The Walking Dead (TV Series) Say the Word (2012) User Reviews

Not My Favourite Episode

[slightlymad22 · 7/10 · 30 October 2014]

Plot In A Paragraph: At the prison, Rick struggles to cope in his grief and heads off on his own inside the prison. Daryl and Maggie go off to find formula for the newborn baby. In Woodbury, the residents celebrate their survival with a town picnic. A suspicious Michonne tries to convince Andrea that they are really prisoners.

Rick (Andrew Lincoln) doesn't say a lot, but his actions speak louder than words and his is unstable to say the least. Determined not to lose another member of the team Daryl (Norman Reedus) is continuing to step up, and he is fast becoming my favourite character. He pays a touching (wordless) visit to Carols grave.

Michonne (Danai Gurira) continues to impress while Andrea (Laurie Holden) continues to be the most naive person on the show. Michael Rooker as Merle continues to be a lot of fun (even if his character is not entirely likable) One of the Governor's secrets is revealed too.

Interesting Episode!

[g-bodyl · 9/10 · 22 September 2014]

This is the fifth episode of the third season of the Walking Dead and though while nothing much happens, it's still a rather good episode with some interesting story lines. This is a particularly good episode when it comes to everyone dealing with the aftermath of the previous episode. There is some action, but I feel like there are some intriguing story lines developing.

In this episode, "Say the Word," Rick gets bogged down in his grief so he heads inside the prison taking his anger out on the walkers. Maggie and Daryl head out to find supplies for the baby, or else she will perish. Finally, Andrea and Michonne part ways after Michonne had enough of the place and Andrea witnesses a new sport that may not be to her liking.

Overall, this is a good transitioning episode as we see one event which will ultimately lead up to another. There is less action here, but the stakes are still high. We can feel the emotions of the characters, especially with Rick. This episode also has a very effective cliffhanger. I rate this episode 9/10.

Hello!

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 13 November 2012]

There is a big party in Woodbury and the Governor combs the hair of his daughter Penny that is a walker in his house. When he leaves the place, Michonne breaks in the house to retrieve her sword and then she kills seven imprisoned walkers. Merle brings her to the Governor and she threatens him with her blade pointed to his throat. Michonne leaves Woodbury but Andrea prefers to stay.

Meanwhile in prison, Rick is absolutely disturbed and takes an ax to kill walkers inside the cell block. Daryl and Maggie seek powdered milk for the starved baby, otherwise she will die. The exhausted Rick rests and is awakened by a long time forgotten sound.

"Say the Word" is an episode where very few things happen. Michonne has never trusted on the Governor and leaves Woodbury. Andrea decides to stay and is disappointed during the night with the barbarian "gladiator game" that she watches. I bet she will certainly miss Michonne. Daryl is one of my favorite characters and it is impressive how supportive his character is. Rick is insane through the prison corridors, attacking even Glenn that has followed him to help. But the best and most intriguing scene is the last one. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Say the Word"

Note: On 11 April 2016, I saw this show again.

The parting of the ways

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 19 June 2018]

Had heard nothing but great things about 'The Walking Dead' from friends and IMDb reviewers. It took a while to get round to watching, both from being busy and also not being sure whether it would be my cup of tea. Finally getting round to it a few years ago and slowly working my way through it, having had a very long to watch and review list, 'The Walking Dead' turned out to be very much my cup of tea and as good as the hype made it out to be, have found it extremely addictive.

"Say the Word" is another terrific episode to Season 3, after a hugely promising start to the season. Not as good as the brilliant first two episodes or the equally brilliant previous episode, but there is a lot to love. It is yet again a strong reminder of how Seasons 1-5 of 'The Walking Dead' to me were absolutely brilliant and seeing the show in its full glory days (Season 6 was uneven, Season 7 was a huge disappointment and am still debating whether to watch Season 8). It is as emotional, complex and as tense as one would expect, at the same time it has adrenaline and guts.

It still shocks me at how an intelligent, well-made (so much so that it is easy to mistake it for a film) show about zombies could be made when so many films have tried and failed abysmally to do so.

My only complaint of "Say the Word" is that at times it is a little too heavy on the talk.

