After years of waiting, it's finally here. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who live brings back the story of Rick and Michonne. We've been waiting for 4 years for this and it does not disappoint. This has the look and feel of a blockbuster movie. Rick and Michonne are two fan favorites and two of the main from the original. They ended up falling in love and starting a family and this show continues their love story. Andrew Lincoln (Rick) and Danai Gurira (Michonne) are as good as ever. Everyone who's waited for Rick to return won't be disappointed. This has the solid writing of the good years of the original and the great acting that made us love these characters in the first place. I can't say enough about the three new spinoffs so far. All 3 have been better than anything TWD has put out in year.
197 Reviews
Hope we get to see Rick & Michonne again
Supermanfan-1311 April 2024
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live might be the best of all the spinoffs. I was initially hesitant about watching these spinoffs considering the last few seasons of The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead was so up and down (and the other spinoffs have been downright awful) but I've actually really enjoyed all three of the new spinoffs much more than I anticipated. This is the one everyone's been looking forward to for years now. They originally announced a 3 movie deal about continuing Rick Grimes story that was suppose to happen back in 2020 but it never came. Then they changed it to this spinoff and I love it. Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira return to their roles of Rick and Michonne. I hope they continue to do multiple seasons of this like they are with the other two spinoffs because they've all been great.
Great but ending is rushed and we need a whole gang reunion
nmpjgxwqj22 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The show overall is great, probably one of the better spin-offs. However the ending when Rick and Michonne reunite with Judith and RJ is clearly rushed. They should've made final episode 10-20 minutes longer. It's also a bit of a disappointment that we didn't get Rick and Michonne's reaction to the Commonwealth.
We also need to see Rick's reunions with Daryl, Negan, Eugene and all the other survivors that he hasn't seen in 10 years. Hopefully we see that reunion soon either in another spin-off show, S2 of The Ones Who Live, or even a 12th season of the main show. Also Rick's reactions to all the deaths that have happened along the way like Rosita.
We also need to see Rick's reunions with Daryl, Negan, Eugene and all the other survivors that he hasn't seen in 10 years. Hopefully we see that reunion soon either in another spin-off show, S2 of The Ones Who Live, or even a 12th season of the main show. Also Rick's reactions to all the deaths that have happened along the way like Rosita.
It's a good story for the fans
miks-5712623 April 2024
Seeing Rick and Michonne together for their own show was probably a dream for a lot of TWD fans.
The first episodes were amazing! Episode 1 & 2 were the best in the show and showed exactly everything it needed to.
Episode 3&5 were good but less good, these were mainly episodes to build the show, they were necessary and still fun (a solid 8/10)
Episode 4 was AS GOOD as the first 2 episodes it gave us an episode I didn't know I needed in this show until I saw it.
Episode 6 (and the last episode ) was the worst in this show, from what I feel was way to short for the finale.
It was around 50 min. Of rushing to get the ending the showrunners wanted this show. The last episode should have been made into 2 episodes or even 3.
This episode was barely a 6/10.
I gave the show an 8/10 and not higher because the last episode kind of ruined the experience for me.
The first episodes were amazing! Episode 1 & 2 were the best in the show and showed exactly everything it needed to.
Episode 3&5 were good but less good, these were mainly episodes to build the show, they were necessary and still fun (a solid 8/10)
Episode 4 was AS GOOD as the first 2 episodes it gave us an episode I didn't know I needed in this show until I saw it.
Episode 6 (and the last episode ) was the worst in this show, from what I feel was way to short for the finale.
It was around 50 min. Of rushing to get the ending the showrunners wanted this show. The last episode should have been made into 2 episodes or even 3.
This episode was barely a 6/10.
I gave the show an 8/10 and not higher because the last episode kind of ruined the experience for me.
Getting back on track...
paul_haakonsen22 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ever since AMC teased the idea of a Rick and Michonne spin-off movie, I have to say that I was anxiously awaiting the day that it would come. And when they turned it into a six episode mini-series, of course I sat down and watched every single episode as they were made available.
The storyline in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" was good. Sure, one might argue that it was a bit rushed, but hey, with only 6 episodes to work with, of course writers and creators Scott M. Gimple, Danai Gurira and Andrew Lincoln had a limited span of storytelling to incorporate into the six episodes.
It was not only the storyline itself that was good in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live", but most certainly also the character development and growths along the way, especially for Rick and Michonne, obviously, as they are the main characters of this particular series.
I have to say that I feel that there was so much more to be explored to the storyline that reunited Rick (played by Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) on a screen, after what felt like an eternity. Sure, I was definitely entertained and content with the outcome of the six episodes, but there was just so much left unexplored and untold here.
The acting performances in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" were good. And I have to admit that seeing Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reunited on the screen was a very emotional one, and it was something that "The Walking Dead" series as a whole needed.
The fact that "The Walking Dead" had Andrew Lincoln back under its wings was something I had hoped for, for a long, long time. There was a lot of good acting performances in the series, and some very nice talents, with the likes of Terry O'Quinn, Lesley-Ann Brandt and Pollyanna McIntosh, to mention but a few. But it gets better, Matthew Jeffers in the role of Nat was just beyond phenomenal. He added so much flavor to the episode he was in, and his character was definitely one of my all-time favorites throughout the main series and many spin-off series of "The Walking Dead".
Visually then you're in for quite a treat here. But then again, all of "The Walking Dead" series and all the spin-off series have amazing special effects and zombie make-up. "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is no different, because the effects are fantastic here. And the series brings a couple of new types of walkers on the table as well.
If you enjoy any of "The Walking Dead" series and spin-offs, especially the original series, then "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is a must watch.
While I wish for a lot more from the narrative, I have to admit that I was pleasantly entertained and I enjoyed all six episodes of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live".
This particular six episode series is quite a step back in the right direction after that semi-enjoyable "Daryl Dixon" series, that just made no sense as he was stumbling around in France.
My rating of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" lands on a well-deserved eight out of ten stars.
The storyline in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" was good. Sure, one might argue that it was a bit rushed, but hey, with only 6 episodes to work with, of course writers and creators Scott M. Gimple, Danai Gurira and Andrew Lincoln had a limited span of storytelling to incorporate into the six episodes.
It was not only the storyline itself that was good in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live", but most certainly also the character development and growths along the way, especially for Rick and Michonne, obviously, as they are the main characters of this particular series.
I have to say that I feel that there was so much more to be explored to the storyline that reunited Rick (played by Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) on a screen, after what felt like an eternity. Sure, I was definitely entertained and content with the outcome of the six episodes, but there was just so much left unexplored and untold here.
The acting performances in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" were good. And I have to admit that seeing Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reunited on the screen was a very emotional one, and it was something that "The Walking Dead" series as a whole needed.
The fact that "The Walking Dead" had Andrew Lincoln back under its wings was something I had hoped for, for a long, long time. There was a lot of good acting performances in the series, and some very nice talents, with the likes of Terry O'Quinn, Lesley-Ann Brandt and Pollyanna McIntosh, to mention but a few. But it gets better, Matthew Jeffers in the role of Nat was just beyond phenomenal. He added so much flavor to the episode he was in, and his character was definitely one of my all-time favorites throughout the main series and many spin-off series of "The Walking Dead".
