Part of the problem with The Walking Dead, or any show for that matter, is being able to reach the endgame in a way that both meets the amount of episodes the network wants, and also in a way that feels right narratively speaking. "East" contained solid character drama, but it also just felt like the writers had to create an episode which set everything up with no real explanation or intelligence when it comes to character choices. Seriously, did everyone just forget how to think correctly?
It all began with Carol leaving last week. She set off a chain reaction for people leaving Alexandria for no real reason. Daryl left to immediately seek revenge on Dwight for killing Denise, which set off Glenn, Rosita, and Michonne to go after him. Meanwhile, both Morgan and Rick went after Carol. This all left Alexandria incredibly vulnerable in a time where they should know battle is upon them. Sure, this gave the episode of sense of urgency in going out in finding their friends/family, but it never really felt like a penultimate episode.
I particularly took issue with Glenn going out there. It really seems like the writers want to put several of the big names out in the field to make us guess who will fall in the season finale, but really, Glenn had no reason to be out there. His wife is pregnant and didn't he say a few months back that he will "never leave her side again"? On the other hand, Rosita seems like a likely choice to be killed off next week in the finale. Abraham has moved on and Denise's death shook her to the core as well. So it's likely just her or Daryl and I have to believe they wouldn't yet kill Daryl off.
Which brings up the other big issue with the episode. The ending. No that couldn't have been Daryl dying. But I do believe they wanted us to think that. It's just another ending for TWD that seemed to be done with pure shock value in mind. Plus, is Dwight just okay now after getting bit by Eugene last week?
The huge positive this week was Carol. Her hyperventilating act worked yet again as she managed to kill quite a few Saviors who were on their way to Alexandria. Although, it sure seems like it's not really an act at all. Carol legitimately didn't want to kill them, which makes the gun-through-the-coat kills even better. With Carol seemingly gone in the woods somewhere, I don't think we will see her till next season.
Morgan and Rick's trip took a similar approach. It seems fitting that Morgan would be the one to go after Carol and so that's the side arc I'm looking forward to the most in the coming episodes. Morgan's goodbye to Rick almost felt final. It would be weird if they didn't see each other again, but with Morgan leaving everything out on the table as he told Rick about the Wolves prisoner he took, it's leaning towards that being it.
On a side note, what was going on with Maggie there? With no doctor left as Denise is dead, could this send her out on the road to get help from Hilltop? So overall, it was an episode that seemed to do exactly what it wanted to do in order to set up next week, even if it meant sacrificing all logic and consistencies. I expect next week to end with a bang or two and hopefully lead us in the right direction for season 7.
+Character drama between Rick and Morgan
+Carol killing it
-Not much logic in sending that many people out?
-Too much set up
7.2/10
It all began with Carol leaving last week. She set off a chain reaction for people leaving Alexandria for no real reason. Daryl left to immediately seek revenge on Dwight for killing Denise, which set off Glenn, Rosita, and Michonne to go after him. Meanwhile, both Morgan and Rick went after Carol. This all left Alexandria incredibly vulnerable in a time where they should know battle is upon them. Sure, this gave the episode of sense of urgency in going out in finding their friends/family, but it never really felt like a penultimate episode.
I particularly took issue with Glenn going out there. It really seems like the writers want to put several of the big names out in the field to make us guess who will fall in the season finale, but really, Glenn had no reason to be out there. His wife is pregnant and didn't he say a few months back that he will "never leave her side again"? On the other hand, Rosita seems like a likely choice to be killed off next week in the finale. Abraham has moved on and Denise's death shook her to the core as well. So it's likely just her or Daryl and I have to believe they wouldn't yet kill Daryl off.
Which brings up the other big issue with the episode. The ending. No that couldn't have been Daryl dying. But I do believe they wanted us to think that. It's just another ending for TWD that seemed to be done with pure shock value in mind. Plus, is Dwight just okay now after getting bit by Eugene last week?
The huge positive this week was Carol. Her hyperventilating act worked yet again as she managed to kill quite a few Saviors who were on their way to Alexandria. Although, it sure seems like it's not really an act at all. Carol legitimately didn't want to kill them, which makes the gun-through-the-coat kills even better. With Carol seemingly gone in the woods somewhere, I don't think we will see her till next season.
Morgan and Rick's trip took a similar approach. It seems fitting that Morgan would be the one to go after Carol and so that's the side arc I'm looking forward to the most in the coming episodes. Morgan's goodbye to Rick almost felt final. It would be weird if they didn't see each other again, but with Morgan leaving everything out on the table as he told Rick about the Wolves prisoner he took, it's leaning towards that being it.
On a side note, what was going on with Maggie there? With no doctor left as Denise is dead, could this send her out on the road to get help from Hilltop? So overall, it was an episode that seemed to do exactly what it wanted to do in order to set up next week, even if it meant sacrificing all logic and consistencies. I expect next week to end with a bang or two and hopefully lead us in the right direction for season 7.
+Character drama between Rick and Morgan
+Carol killing it
-Not much logic in sending that many people out?
-Too much set up
7.2/10