Like all the episodes of the show, "Say the Word" is incredibly well made in the production values, with gritty and audacious production design, photography of almost cinematic quality, effects that look good, have soul and are not overused or abused and pretty frightening make-up. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive.

The writing generally is intelligent and thought-provoking, with lots of tension and emotional resonance and shows signs of character complexity and multiple layer storytelling. The more eventful parts are thrilling and terrifying as well as uncompromising.

Appreciated the ever strong and still progressing story and character building, which the episode has a bigger emphasis on, and that the pace is rarely dull or rushed, if not as taut or edge of your seat as most of the previous episodes. The character writing and the character interactions are what is particularly great here, most striking with Rick, while the Governor is wonderfully mysterious and already interesting character and Merle is always great value

Everything is nicely paced without rushing through the more important parts. The world building is already stunningly immersive and effective. Direction is smart and atmospheric while the show throughout has been strongly acted. Andrew Lincoln is excellent as ever, while Michael Rooker and David Morrissey in support are especially good and Laurie Holden and Danai Guirira hold their own.

Overall, terrific. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Slows down for development!

[and_mikkelsen · 8/10 · 12 January 2024]

This episode mostly serves as the aftermath of the chaos at the prison as well as adding more layers to the stuff happening at Woodbury!

The things that stuck out to me in this episode was Rick and Penny!

Rick was already a changed man after season two, but after the events in the previous episode... he had now gone to a very dark place! Andrew Lincoln does a great job of capturing a man in shock who has lost contact with reality and does not know what to do with himself!

Penny was a great addition as it adds aome humanity to The Guvernor and shows how people were normal people living normal lives before all this!

I liked the idea of how both sides just wants to protect the ones they care about! Adds a Grey zone to it all! No one is pure good or evil!

Deeper into the minds of characters new and old

[tbmforclasstsar · 12 November 2012]

Hey guys… Rick isn't taking this whole wife dying thing too well.

Episode five of season three, titled "Say the Word," is easily the darkest and most broken down we have ever seen Rick. Our protagonist, who has led his group through thick and thin, cannot handle the news of his wife's death. But unlike many who have become so angry they could kill someone, Rick has a whole prison full of the living dead, ripe for the grief. And Rick takes full advantage of it, tearing his way down prison corridors, decapitating anything he comes across.

But we are getting a little ahead in the episode. "Say the Word" starts with a very interesting scene after Rick takes off into the prison, but with our other cast of characters. The Governor sits in his home, combing the hair of a little girl. It is a lovely scene until we realize that this young girl is actually a zombie. When she starts to crave flesh and gets a little out of control, The Governor is forced to bind her and put a hood over her head, but we come to understand that he still loves this little girl, his daughter, even if she is a brain seeking cannibal monster.

This starts to flesh out what already is a very convoluted picture of The Governor. He seems good hearted one minute and ruthless the next. A father that still loves his daughter even if she is a walker and a psycho that spends relaxing time with a drink in front of his fish tanks of zombie heads. One of the most intriguing characters the show has ever seen, after the credits we are once again conflicted as to what we should think of The Governor. He does sill take care of his dead daughter, but he also seems to be keeping Michonne and Andrea against their will, even if Andrea doesn't see it that way.

Michonne, who has never bought into the charms of The Governor, takes matters into her own hands. She breaks into The Governor's home, gets her katana back, and makes her way out back where she finds a number of caged up walkers. A warrior, Michonne wastes no time breaking open the lock and making minced meat out of the geeks. Of course, The Governor is not pleased when he finds out about this, but he remains calm as he talks to Michonne about it, making the audience question his intentions as well. He has every right to kill her or banish her for her actions, but he calmly discusses the circumstances with her. Michonne takes advantage of the polite Governor and steals her katana back and aims it at the throat of the Woodbury leader. She leaves and packs looking to leave.

Andrea is talked to by The Governor and goes to talk Michonne down, but she won't have it. She explains to Andrea that they can't leave. That The Governor is just giving them the perception that they can leave anytime. Trying to call his bluff, Michonne convinces Andrea to go to the gate and see if they will be allowed to leave. At first there is resistance, but Merle eventually opens the gate. Andrea sees that Michonne was wrong and stands her ground, but Michonne knows this may be her only opportunity. She bolts out the gate.