Visually then you're in for quite a treat here. But then again, all of "The Walking Dead" series and all the spin-off series have amazing special effects and zombie make-up. "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is no different, because the effects are fantastic here. And the series brings a couple of new types of walkers on the table as well.
If you enjoy any of "The Walking Dead" series and spin-offs, especially the original series, then "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is a must watch.
While I wish for a lot more from the narrative, I have to admit that I was pleasantly entertained and I enjoyed all six episodes of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live".
This particular six episode series is quite a step back in the right direction after that semi-enjoyable "Daryl Dixon" series, that just made no sense as he was stumbling around in France.
My rating of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" lands on a well-deserved eight out of ten stars.
Outstanding
Dawson-31319 April 2024
This Walking Dead spinoff is a must watch for any Walking Dead fan. It was outstanding from the very minute to the very last minute. This is a show where you can't be playing on your phone, cooking dinner or doing something else, it requires your undivided attention. It's a show that never gets stale. I can't remember ever being bored, even for one episode. I loved every second of every episode and I think you will to if you give it a chance. I've actually really liked all three spinoffs so far but this one has been my favorite. I've already watched it twice from beginning to end. It's as close to a perfect ending for Rick and Michonne that anyone could've asked for.
Great Send-off for Rick and Michonne
Reviews_of_the_Dead22 April 2024
Film: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Lived
Year: 2024
Directors: Bertie Ellwood, Michael E. Satrazemis, Michael Slovis and Amber Templemore
Writers: Scott M. Gimple, Danai Gurira, Nana Nkweti, Gabriel Llanas, Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell
Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira and Pollyanna McIntosh
Review:
This was another off shoot of The Walking Dead. I was a fan of season 1, aside from the ending. I thought that season 2 and what followed was good for a solid stretch, but I lost interest after the Saviors came. Even when the Whisperers showed up, I was there. The problem for me is that it got too repetitive. Upon competition of watching this, I learned that this was the movie they were going to do. It then shifted to a trilogy and they ultimately decided to do it as a mini-series. Since this is listed as a film on Letterboxd and it doesn't look like they're going to continue it, I'm doing a review.
Synopsis: the love between Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira). Changed by a world that is constantly changing, will they find themselves in a war against the living or will they discover that they too are the walking dead?
What we're getting here starts with what happened to Rick. We see when he was taken on the helicopter to the Civic Republic Military. He's depressed so he's trying to find a way to escape. He was brought here by Jadis Stokes (Pollyanna McIntosh). He started with Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) who was in a similar place to him. She sees what the CRM can do for her and buys in. Rick gets to meet Major General Beale (Terry O'Quinn), who changes his mind. There's also Donald Okafor (Craig Tate). He's the first commanding officer for Rick and Pearl. He knows that the CRM is doing horrible things and wants to change it from the inside.
We then see that Michonne has never given up and is still searching for Rick. I love how these two come together in this series. She almost dies multiple times. It also becomes dangerous for him if their superiors learn the truth. There's also a complication that if the CRM finds out about Alexandria, they will wipe it out. Even more so if Rick and/or Michonne flee back to it now. There are layers under this as well.
Since this is a mini-series that I'm assuming is concluding Rick and Michonne's tale within The Walking Dead universe, I'm going to leave my recap here. There are years and seasons from the start to where we end up here. What I like about this is the heart that is brought in here. Lincoln can showcase even more Rick's psyche and how every decision he's made wears on him. The thought of not getting to go back to Michonne, Judith and he doesn't even know about RJ until Michonne finds him. The thought of Carl keeps him going, but that is wearing thin on him as he can't remember his face. Seeing him deal with depression, the fear of the CRM wiping out Alexandria and then seeing the love between him and Michonne was good. It caps things well for the character.
I'll also commend Gurira. I love how difficult she is and won't listen to things that she doesn't agree with. Rick sets up a plan for her to escape, but she can't leave without him. I forgot that she made a promise to Judith that she would bring her father home. It tugs at heartstrings that if they don't get out alive, these children are orphaned. There are good people around them, but it isn't the same.
Let me then shift to the villains here. My issue with the show is that we get great groups and leaders like the Governor, Negan and the Saviors as well as The Whisperers. I know the last season had the corrupt government. This group that we're seeing here is the CRM who were introduced in The Walking: The World Beyond. We know their corrupt already. This feels on par with the last couple seasons of the OG The Walking Dead. I guess you truly can't top government corruption as the villain. I like Jadis as someone who is a grey character. The true villain though is Mjr Gen Beale. He seems nice, but there is that dark side underneath. Part of that is credit to O'Quinn. I also like that he has blind followers like Pearl under him. I don't find this as exciting or tense though as earlier villains.
There is one last thing for the story that I wanted to tell. Beale does give what the CRM scientists believe to be the timeline for the walking dead. I thought that was an interesting concept to toss out there. It makes me wonder though if this is going to be like the novelization of Night of the Living Dead, where anyone comes back after that and if precautions need to be taken.
I've already been discussing acting performances so let me say that Lincoln, Gurira, McIntosh and O'Quinn are great. I'd also say that Brandt plays a solid character that gets introduced. I love how she complicates things late in this series. I liked the appearance by Seth Gilliam as Gabriel Stokes and how he softens Jadis. I also liked Matthew Jeffers, Breeda Wool, Cailey Fleming and Antony Azor to round this out as well.
All that is left then is filmmaking. The cinematography here is good. They know how to capture the world we're in and the framing helps there. We get different locations around the United States since the CRM has that capability. Also, how these ties in with events from other storylines as well. I love the effects. The zombie make up is great. There is CGI that I don't love, but it at least looks good. This has the budget there. Other than that, the soundtrack was fine for what was needed. More credit to the sound design, especially for the zombies.
In conclusion, if you know me then you know that I'm burned out on all the Walking Dead. It doesn't capture that spark for me anymore. I still enjoyed what they did here. This would be a good send-off for the Rick and Michonne characters if that is truly what we're doing here. I like the story that this tells and how it wraps up things from the show. The acting is great with special credit to Lincoln, Gurira, O'Quinn and McIntosh. This is well made from the cinematography, framing and the effects. Just slight issues with CGI here and there. If you love these shows or a completionist like me, then I'd recommend it. If you've fallen off, I can't blame you for avoiding this.
My Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Review:
This was another off shoot of The Walking Dead. I was a fan of season 1, aside from the ending. I thought that season 2 and what followed was good for a solid stretch, but I lost interest after the Saviors came. Even when the Whisperers showed up, I was there. The problem for me is that it got too repetitive. Upon competition of watching this, I learned that this was the movie they were going to do. It then shifted to a trilogy and they ultimately decided to do it as a mini-series. Since this is listed as a film on Letterboxd and it doesn't look like they're going to continue it, I'm doing a review.
Synopsis: the love between Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira). Changed by a world that is constantly changing, will they find themselves in a war against the living or will they discover that they too are the walking dead?
What we're getting here starts with what happened to Rick. We see when he was taken on the helicopter to the Civic Republic Military. He's depressed so he's trying to find a way to escape. He was brought here by Jadis Stokes (Pollyanna McIntosh). He started with Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) who was in a similar place to him. She sees what the CRM can do for her and buys in. Rick gets to meet Major General Beale (Terry O'Quinn), who changes his mind. There's also Donald Okafor (Craig Tate). He's the first commanding officer for Rick and Pearl. He knows that the CRM is doing horrible things and wants to change it from the inside.
