As we continue to watch this show, we begin to see how far this show has come. The short first season left us wanting more zombie killing and hard decisions to be made by both Rick and Shane. The first half of Season 2 brought us that and more if I thought the whole Sophia thing was stretched a little too much. Now the second half of Season 2 is coming and going and we have seen so much more than ever before. Since creator Frank Darabont was let go from the project, he was not apart of the writing for the second half of Season 2. But this final half of the season has been fast paced through each episode's 40+ minutes. And "18 Miles Out" is no exception to the rule. Not only is it outstanding, it is probably one of the best episodes in the series.
Not five minutes in, Rick confronts Shane about him and Lori having a relationship when he was declared dead. He put fear into Shane's eyes, something that he wasn't expecting from Rick. Not only did Shane admit to that but also admitted that he killed Otis when Rick brought the situation at the school up. The scene was full of hatred and fear and it was the beginning moments of the episode.
The real story behind this episode was bringing Randall, fully healed from his leg injury, 18 miles outside the farm and drop him off. But before they could leave, Randall pleads Rick and Shane not to leave him behind because he knows Maggie. Shane, thinking logically, tells Rick that he probably knows where the farm is and will get his group and ambush them. Shane pulls out a gun and barely misses Randall because Rick stops him. This begins a fight between the two leaders that ends with dozens of walkers attacking them.
In last week's episode "Triggerfinger", the farm scenes sort of brought the episode down. This was not the case in "18 Miles Out". Beth, now awake from her shock, is thinking about committing suicide which brings out an argument between Maggie and Beth as well as Lori and Andrea. We are beginning to see a conflict between Andrea (who is on the side of Shane) and Lori (who is on the side of Rick). Viewers have been talking about Team Shane and Team Rick and this episode finally shows how the group is separated into these two teams - except for Deryl who seems to be on no one's side.
I had one problem with the episode unfortunately. Towards the end of the shootout with the walkers, Rick and Randall begin to run away from the area leaving Shane to die. But in the end, Randall and Rick come to the rescue in a car and save Shane. Now if I was Rick and Shane nearly tried to kill me, I wouldn't have rescued him. But I understand that Rick, while beginning to change into a darker character, still has the feelings of understanding and forgiveness. Honestly, I thought this scene was a tease. Rick and Shane will face each other by the end of this season and it won't end with walkers interrupting the fight. I predict that one of these character's will die or leave the group . . . but only time will tell.
"18 Miles Out" is a masterpiece. This episode shows that Rick and Shane can no longer be apart of the same group. With Shane trying to do ruthless, but some would say right, moves to keep the group (but mainly Lori) safe and Rick trying to restrain Shane from making these moves, it is clear that the these two characters can't live or work together. While the shootout between Rick, Shane, and the walkers was the highlight of the episode, the side story with Beth and her suicidal ideas were very strong. With only three episodes left, it is clear that we are in for a wild ride. Last week I couldn't wait for the next episode; today, I'm dying to see what's next in what has become a great second season.
Not five minutes in, Rick confronts Shane about him and Lori having a relationship when he was declared dead. He put fear into Shane's eyes, something that he wasn't expecting from Rick. Not only did Shane admit to that but also admitted that he killed Otis when Rick brought the situation at the school up. The scene was full of hatred and fear and it was the beginning moments of the episode.
The real story behind this episode was bringing Randall, fully healed from his leg injury, 18 miles outside the farm and drop him off. But before they could leave, Randall pleads Rick and Shane not to leave him behind because he knows Maggie. Shane, thinking logically, tells Rick that he probably knows where the farm is and will get his group and ambush them. Shane pulls out a gun and barely misses Randall because Rick stops him. This begins a fight between the two leaders that ends with dozens of walkers attacking them.
In last week's episode "Triggerfinger", the farm scenes sort of brought the episode down. This was not the case in "18 Miles Out". Beth, now awake from her shock, is thinking about committing suicide which brings out an argument between Maggie and Beth as well as Lori and Andrea. We are beginning to see a conflict between Andrea (who is on the side of Shane) and Lori (who is on the side of Rick). Viewers have been talking about Team Shane and Team Rick and this episode finally shows how the group is separated into these two teams - except for Deryl who seems to be on no one's side.
I had one problem with the episode unfortunately. Towards the end of the shootout with the walkers, Rick and Randall begin to run away from the area leaving Shane to die. But in the end, Randall and Rick come to the rescue in a car and save Shane. Now if I was Rick and Shane nearly tried to kill me, I wouldn't have rescued him. But I understand that Rick, while beginning to change into a darker character, still has the feelings of understanding and forgiveness. Honestly, I thought this scene was a tease. Rick and Shane will face each other by the end of this season and it won't end with walkers interrupting the fight. I predict that one of these character's will die or leave the group . . . but only time will tell.
"18 Miles Out" is a masterpiece. This episode shows that Rick and Shane can no longer be apart of the same group. With Shane trying to do ruthless, but some would say right, moves to keep the group (but mainly Lori) safe and Rick trying to restrain Shane from making these moves, it is clear that the these two characters can't live or work together. While the shootout between Rick, Shane, and the walkers was the highlight of the episode, the side story with Beth and her suicidal ideas were very strong. With only three episodes left, it is clear that we are in for a wild ride. Last week I couldn't wait for the next episode; today, I'm dying to see what's next in what has become a great second season.