a very solid episode. It's really looking like they may not be pulling any punches this year. Some brutal stuff.

I am not sure what they are going to do with Carl either, but it's only been two episodes so far, so there's time. As for him killing two walkers, he did have a pistol with a silencer on it, so he could have used that, no blood or sound.

I guess I owe my own sharp-eyed child an apology. He said there was a silencer, I totally missed it & basically told him he was dreaming.

Heh! Rick and Carl had either homemade or actual silencers in that first scene in the first episode while they were clearing out that house. Not sure if we've seen them since.

Good episode -- I think it is good that they had Herschel wake up. I had a fear that they were going to go 5-6 episodes with him out of commission, with tons of scenes/time of folks sitting bedside with him and the continual possibility that he would wake up and turn.

I like what they did with the prisoners. This shouldn't be much of a spoiler for the folks who haven't read the GNs, but having the character "Tomas" was a nice mindfuck for those who have. :)

I'm actually not looking forward to next week's Andrea/Michonne-centered episode. I wish they'd spend a lot more time at the prison, as there was a lot of good stuff that can happen there and I'd rather see them kill some time there (building up a sense of community and security/stability).

It kind of felt like a Dungeons & Dragons episode last night. Creeping through a labyrinth with weapons drawn, in formation, testing locked doors, always looking out for bands of wandering monsters ...

I don't know why I am so excited to see Merle again, but I am...

The lighting seemed a whole lot better as they explored the prison last night :)

I can't wait for the Woodbury stuff. I am really curious just how they play it and how crazy they take things. There is a ton of odd stuff in the comic and so far the show hasn't shied away from much, so it could be very interesting.

Ditto.

I know I saw Carl had a pistol with a silencer in the first episode when they were running around killing walkers in the prison yard. Still seems a bit of a lame idea, but Carl's whole character is pretty lame at this point - they seem to have have figured, well we're tired of having him be a kid, so let's grow him up as fast as we can.

HA! Awesome reference! Yes when you have achieved D&D quality you have made it big! I think that's why I liked the first season so much. At its best it made me feel like I was playing an old SIlent Hill game. :)



He said at one of the cons (comicon?) that he was returning for season 3. HE's been in like what? 1 ep of season 2 and even then he wasn't really there. I am very surprised it took the writers THIS long to get back around to him. And why the hell did they leave that one guiy and his son from season 1 dangling? Maybe it was the unknown factor but they didn't even mention it once they hit the farm.



Man, I can't wait to see these eps! Need to find a rerun and a friend with cable badly!

Lot else on his mind I suppose, with the whole his son getting shot thing :) I had hoped they would re-surface at some point, but it's unlikely now (and this is me not having read the comics).