We then see that Michonne has never given up and is still searching for Rick. I love how these two come together in this series. She almost dies multiple times. It also becomes dangerous for him if their superiors learn the truth. There's also a complication that if the CRM finds out about Alexandria, they will wipe it out. Even more so if Rick and/or Michonne flee back to it now. There are layers under this as well.
Since this is a mini-series that I'm assuming is concluding Rick and Michonne's tale within The Walking Dead universe, I'm going to leave my recap here. There are years and seasons from the start to where we end up here. What I like about this is the heart that is brought in here. Lincoln can showcase even more Rick's psyche and how every decision he's made wears on him. The thought of not getting to go back to Michonne, Judith and he doesn't even know about RJ until Michonne finds him. The thought of Carl keeps him going, but that is wearing thin on him as he can't remember his face. Seeing him deal with depression, the fear of the CRM wiping out Alexandria and then seeing the love between him and Michonne was good. It caps things well for the character.
I'll also commend Gurira. I love how difficult she is and won't listen to things that she doesn't agree with. Rick sets up a plan for her to escape, but she can't leave without him. I forgot that she made a promise to Judith that she would bring her father home. It tugs at heartstrings that if they don't get out alive, these children are orphaned. There are good people around them, but it isn't the same.
Let me then shift to the villains here. My issue with the show is that we get great groups and leaders like the Governor, Negan and the Saviors as well as The Whisperers. I know the last season had the corrupt government. This group that we're seeing here is the CRM who were introduced in The Walking: The World Beyond. We know their corrupt already. This feels on par with the last couple seasons of the OG The Walking Dead. I guess you truly can't top government corruption as the villain. I like Jadis as someone who is a grey character. The true villain though is Mjr Gen Beale. He seems nice, but there is that dark side underneath. Part of that is credit to O'Quinn. I also like that he has blind followers like Pearl under him. I don't find this as exciting or tense though as earlier villains.
There is one last thing for the story that I wanted to tell. Beale does give what the CRM scientists believe to be the timeline for the walking dead. I thought that was an interesting concept to toss out there. It makes me wonder though if this is going to be like the novelization of Night of the Living Dead, where anyone comes back after that and if precautions need to be taken.
I've already been discussing acting performances so let me say that Lincoln, Gurira, McIntosh and O'Quinn are great. I'd also say that Brandt plays a solid character that gets introduced. I love how she complicates things late in this series. I liked the appearance by Seth Gilliam as Gabriel Stokes and how he softens Jadis. I also liked Matthew Jeffers, Breeda Wool, Cailey Fleming and Antony Azor to round this out as well.
All that is left then is filmmaking. The cinematography here is good. They know how to capture the world we're in and the framing helps there. We get different locations around the United States since the CRM has that capability. Also, how these ties in with events from other storylines as well. I love the effects. The zombie make up is great. There is CGI that I don't love, but it at least looks good. This has the budget there. Other than that, the soundtrack was fine for what was needed. More credit to the sound design, especially for the zombies.
In conclusion, if you know me then you know that I'm burned out on all the Walking Dead. It doesn't capture that spark for me anymore. I still enjoyed what they did here. This would be a good send-off for the Rick and Michonne characters if that is truly what we're doing here. I like the story that this tells and how it wraps up things from the show. The acting is great with special credit to Lincoln, Gurira, O'Quinn and McIntosh. This is well made from the cinematography, framing and the effects. Just slight issues with CGI here and there. If you love these shows or a completionist like me, then I'd recommend it. If you've fallen off, I can't blame you for avoiding this.
My Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Back to being Brilliant
captainmanic9 April 2024
We loved these characters, we love their stories, their passion, their commitment, their values.
In a desperate world they believe in Community and Building, and Second Chances.... AND NEVER GIVING UP.
But I stopped watching the franchise because it was always so desperate, so final, so much pain each episode.
The Thrill and Drama is outstanding...But the pain got a bit much frankly. A bit boring and predictable too.
But THIS? They changed the format of the story writing...it was just really easy to watch and enjoy.
The themes were big, the challenges seemed insurmountable....but there was ALWAYS Hope.
I managed to binge the lot in 3.5 hours, on double speed. Love subtitles.
At the end of the day, it was reasonably realistic for the franchise, but brilliantly hopeful and filled with love.
You will not regret enjoying this.
You're welcome.
In a desperate world they believe in Community and Building, and Second Chances.... AND NEVER GIVING UP.
But I stopped watching the franchise because it was always so desperate, so final, so much pain each episode.
The Thrill and Drama is outstanding...But the pain got a bit much frankly. A bit boring and predictable too.
But THIS? They changed the format of the story writing...it was just really easy to watch and enjoy.
The themes were big, the challenges seemed insurmountable....but there was ALWAYS Hope.
I managed to binge the lot in 3.5 hours, on double speed. Love subtitles.
At the end of the day, it was reasonably realistic for the franchise, but brilliantly hopeful and filled with love.
You will not regret enjoying this.
You're welcome.
A Proper Walking Dead Spin Off
prhayhurst8 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
From the first episode this has the feel of TWD, up until season 6 or 7 anyway.
All the components are there, the story and the characters are on point, and the feeling you get while watching was the same excitement as the original.
Unlike the other spin offs, this has been carefully thought about and written with the general viewer in mind, and not just trying to adhere to the comics, and keep those viewers happy, so it seems to me.
This has produced an excellent show, which I will watch after I have rewatched TWD, unlike the other spin offs, which were OK but forgettable, and didn't feel like TWD, Darryl came close, but being set in France, and the overall feel was it's downfall.
All the components are there, the story and the characters are on point, and the feeling you get while watching was the same excitement as the original.
Unlike the other spin offs, this has been carefully thought about and written with the general viewer in mind, and not just trying to adhere to the comics, and keep those viewers happy, so it seems to me.
This has produced an excellent show, which I will watch after I have rewatched TWD, unlike the other spin offs, which were OK but forgettable, and didn't feel like TWD, Darryl came close, but being set in France, and the overall feel was it's downfall.
Strong Start, Awfully Rushed Finish.
rxckne6 April 2024
Before someone reads this and assumes I'm some hater who didn't give this series a chance, I've watched this universe for nearly a decade now and sat through it's highs and lows, have read all the comics, and even gave a chance on most of the shows spin-offs whether bad or not. Which in some cases is actually kind of important considering the effort the writers had to emphasize the CRM lore in a lot of them. While I did enjoy some of the great moments of this universe I'm also not scared to call out when it tries to insult the audience with its unrealistic, out of touch, and dare I say season 8 level Game Of Thrones writing. That said I'm unbiased and simply one person that has liked and disliked this universe just giving my opinion.
The Ones Who Live started off well, making the presence of the CRM felt immediately and doing justice to the near decade Rick had been gone from his family. The series subverts expectations a bit in the early half but not in a way that's done poorly. I don't think it's without flaws but nothing that takes me out of the experience. Episode 4 takes a slow change in pace but one I thought was necessary at the time for Rick's development. But then the final 2 episodes came and I realized how poorly they treated the time they were given, ESPECIALLY in the finale. Little did I know the entire 7 year build of the CRM from season 8 of TWD till now was going to be thrown out the window.