To read the rest of the review (IMDb form too short) visit: http://custodianfilmcritic.com/the- walking-dead-3-5-say-the-word/

Deserved it, Andrea! 😡

[XueHuaBingYu · 8/10 · 17 July 2019]

Episode 5 is simple. But it's a great one for me. What I love of this episode is that Mich left Andrea who wants to live there. She should've left Andrea a long time ago. Andrea has become someone I hate. And also that scene where Daryl had little Lori in his hands is so cute. I didn't have an idea that Daryl would be like that. 😂 He really looks cute with the baby in his hands. The way he takes care of the baby and Carl afraid of the baby would fall off Daryl's hands are very cute too. I totally love those scenes. 😁

I think Mich left is good too. That place is kind of weird and very dangerous place to stay in. I don't know what got into Andrea, so that she wanted to live in such a place. As for Penny, I really want someone or Andrea to find out about her. But it seems like a long way to go.

I kind of hate Rick in this episode. I mean his wife Lori is dead. Of course he should be grieving. But I think he's too much. His wife is dead, no way to time back time. But his son and daughter are still alive. He should focus on it. He should have taken some responsibilities for them. By the looks of him, I'd say he would make the worst father.

Overall is that this episode is kind of a great one because it shows Andrea got left by her 8 months friendship for good. And also because she later finds out she should've left that place with Mich. So, yeah, it's great episode.

Good episode with a focus on the newer characters

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 31 October 2021]

Michonne does a bit of nosing around Woodbury, whilst Daryl and Maggie go on a food run for the new baby.

This is a solid episode with some interesting character moments.

The plot mostly flits back and forth between Woodbury and the prison as we wait to see whether Andrea and Michonne stay or leave. Personally, I prefer the scenes in Woodbury as they are full of intrigue about various aspects of the town.

There are two scenes I thought worked particularly well. Firstly one early moment involving the Governor that was quite disturbing and a bit sad. Also the scene involving Woodbury's outdoor entertainment is both outrageous and makes a lot of sense after the collapse of society. Both scenes give an insightful depiction of the Governor and how he has provided a safe haven, bread, and a circus to keep the residents in check, whilst also seems to be battling his own demons.

David Morrissey is excellent and his character has brought an interesting dynamic to the overall story that was needed. Danai Gurira is also great, with Michonne becoming one of the most likeable characters.

The visuals are superbly done as ever, with horrific zombie effects and the usual graphic violence looking very realistic.

8.9/10

[CillianMurphyEnthusiast · 9/10 · 16 August 2023]

"Bet you say that about all the girls" -Michonne Hawthorne. Underrated episode. Seeing The Governor with his walker daughter was interesting. Michonne killing those walkers was cool, but I don't think a katana can cut through things that easily, even if they are decaying walkers. Glenn telling Hershel about how T-Dog saved a bunch of seniors and his life a bunch of times made his death even sadder. Daryl naming Judith "Little Ass Kicker" while feeding here was a nice little moment. Seeing Rick go psycho and killing all of those and attacking Glenn really shows how much Lori's death affected him. Seeing the phone ring at the end of the episode was very strange and a great cliffhanger. Hershel said "let me see da baby".

An episode that's missing some pieces

[g-bella-546-482304 · 7/10 · 4 December 2012]

After the Tragic events that transpired in the last episode, Rick storms off into the prison to kill some walkers in rage. While Herschel looks over Ricks new daughter. He say's the baby needs formula or she won't survive. Daryl and Maggie volunteer to make a run to get formula for the baby.

Immediately, a big thing that stuck out for me this episode was Daryl. The way he is loyal to Rick really shows how there relationship has grown since season one. He and Maggie go to a creepy daycare and find some formula. Rick on the other hand is just mad at the world. The only thought in his mind is to kill every Walker in the prison. Andrew Lincoln shows his brute force as this character.

The biggest issue with this episode is it almost feels a little underwhelming. But, it's an episode you have to see. So, 7 out of 10.

Two good concurrent sub stories

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 27 November 2012]

Say the Word has two good concurrent stories! One story is Rick clearing the prison after the loss of his wife, and the other is a town run by the evil governor! The way the two sub-plots are written in a way which the two stories will collide. One sees the governor's evil plans will conflict when the governor finds out about Rick's crew of people. One see the Rick character is tough and in pain. The other story is the governor who is power hungry and paranoid. The Say the Word episode is starting the build up for the two character inevitable conflict. Word is a well acted and direct character/story development episode. I give this episode a seven out of ten.