I've seen some fans cope about how this series was meant to focus on the love story of Rick and Michonne which is completely fine. But using that as an excuse for the butchering of the CRM as if they hadn't spent all this time building them up is an absolute JOKE. Throwing away the ENTIRE storyline and doing absolutely 0 justice to their buildup is such an insult to the investment people had in them as villains. An investment that was put into place by the show itself. Making the CRM out to be the most dangerous threat in the entire Walking Dead universe, then completely dropping the ball with them just for some cliche generic ending you'd get from a modern day Disney movie.
Scott Gimple has been criticized in the past for his AWFUL decisions with TWD. So much so that he had to step down and give the reigns to Angela Kang for the final 3 seasons of the main show, even if that didn't really end well either despite a great 9th season. Gimple being the lead producer and writer for this series was something I was extremely skeptical about, but I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt considering he did write some of the best TWD episodes we have today. He also was working on this story for plenty of years, so surely he treated it with a lot of care and would be prepared to make the best of it, right? No. Absolutely not.
Gimple has always had a HUGE problem with writing dialogue. In many instances in his material, the characters have these corny lines that try too hard to be wise and clever that it inhumanizes them, ESPECIALLY in life or death moments. He wouldn't dare take this problem to this series after being off of the main show and taking part in ruining Fear The Walking Dead in many aspects as well, right? No, he brought it here too.
You have a character that is fixated on one thing for YEARS, then all of a sudden become this in-touch grounded person out of nowhere for the sake of making the audience feel sympathy for them? Not to mention in nearly every action scene these awfully corny dialogue pieces that a human is NOT going to say in a LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION. Minor details here but honestly it's not that big of a deal considering this is the most formulaic Disney Junior like writing I've seen in an adult drama in a very long time but whatever. A character in a very intense moment says "LoVe iS DeAd" and another character says "LoVe DoEsNt DiE" and I cringed out of my mind. HUMANS DO NOT TALK LIKE THIS!!!! FOR GODS SAKE THIS ISNT A FORMULAIC DISNEY SHOW SCOTT GIMPLE!!!
I'm not trying to bash on people's experience if they enjoyed the show, but it absolutely pains me to see so many people that are blinded by the nostalgia of these characters, ESPECIALLY getting blinded by fan service and undeserved emotional moments to make up for how forced of a finish this was. I'm almost convinced these fans who loved the ending would watch The Long Night episode from Game Of Thrones and be jumping with joy and have 0 problem with it. Because that's the type of writing we got here in the final act of this series that had so much more potential than this.
Either way if you enjoyed The Ones Who Live, all power to you. But don't write off the people who disliked it as haters and completely dismiss anyone who doesn't think this ending is anything close to "perfect" because I'll be damned if this is what a perfect television ending looks like. If you read allat, thank you. Even if you disagree. Shoutout to the performances from Danai, Andy and others. Scott Gimple, shame on you.
The Ones Who Live started off well, making the presence of the CRM felt immediately and doing justice to the near decade Rick had been gone from his family. The series subverts expectations a bit in the early half but not in a way that's done poorly. I don't think it's without flaws but nothing that takes me out of the experience. Episode 4 takes a slow change in pace but one I thought was necessary at the time for Rick's development. But then the final 2 episodes came and I realized how poorly they treated the time they were given, ESPECIALLY in the finale. Little did I know the entire 7 year build of the CRM from season 8 of TWD till now was going to be thrown out the window.
I've seen some fans cope about how this series was meant to focus on the love story of Rick and Michonne which is completely fine. But using that as an excuse for the butchering of the CRM as if they hadn't spent all this time building them up is an absolute JOKE. Throwing away the ENTIRE storyline and doing absolutely 0 justice to their buildup is such an insult to the investment people had in them as villains. An investment that was put into place by the show itself. Making the CRM out to be the most dangerous threat in the entire Walking Dead universe, then completely dropping the ball with them just for some cliche generic ending you'd get from a modern day Disney movie.
Scott Gimple has been criticized in the past for his AWFUL decisions with TWD. So much so that he had to step down and give the reigns to Angela Kang for the final 3 seasons of the main show, even if that didn't really end well either despite a great 9th season. Gimple being the lead producer and writer for this series was something I was extremely skeptical about, but I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt considering he did write some of the best TWD episodes we have today. He also was working on this story for plenty of years, so surely he treated it with a lot of care and would be prepared to make the best of it, right? No. Absolutely not.
Gimple has always had a HUGE problem with writing dialogue. In many instances in his material, the characters have these corny lines that try too hard to be wise and clever that it inhumanizes them, ESPECIALLY in life or death moments. He wouldn't dare take this problem to this series after being off of the main show and taking part in ruining Fear The Walking Dead in many aspects as well, right? No, he brought it here too.
You have a character that is fixated on one thing for YEARS, then all of a sudden become this in-touch grounded person out of nowhere for the sake of making the audience feel sympathy for them? Not to mention in nearly every action scene these awfully corny dialogue pieces that a human is NOT going to say in a LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION. Minor details here but honestly it's not that big of a deal considering this is the most formulaic Disney Junior like writing I've seen in an adult drama in a very long time but whatever. A character in a very intense moment says "LoVe iS DeAd" and another character says "LoVe DoEsNt DiE" and I cringed out of my mind. HUMANS DO NOT TALK LIKE THIS!!!! FOR GODS SAKE THIS ISNT A FORMULAIC DISNEY SHOW SCOTT GIMPLE!!!
I'm not trying to bash on people's experience if they enjoyed the show, but it absolutely pains me to see so many people that are blinded by the nostalgia of these characters, ESPECIALLY getting blinded by fan service and undeserved emotional moments to make up for how forced of a finish this was. I'm almost convinced these fans who loved the ending would watch The Long Night episode from Game Of Thrones and be jumping with joy and have 0 problem with it. Because that's the type of writing we got here in the final act of this series that had so much more potential than this.
Either way if you enjoyed The Ones Who Live, all power to you. But don't write off the people who disliked it as haters and completely dismiss anyone who doesn't think this ending is anything close to "perfect" because I'll be damned if this is what a perfect television ending looks like. If you read allat, thank you. Even if you disagree. Shoutout to the performances from Danai, Andy and others. Scott Gimple, shame on you.
I am a huge fan of TWD but I am telling you, TWD is long gone.
DrDumb3 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Yes that's right, it's gone. TWD has been gone for a while after S08 and the release of Dead City. But this is a review for The Ones who Live so I will state why it wasn't good and there was no TWD vibe in it.
First, massive background sounds, which was so different from what they did in the main show. The showrunner, Scott M Gimple, in an episode commentary in the main show, saying that they only added the soundtracks when necessary. They wanted the viewers to feel the show, the background stories, to make the viewers feel that they were part of the show, like they were in the pandemic like the characters did, like they were fighting the walkers/villains with the characters. I didn't feel like I was watching a show, I was like, in their world, which was why I loved it so much. But in this spinoff, why there was a soundtrack for each scene, and it was so annoying. It was no different than those tenuous and cheap budgeted movies and tv series i watched before. I recently watched the show "The Wire" by David Simon, man there was no music at all (except some from the car audios in some episodes), I was so into it.
Secondly, the villains. In TWD and Fear the Walking Dead, each villain had their own stories. The shows focused on both the good people and the bad ones. But in this spinoff, no, just Rick and Michonne. The only one big villain, major general Beale, didn't have much about him and the show made him like a total idiot, easily to be defeated by two people. No no, the villains in TWD should be very strong and formidable that wouldn't be easily defeated. So the story was dull and plain.
Thirdly, too many kissing scenes, like really? I knew they loved each other very much but it didn't mean they had to kiss in every one hour or whatever. Did they want to make a sexually explicit spinoff?
Next, the show didn't have a lot of scenes about how hard it was for Michonne to find Rick. I felt like it didn't cost her so much to find Rick except that she was trapped with Nat in a building for almost a year after being attacked by a CRM chopper. The scene where Michonne and Rick reunited was a bit pushed-feeling. They used some touching lines and music to make people cry.
The only thing that made me feel so good about this show was the presence of Nat and Pearl Thorne. I believe most of you would agree with me on this. Nat was a chatty, friendly, smart and helpful survivor who was eager to learn sth new and wanted to be brave and strong just like Michonne was. Pearl was like a tough, smart, combat ready, and strong willed survivor. Unlike Rick, she gave up very early and she believed that CRM's way was the only way. From being on the same page to pointing gun to each other, it was a good script. There should have been more stories about those new characters.
I saw someone's post on a social media, that major general Beale was dumb and weak. It was wrong. He was the smartest one, he used people's desire: living behind the walls and being protected, to find out their strengths and weaknesses. To do so, he made them consignees. People who were strong would be selected to become his soldiers, making them believe that "his way was the only way", obeying his orders and following his lead. He wasn't dumb. He took the opportunity to recruit his pawns and build an army just because people really wanted to stay and would do whatever it took to earn their keep.
When you watch this show, the first three episodes should be watched one after another. Years Gone By: showing Michonne's journey and Rick's journey to find each other, and they found each other. The next two: what we Become: how stubborn Rick was to stay with the CRM and how strong minded Michonne was to convince him to go home (the show spent too much time on their argument, which was a bit boring to be honest). Then they became who they used to be: going home and bringing down Beale and Jadis. Then it is the season finale. I don't think there will be a season 2 because the season finale has a perfect fit happy ending and Scott M Gimple didnt really have a plan for the renewal.
First, massive background sounds, which was so different from what they did in the main show. The showrunner, Scott M Gimple, in an episode commentary in the main show, saying that they only added the soundtracks when necessary. They wanted the viewers to feel the show, the background stories, to make the viewers feel that they were part of the show, like they were in the pandemic like the characters did, like they were fighting the walkers/villains with the characters. I didn't feel like I was watching a show, I was like, in their world, which was why I loved it so much. But in this spinoff, why there was a soundtrack for each scene, and it was so annoying. It was no different than those tenuous and cheap budgeted movies and tv series i watched before. I recently watched the show "The Wire" by David Simon, man there was no music at all (except some from the car audios in some episodes), I was so into it.
Secondly, the villains. In TWD and Fear the Walking Dead, each villain had their own stories. The shows focused on both the good people and the bad ones. But in this spinoff, no, just Rick and Michonne. The only one big villain, major general Beale, didn't have much about him and the show made him like a total idiot, easily to be defeated by two people. No no, the villains in TWD should be very strong and formidable that wouldn't be easily defeated. So the story was dull and plain.
Thirdly, too many kissing scenes, like really? I knew they loved each other very much but it didn't mean they had to kiss in every one hour or whatever. Did they want to make a sexually explicit spinoff?
Next, the show didn't have a lot of scenes about how hard it was for Michonne to find Rick. I felt like it didn't cost her so much to find Rick except that she was trapped with Nat in a building for almost a year after being attacked by a CRM chopper. The scene where Michonne and Rick reunited was a bit pushed-feeling. They used some touching lines and music to make people cry.
The only thing that made me feel so good about this show was the presence of Nat and Pearl Thorne. I believe most of you would agree with me on this. Nat was a chatty, friendly, smart and helpful survivor who was eager to learn sth new and wanted to be brave and strong just like Michonne was. Pearl was like a tough, smart, combat ready, and strong willed survivor. Unlike Rick, she gave up very early and she believed that CRM's way was the only way. From being on the same page to pointing gun to each other, it was a good script. There should have been more stories about those new characters.
I saw someone's post on a social media, that major general Beale was dumb and weak. It was wrong. He was the smartest one, he used people's desire: living behind the walls and being protected, to find out their strengths and weaknesses. To do so, he made them consignees. People who were strong would be selected to become his soldiers, making them believe that "his way was the only way", obeying his orders and following his lead. He wasn't dumb. He took the opportunity to recruit his pawns and build an army just because people really wanted to stay and would do whatever it took to earn their keep.
When you watch this show, the first three episodes should be watched one after another. Years Gone By: showing Michonne's journey and Rick's journey to find each other, and they found each other. The next two: what we Become: how stubborn Rick was to stay with the CRM and how strong minded Michonne was to convince him to go home (the show spent too much time on their argument, which was a bit boring to be honest). Then they became who they used to be: going home and bringing down Beale and Jadis. Then it is the season finale. I don't think there will be a season 2 because the season finale has a perfect fit happy ending and Scott M Gimple didnt really have a plan for the renewal.
So relieved
jaimecave7 April 2024
I loved this!
Andrew Lincoln's acting was outstanding.
The music was excellent and really made me pay attention.
The storyline was spot on and I'm not sure who wrote for this but I love that they let us into Rick and Michonnes love for each other. I also weirdly appreciated the swearing, because you can't live in a world like this and not swear.
Danai Gurira never lets us down, no matter what she puts her hands to.
The spin offs have opened up lost opportunities from the original show and I'm here for it. I would love a cross over between the three to farewell the story, properly, once and for all, with absolute closure...no matter who lives or dies.
Andrew Lincoln's acting was outstanding.
The music was excellent and really made me pay attention.
The storyline was spot on and I'm not sure who wrote for this but I love that they let us into Rick and Michonnes love for each other. I also weirdly appreciated the swearing, because you can't live in a world like this and not swear.
Danai Gurira never lets us down, no matter what she puts her hands to.
The spin offs have opened up lost opportunities from the original show and I'm here for it. I would love a cross over between the three to farewell the story, properly, once and for all, with absolute closure...no matter who lives or dies.
Great start, mediocre ending
Carson1023 April 2024
The first three episodes are incredible, and felt like the peak of TWD returned. Absolutely jam packed, great story, and gave that signature walking dead feel that so few other shows have ever replicated. Then the fourth episode is quite literally 50 minutes of only two people talking. Then episode five barely advances the story and is more focused on barely related topics. Then episode six is tasked with wrapping the entire thing up within a single episode after the previous two were essentially wasted. I think I watched Rick and Michonne make out for at least 10 minutes of the last three episodes. It wraps up far too convenient, and doesn't give a satisfying ending. If you like TWD you'll love episodes 1-3, if you only care about watching Rick and Michonne's relationship you'll like episodes 4-6.