"Say the Word" skillfully balances character development with the series' thematic depth

[fernandoschiavi · 7/10 · 4 March 2024]

"Say the Word" juxtaposes the stark realities faced by Rick's group in the prison with the illusionary peace of Woodbury, offering a deep dive into the psyche of its characters as they grapple with recent losses. In the aftermath of "Killer Within," the episode showcases Rick's spiraling descent into grief and madness, as he confronts the ghost of his dead wife in the bowels of the prison. This storyline is a poignant exploration of loss and the isolating effects of grief, highlighting Andrew Lincoln's compelling performance as he navigates Rick's complex emotional landscape.

Meanwhile, Woodbury presents a disturbingly idyllic counterpoint, as The Governor orchestrates a gladiatorial combat to entertain the town's citizens, revealing the dark underpinnings of his control over the community. This dichotomy between the two settings serves to underscore the theme of appearance versus reality, questioning the moral compromises individuals and societies are willing to make in the name of safety and normalcy.

"Say the Word" also delves into the dynamics of leadership and responsibility, with Daryl stepping up in Rick's absence to care for the newborn baby, symbolizing hope and innocence amidst the chaos. His compassionate leadership contrasts sharply with The Governor's authoritarian rule, offering a meditation on the qualities that truly make a leader in a world gone mad.

The episode ends on a note of foreboding, with Michonne's decision to leave Woodbury setting the stage for future conflicts. Her skepticism of The Governor and Woodbury's utopian facade acts as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, emphasizing the series' ongoing exploration of trust, betrayal, and the fight for autonomy in a post-apocalyptic world. "Say the Word" skillfully balances character development with the series' thematic depth, providing a nuanced examination of the human condition under extreme circumstances.

TWD S3E5. Fine episode, nothing amazing but nothing bad.

[TheMelancholySpirit · 30 August 2022]

The Woodsbury scenes are quite interesting, the dynamic is getting more interesting between that and the prison, the Governor is more intriguing and complex as it progresses, and Michonne is becoming more aggressive but this isn't unnecessary as quite a few things point to this little quiet "town" being a bit strange and not quite what it seems. The character of Michonne is good, she knows there's something going on. Andrea is as naive and inane as ever. What's great about this episode is its genuine humane moments. The baby, how they're doing whatever they can in this world run by zombies, all to ensure that it stays healthy and alive. To be honest Rick seems to be the one caring least of all, which makes sense cuz of his wife's death, he is startled, uneasy, and suffering major emotional and mental breakdowns and isn't himself. It's traumatic, real. The others are all sitting smiling trying to come up with names for the baby while Rick is off on a one man hunt to tear through every walker in sight. He even launches at Glenn, and rag dolls him about like a string cheese.

The episode is pretty solid, not anything remarkably standout like its predecessor, but interesting and finely paced nonetheless. It is a bit of a bricklaying episode. Setting up some things. Even in its half way point I get the sense something, some sort of conflict or problem will arise between Michonne and The Governor. Andrea doesn't see it. Michonne sees it all too well. I never once liked nor cared for Andrea's character.

It's strange. You don't realise it but most of the originals, main and co characters, are already gone by this point. T-Dog, Shane, Lori, Dale, Jacqui, and a few others I simply can't think of their names right now (my bad). But this is not necessarily a bad thing, mostly because a few of the show's best are still alive, and some haven't even appeared yet. Those I like most are all still alive at this moment, excluding Shane: Daryl, Rick, Hershel, Glenn, Maggie, and Carol. Though, I didn't much care for Carol at all in seasons 1+2. But from this one onwards, I do. And now there's Michonne and Governor, I like those two, and Merle, too. At this point it's a strong season, the majority of what's been going on has been interesting, with a good balance of character drama and zombie brutality. It's been dark, vicious, weird, familiar and new, and there's a lot still to come. It's a good episode overall, and the moments with the Governor and his people I'd say they're pretty much the standout in this one. There's some slick walker kills in this one, too.