Contrived, rushed
fwfmusicproject2 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Hmm...don't get me wrong, I love the two main characters and love the two actors but this was really bad in almost every way and yes I did still watch it all. Contrived plot lines (like REALLY contrived) Michonne magically sees and shoots down the one helicopter that happens to be carrying Rick. In an entire country of wilderness, she was underneath at the exact moment and they hit their mark with homemade missiles. Lolz! Stupid! Just one example of the shockingly bad writing that went in here. To the weirdly rushed relationships Michonne makes with friends who they just as quickly kill off around four minutes later, to the bizarrely stupid gullible weak military force that has keeping Rick hostage, just about everything in this series wasn't necessary and was somehow also rushed and not honored. The South African accented character was bizarre and perhaps the least compelling character of the entire WD series. She was a weak foil, as was Jada. The ending was just as badly rushed. No one can ever do anything right, no one can hit their mark except for the two main characters. Weak villains, stupid contrived challenges that the characters overcome without a particularly good reason while everyone else is just a stormtrooper level of aim and competency. I wanted to see them get back to their family but wow, this was a lame way to go.
I'm absolutely grateful for this!
maddiefirth-483515 April 2024
Just recently I started watching The Walking Dead again, because I forgot where I left off, (around season 10.) It was always my favourite show as a kid, so it was sort of nostalgic to watch it again.
Once I got to the last episode, I was left at a cliff hanger wondering where the hell rick went? What happened to Michonne?
I did research, I was disappointed to find out that no new Walking Dead eps were coming out.
(Couple days later.) for the hell of it, I was watching some bts & videos of the cast. I came across a short of judith reuniting with her dad, with the caption, The Ones Who Survive. I was jumping with joy to find out, just when I started watching TWD again, this mini series came out! And I finally was gonna get the conclusion of what happened!!
Thank you so much for this! <3 10/10 (please make more!)
Once I got to the last episode, I was left at a cliff hanger wondering where the hell rick went? What happened to Michonne?
I did research, I was disappointed to find out that no new Walking Dead eps were coming out.
(Couple days later.) for the hell of it, I was watching some bts & videos of the cast. I came across a short of judith reuniting with her dad, with the caption, The Ones Who Survive. I was jumping with joy to find out, just when I started watching TWD again, this mini series came out! And I finally was gonna get the conclusion of what happened!!
Thank you so much for this! <3 10/10 (please make more!)
More episodes and less rush were needed
ConnorJDaley3 April 2024
It is rather disappointing that this went from the announced trilogy of Rick Grimes theatrical release movies, then to a series, and then to a limited series with only 6 episodes. It's of course pretty obvious that they aren't done yet, and that the spin-off shows are building up to some kind of reunion (the show runners have even talked about it at length), but six episodes was heinously rushed in my opinion. The entire thing builds to the big reveal, and then we get the plan to stop it, the execution, the climax, and the resolution all in one episode. And it's not even a long running episode! We used to get an hour and a half for practically nothing and this one just got bunched together and it pays for it. I get that it doesn't need the 16 episodes of the OG show's season length, but it does feel like they rushed it just to have things tie back together.
Still a 7.5 honestly, seeing Rick go all out again is very worth it. And the episodes that hit, hit in a really big way. The budget was used well.
Still a 7.5 honestly, seeing Rick go all out again is very worth it. And the episodes that hit, hit in a really big way. The budget was used well.
Okay-I'm not gonna lie.
MostlyPeacefulMatthew26 February 2024
Okay-I'm not gonna lie. The Ones Who Live first episode was pretty fire.
I didn't realize how much I actually missed Rick Grimes.
That alone is enough to watch it. Rick Grimes is one of the best characters ever put to screen. The argument is made all the time, he IS the Walking Dead. I do like the theme song in the opening credits as well.
It has great visuals. I feel it's very comic book-y. And I am actually already hooked in. I didn't really care that much with the other spin-offs. But Rick-I'm sucked in once again.
I know AMC is just never gonna end this freaking universe LOL. But I'll watch anything with Rick in it.
9 stars.
I didn't realize how much I actually missed Rick Grimes.
That alone is enough to watch it. Rick Grimes is one of the best characters ever put to screen. The argument is made all the time, he IS the Walking Dead. I do like the theme song in the opening credits as well.
It has great visuals. I feel it's very comic book-y. And I am actually already hooked in. I didn't really care that much with the other spin-offs. But Rick-I'm sucked in once again.
I know AMC is just never gonna end this freaking universe LOL. But I'll watch anything with Rick in it.
9 stars.
Seems to be polarizing...
NullUnit25 February 2024
Lots of "fanboi" 10s .. and "hater "1s here....
Truth is the premier was interesting. Had its fair share of both drama and action. But was neither bad nor good in my opinion.
I didn't love nor hate the premier. It was better than the other "stupid writing" spinoffs... but it wasn't so much better as to have me believe the series will flesh out well. I'll have to reserve judgment on the overall story.
I do find it somewhat odd they seem to want to focus on the "love story" between Rick and Michon.. but on screen.. what I've seen over the years... has never been a "love story". If anything it has always appeared to be a relationship of convenience. I mean who else was Rick going to get a "female fix'" from.. and who else was Michon going to hook up with? They were the only two available adults... so.. love?? Meh.. always been quite a stretch in my opinion. More like friends with benefits if you ask me.
I felt a little shorted that the series didn't focus the start with Rick at the river and pick up from there. Many of the initial scene sequences were not impactful because they were a mish-mash of various scenes from apparently different times. Things got a bit better once they established the timeline better.
And the two of them at the park bench.. just silly inconsequential scenes TRYING so hard to establish a "love story" that never really happened - and can not happen in that manner. HOWEVER, knowing the writing for the various series.. and knowing how they just continually rehash the SAME writing.... I suspect this is all a flash-forward to some end of season/series setting where they are "pretending" to know know each other.... Tease the end.. because getting there without teasing will lose viewers.
Premier wasn't as bad as other premiers .. do miss the illustrative opening sequence though. Those are much better than the video clips they are using for this spinoff.
Will have to wait and see....
--------------------
Ep 2 was, for me, on the same middle ground - not bad, but not great either. It makes sense that ep1 was primarily Rick's tale, and eps 2 was primarily Michone's tale.. and now things can move forward after they have reconnected. No park bench in ep2.. so now I figure the park bench in ep1 was a Rick fantasy about the future, perhaps not reality.
The first two episodes do have me wondering.. is each episode going to introduce new characters just to kill them off before the episode ends??
Thus far.. not terrible. I do like that people seem to be written a bit more realistic than the other spinoffs.... "Just give her a f'n horse" was a realistic scene that has been VERY rare in the writing for more than a decade across 6 different shows.
-----------------------
Episode 3 and the "stupid writing" is back.. causing characters to make stupid decisions just for the sake of some visual they want to pull off.
This spin off does appear to be better than all the other spin offs.. but it is falling into the same traps and pitfalls TWD "Universe" has suffered from since season 4 of the original show. In addition.. as I've posted Rick and Michone's relationship has NEVER appeared to be "love" in the "soulmate" sort of way. It's always been FAR MORE of a "friends with benefits" type of love on screen. Perhaps the producers and show runners THINK they've portrayed a "love story" but they NEVER have. Just compare Rick and Michone with Maggie and Glen.. there's a CLEAR difference. Better team all around for early TWD episodes I suspect. They are reaching...... pushing.. stretching ... to force a relationship as if it's always been portrayed on screen when it hasn't.
I'll end up hate-watching this, just like all the other spin offs.. but it's not moving to the top of the "to watch" list any time soon. I'm now solid in the 6 star rating... better than other spin offs.. but nowhere close to the original (pre-season 4).
Truth is the premier was interesting. Had its fair share of both drama and action. But was neither bad nor good in my opinion.
I didn't love nor hate the premier. It was better than the other "stupid writing" spinoffs... but it wasn't so much better as to have me believe the series will flesh out well. I'll have to reserve judgment on the overall story.
I do find it somewhat odd they seem to want to focus on the "love story" between Rick and Michon.. but on screen.. what I've seen over the years... has never been a "love story". If anything it has always appeared to be a relationship of convenience. I mean who else was Rick going to get a "female fix'" from.. and who else was Michon going to hook up with? They were the only two available adults... so.. love?? Meh.. always been quite a stretch in my opinion. More like friends with benefits if you ask me.
I felt a little shorted that the series didn't focus the start with Rick at the river and pick up from there. Many of the initial scene sequences were not impactful because they were a mish-mash of various scenes from apparently different times. Things got a bit better once they established the timeline better.
And the two of them at the park bench.. just silly inconsequential scenes TRYING so hard to establish a "love story" that never really happened - and can not happen in that manner. HOWEVER, knowing the writing for the various series.. and knowing how they just continually rehash the SAME writing.... I suspect this is all a flash-forward to some end of season/series setting where they are "pretending" to know know each other.... Tease the end.. because getting there without teasing will lose viewers.
Premier wasn't as bad as other premiers .. do miss the illustrative opening sequence though. Those are much better than the video clips they are using for this spinoff.
Will have to wait and see....
--------------------
Ep 2 was, for me, on the same middle ground - not bad, but not great either. It makes sense that ep1 was primarily Rick's tale, and eps 2 was primarily Michone's tale.. and now things can move forward after they have reconnected. No park bench in ep2.. so now I figure the park bench in ep1 was a Rick fantasy about the future, perhaps not reality.
The first two episodes do have me wondering.. is each episode going to introduce new characters just to kill them off before the episode ends??
Thus far.. not terrible. I do like that people seem to be written a bit more realistic than the other spinoffs.... "Just give her a f'n horse" was a realistic scene that has been VERY rare in the writing for more than a decade across 6 different shows.
-----------------------
Episode 3 and the "stupid writing" is back.. causing characters to make stupid decisions just for the sake of some visual they want to pull off.
This spin off does appear to be better than all the other spin offs.. but it is falling into the same traps and pitfalls TWD "Universe" has suffered from since season 4 of the original show. In addition.. as I've posted Rick and Michone's relationship has NEVER appeared to be "love" in the "soulmate" sort of way. It's always been FAR MORE of a "friends with benefits" type of love on screen. Perhaps the producers and show runners THINK they've portrayed a "love story" but they NEVER have. Just compare Rick and Michone with Maggie and Glen.. there's a CLEAR difference. Better team all around for early TWD episodes I suspect. They are reaching...... pushing.. stretching ... to force a relationship as if it's always been portrayed on screen when it hasn't.
I'll end up hate-watching this, just like all the other spin offs.. but it's not moving to the top of the "to watch" list any time soon. I'm now solid in the 6 star rating... better than other spin offs.. but nowhere close to the original (pre-season 4).
Episode 6 blew me away.
WarMovieCollector6 April 2024
Incredible take on Michonne's turbulent journey in her quest to find and rescue Rick Grimes from the CRM (Civic Republic Military).
Writers of this anthology series (collections of shorter works) made a good move shortening the stories. The pervious approach to the main Walking Dead series was a little long winded, I thought. This miniseries was direct, in your face, no nonsense drama. Great written lines. Character dynamics, cinematography, sound effects, emotional scenes done to perfection.
The Echelon Briefing scene in Final Episode 6 blew me away. So much raw tension! The plot in that scene gave me flashbacks of the zombie game, Resident Evil 2. In the game's plot, Umbrella Corporation with the backing of the US goverment contained the outbreak of the T-Virus in Racoon City by deploying an experimental thermobaric missile. Organized killing, ruthless efficiency at the highest level. In my view, the CRM is a modern day equivalent of the Schutzstaffel (SS), a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) during WW2. Just bone chilling. I hope there is a season 2 in the future.
Writers of this anthology series (collections of shorter works) made a good move shortening the stories. The pervious approach to the main Walking Dead series was a little long winded, I thought. This miniseries was direct, in your face, no nonsense drama. Great written lines. Character dynamics, cinematography, sound effects, emotional scenes done to perfection.
The Echelon Briefing scene in Final Episode 6 blew me away. So much raw tension! The plot in that scene gave me flashbacks of the zombie game, Resident Evil 2. In the game's plot, Umbrella Corporation with the backing of the US goverment contained the outbreak of the T-Virus in Racoon City by deploying an experimental thermobaric missile. Organized killing, ruthless efficiency at the highest level. In my view, the CRM is a modern day equivalent of the Schutzstaffel (SS), a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) during WW2. Just bone chilling. I hope there is a season 2 in the future.
Disappointing, but no surprise at this point
brent-paft10 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
For AMC's cash cow, it's baffling why they don't hire proper talented writers/directors as they did with the first season.
Given how long TWD dragged on, being practically b-rate script-wise in the later half, you'd have thought they'd have breathed new life into these spin-offs, but nope. They're mostly the same tripe but with more impressive production. They have a different feel to the original show, but I don't know whether that is a good thing or not. They've had moments where they've been good, just a shame they couldn't keep that throughout an entire episode.
Oddly, despite it being rated the least, I think I favour Dead City the most so far.
It is a little too early to judge The Ones Who Live properly, so I will update after the last episode. But for now, I am not overly impressed story-wise.
For a story that centres around two lovers, I don't truly buy their love. They're good together, just not as lovers. It feels corny and forced.
This series is "fine" and given that I only have 3 episodes to go I'll continue it, but it is far from great or good even. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad by any means, the actors are good, but it isn't anything special unfortunately. Much like the previous spin-offs, there's some good stuff sprinkled throughout. I liked Matthew Jeffers as Nat and Craig Tate as Donald Okafor for example.
Apparently according to one reviewer--if you give this a 6 it just shows "how jealous, miserable and sad you are" Really? I am only 3 episodes in but this a 7 at the very best. Of course that reviewer gave it a 10/10.... Jealous? Yes, I'm jealous you can enjoy it so much, I wish I could. I really want to like these shows, but they're making it hard for me too.
Giving this show an 8 or above is preposterous. That would pretty much mean it is up there with the all-time greats. Madness. It is fine to have a guilty pleasure show, but don't be silly now. This is far from captivating television, it isn't anything we haven't seen before. The CRM stuff in particular is rather far-fetched and dull at the same time. We've more or less already seen this with the Commonwealth.
Compared to the heyday, TWD "universe" practically has a cult following at this point, which is evident from the 8.9 score with "only" 11K votes. Increase those votes to 200k, and the score would probably 7.5 give or take. The simple reason why the viewing figures dropped for the TWD is the writing, and that still applies today sadly.
Update after ep 6: ---------------------
It is actually depressing this is the best they could do. The ending with the family reuniting... When the scene first started I did briefly start feeling emotional, but the more it went on the more cheesy and unnatural it felt. At one point the child actor for RJ even briefly looks at the camera. The music accompanying it as the scene closes is as corny as it gets. Unbelievable that this is what we got. What is just as annoying are the "fans" gushing over this show. Sad.
No wonder AMC has no incentive to hire actual talent when these NPCs are loving this tripe. I suppose it makes sense-- written by NPCs, watched by NPCs.
The flashbacks were just a sad reminder of a better show. Particularly the early ones when Carl was a little child.
If had the choice to go back I wouldn't watch it.
Given how long TWD dragged on, being practically b-rate script-wise in the later half, you'd have thought they'd have breathed new life into these spin-offs, but nope. They're mostly the same tripe but with more impressive production. They have a different feel to the original show, but I don't know whether that is a good thing or not. They've had moments where they've been good, just a shame they couldn't keep that throughout an entire episode.
Oddly, despite it being rated the least, I think I favour Dead City the most so far.
It is a little too early to judge The Ones Who Live properly, so I will update after the last episode. But for now, I am not overly impressed story-wise.
For a story that centres around two lovers, I don't truly buy their love. They're good together, just not as lovers. It feels corny and forced.
This series is "fine" and given that I only have 3 episodes to go I'll continue it, but it is far from great or good even. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad by any means, the actors are good, but it isn't anything special unfortunately. Much like the previous spin-offs, there's some good stuff sprinkled throughout. I liked Matthew Jeffers as Nat and Craig Tate as Donald Okafor for example.
Apparently according to one reviewer--if you give this a 6 it just shows "how jealous, miserable and sad you are" Really? I am only 3 episodes in but this a 7 at the very best. Of course that reviewer gave it a 10/10.... Jealous? Yes, I'm jealous you can enjoy it so much, I wish I could. I really want to like these shows, but they're making it hard for me too.
Giving this show an 8 or above is preposterous. That would pretty much mean it is up there with the all-time greats. Madness. It is fine to have a guilty pleasure show, but don't be silly now. This is far from captivating television, it isn't anything we haven't seen before. The CRM stuff in particular is rather far-fetched and dull at the same time. We've more or less already seen this with the Commonwealth.
Compared to the heyday, TWD "universe" practically has a cult following at this point, which is evident from the 8.9 score with "only" 11K votes. Increase those votes to 200k, and the score would probably 7.5 give or take. The simple reason why the viewing figures dropped for the TWD is the writing, and that still applies today sadly.
Update after ep 6: ---------------------
It is actually depressing this is the best they could do. The ending with the family reuniting... When the scene first started I did briefly start feeling emotional, but the more it went on the more cheesy and unnatural it felt. At one point the child actor for RJ even briefly looks at the camera. The music accompanying it as the scene closes is as corny as it gets. Unbelievable that this is what we got. What is just as annoying are the "fans" gushing over this show. Sad.
No wonder AMC has no incentive to hire actual talent when these NPCs are loving this tripe. I suppose it makes sense-- written by NPCs, watched by NPCs.
The flashbacks were just a sad reminder of a better show. Particularly the early ones when Carl was a little child.
If had the choice to go back I wouldn't watch it.
Rushed
beckersjos2 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I've just completed the entire season, and I can't help but feel that this spinoff is rushed. Significant characters are quickly disposed of, leaving little room for intrigue. Despite being absent for years, Rick fails to even mention his former family. The explanation for the brainwashing subplot feels too brief. Overall, a greater number of episodes with more thorough explanations would have made more sense. The sporadic jumps to the past seem unnecessary; dedicating full episodes to those moments, akin to the approach in the original series, would have been preferable. Despite its flaws, I still found Nat's character compelling. The action sequences were well-executed, but character development was lacking. Michonne's decision to spare Rick seemed illogical given the circumstances. Michone, the old one would of have just killed this Rick off.
Masterpiece!! 10!
Victor41125 February 2024
Absolute masterpiece!!!Character dynamics,cinematography,sound effects,emotional scenes awesome!!
Literally enjoyed every second of the first ep. We've been waiting for production like this in the walking dead universe. Especially sound effects and cinematography were something else!
The plot twist was unexpected. Ending was the most emotional part! New characters like Okafor,Thorne,Beale had amazing introductions and impacts! Story quality was better than I expected. I hope it keeps this quality. This was what all the walking dead universe fans needed. Amazing performances by Andrew Lincoln and Craig Tate. Thank you for this! Hyped for rest of the show.
Literally enjoyed every second of the first ep. We've been waiting for production like this in the walking dead universe. Especially sound effects and cinematography were something else!
The plot twist was unexpected. Ending was the most emotional part! New characters like Okafor,Thorne,Beale had amazing introductions and impacts! Story quality was better than I expected. I hope it keeps this quality. This was what all the walking dead universe fans needed. Amazing performances by Andrew Lincoln and Craig Tate. Thank you for this! Hyped for rest of the show.
As good as The Walking Dead at its peak
packersfootball-9509424 March 2024
The spinoff to The Walking Dead with everyone's favorite characters is finally here and it's as good as when The Walking Dead was at its peak in the first few seasons. I was a big fan of The Walking Dead, so much so that I've watched it all the way through twice. I really don't understand some of these negative reviews that I'm reading. What didn't you like? I see some people complaining because it's not exactly what they had in their had for Rick and Michonne's story. So what? If you don't like it then don't watch it. Stop trying to ruin it for all the people who do like it, which seems like a lot considering it's doing great in the ratings and has high review scores. The one complaint I have is that it's only 6 episodes. I wish it was more like 8-10 but oh well, at least we got something.
wonderful start but bad ending
cominileonardo2 April 2024
All beautiful, the return of the great rick grimes where he loses his hand but she struggles to try to escape from this group called CRM thanks to the arrival of Michonne who leaves and finds herself with a group that helps her achieve her goal. The first two episodes well done and well explained, then it already starts to get lost a little bit by bit in the following episodes, it becomes too much of a love story mostly just featuring Rick and Michonne kissing as if they were kids. The ending arrives and total disappointment it seems as if it were the ending of Game of Thrones, not making sense and with holes in the story... then Rick returns to his group and they only show Judith and Rick Jr...
This proved we don't need Quantity Shows, we need Quality shows like this!
arora-pawan125 February 2024
After last few seasons of The Walking Dead, after Rick's departure, after Mediocre Spin-Offs didn't expect something Soo Good from The Walking Dead Universe! This proved we don't need Quantity Shows, we need Quality shows like this!
Direction, Visuals, BGM. Everything is Perfect
Andrew Lincolns performance throughout Walking Dead deserves all the praise one can, and he stayed consistently good here as well. Unlike Most Spin-Offs, this Spin-Off is the best I saw in recent times!
Story wise, single episode didn't more than rest 2 Spin-Offs Combined, so I would give it a Solid 10/10
Looking forward to upcoming episodes!
Direction, Visuals, BGM. Everything is Perfect
Andrew Lincolns performance throughout Walking Dead deserves all the praise one can, and he stayed consistently good here as well. Unlike Most Spin-Offs, this Spin-Off is the best I saw in recent times!
Story wise, single episode didn't more than rest 2 Spin-Offs Combined, so I would give it a Solid 10/10
Looking forward to upcoming episodes!
See also
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