TV Screenshot: Carl takes a moment to enjoy the finer things in life on The Walking Dead

Welcome to the first of what I hope are many posts highlighting what I personally find to be some of the more memorable or visually appetising moments from television and film. As a fan of the medium I often find myself screen-shoting scenes from television shows and movies that stand out among the rest to save as my desktop wallpaper on my personal computer, and through this blog I'll be sharing them with you.

To start things off is a moment from The Walking Dead mid-season premiere, 'After', that aired this week. The Walking Dead is not an inherently upbeat show. Obviously it deals with the a post-apocalyptic situation in which majority of the worlds population are zombies and the series follows the lives of those who seem to survive and fight their inevitable fates. This moment in particular, finds Carl Grimes enjoying an entire 112 ounce tin of chocolate pudding all to himself. Despite the fact that his father is lying comatose in a house nearby, or the fact he once again just wandered off unnecessarily and almost got eaten by the walker reaching out from the window behind him (he got his shoe, not Carl) the moment is a simply joyous one of a young boy experiencing the joy of unhealthy food. The walker's arm protruding from the window remains a remain of the dangers that are constantly present within Carl's world. But there are just some simple joys of life that no one, not even a zombie apocalypse can take away from you, and Carl enjoying a tin of pudding all to himself in this scene proves that to us.

Television Characters That Can't Be Killed

Writers pride themselves in creating loveable and memorable characters for audiences, and it's particularly important when it comes to television, because it's the characters that audiences keep coming back to watch each week. But there's more than one way to convince viewers to tune in and, and writers love nothing more than to place beloved characters in mortal danger to really keep audiences enthralled during an episode, on in anticipation for the next one.

The recent True Blood finale provides an excellent example of this, with the fate of arguably the show’s most popular vampire, Eric, played by Alexander Skarsgard, being left up in the air until the shows next season after he burst into flames on top of the mountain in the Swiss Alps. The discussion of the shows finale could have easily been about Warlow's sudden but inevitable transformation into the season's big villain, or Billith's transgression back to Bill, or that intriguing six month flash into the future, but no, fans, especially the female ones, were most concerned about the fate of their beloved Eric. And of course, the one question on everyone's lips until the show return in nine months is, 'is Eric really dead?' 

The obvious answer to that question would be evident to the most casual television viewer, which is, of course not. Not only is Eric a main character of True Blood, but he is an integral member of the shows forever running love saga, him being one of Sookie's many potential suitors, of which he is the most liked by viewers. For the writers to kill him off would unleash the most furious fan backlash a television show has ever seen, and the show would undoubtedly lose a substantial amount of viewers because of it.

The fact is in television, like most storytelling, there are some characters that just can't be killed. Some for the reason above, but mostly, characters that are integral to a shows plot, the 'main' ones, can't be killed because the show is about them, and it wouldn't be the same show without them. Shows that share their titles with the main lead are the most obvious ones. Dexter, Castle, Bones and Nikita are all shows in which the lead can't die (unless it's at the very end). And I don't recall House, Veronica Mars, or Buffy dying either (okay so Buffy died twice, but she came back because she couldn't stay dead! There wouldn't be a show without her.) And then there are shows in which there are one or more main characters who are so closely linked with the premise that there would be no show without them. There would be no Revenge without Emily, no Supernatural without Sam and Dean etc.

And then there are those characters like Eric, whose name's not in the title, and who the show could easily go on without, despite fan backlash. But writers understand the importance of keeping audiences both entertained and happy, and that means that there are some characters that just can't and won't be killed, and why Eric will most definitely survive to see True Blood's seventh season (SPOILER: True Blood producer Brian Buckner has confirmed this). And here's some other cherished television characters that are never going to suffer that fate because of how much they are loved by audiences:

Richard Harrow (Boardwalk Empire):

Since the shocking death of Jimmy Darmody on the period drama series that depicts the prohibition era in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Richard Harrow, a disfigured war veteran, has cemented his position as a fan favourite character. Despite the amount of violence that usually surrounds him, and the horrors he endured during his time in the war, Harrow is portrayed as a very childlike character, who is still discovering the world for the first time (or possibly again after the war) and it's a fascinating journey for audiences to watch. While Harrow is a simple and innocent man that knows nothing more than the hand life has dealt him, he's not one to ask for sympathy, and that, ironically, is what makes him such a sympathetic character for audiences. His temperament, sense of dress, and all the other ways in which he is presented make him a beautifully haunting character. Harrow is also an expert gunman, which not only comes in handy for those characters lucky enough to be his allies, but also strikes fear in his enemies. Any scene with him and a gun in it is fraught with tension because of his calm demeanour in wielding a weapon, and his shooting abilities not only ensure his livelihood on the show, but in the hearts of audiences as well.

Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad):

As Breaking Bad heads towards its final episode, fans of the show have been speculating wildly as to how things will end for science teacher turned drug lord Walter White. Just as importantly is how the characters around Walt, his family, and his ex-partner in crime Jesse, will be effected by the fallout that is undoubtedly going to befall him, and whether or not they'll be partially responsible for it, or just get caught in the crossfire. For the entire run of Breaking Bad Jesse has again and again suffered greatly because of Walt's actions, which has taken a significant emotional toll on his character. He has become the series' most sympathetic figure, a young man out of his depth who wants desperately to repent for his past sins. So for many fans, Jesse's death at the end of the series would simply be unjustifiable. He's been the moral centre for a show whose main protagonist has progressively turned into an antagonist, so if there's one thing fans want from the end of Breaking Bad, it's a happy ending for Jesse (or at least one that doesn't involve him dying).

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones):

It's probably stupid to say that characters in Game of Thrones can't be killed, considering that the author of the fantasy book series the show is based off, George R.R. Martin, has become infamous for killing off prominent characters in shocking and unexpected ways, but I'm going to anyway. The reason Daenerys can't be killed off is that, and note I have not read the books, Game of Thrones is essentially her story. While majority of the characters are centralised on a singular continent, albeit a large one containing many kingdoms, Daenerys has spent three seasons separated from them in her attempts to return there. She’s crossed oceans, married the leader of a savage tribe, freed slave people and is the mother of dragons, who believes her rightful place is atop the throne in King's Landing. It's debatable whether or not she will succeed, but general storytelling practices tells us that so much time wouldn't be spent on a character and her journey unless it was for a reason. So Daenerys will eventually get to King's Landing, and hopefully fight for the thrown, and that's precisely why she cannot die.

Nolan Ross (Revenge):

Nolan is the smart, sarcastic and level-headed sidekick that anyone who's trying to exact large amounts of revenge on people, in this case the rich and powerful, needs. For Revenge, Nolan provides a much needed dose of humour into the Hamptons. Dramas like Revenge have a tendency to take themselves incredibly seriously, which can make for painful or hilarious viewing depending on your taste. Regardless, Nolan has that unique self-referential wit that stops the show from veering into the melodramatic too often, and audiences can't help but relate and understand the snarky comments he makes about the rich socialites he ostracises himself from. This in turn demonstrates his role as the moral compass of the show, sharing the highlife status, but distancing himself from it and trying to use his money and power for good. While he is an integral part of Emily's revenge plans, he's always questioning her motives, ensuring that her fiery temperament doesn't get the best of her by reminding her she's fighting to avenge the injustice her father was served. His strong emotional ties with Emily also form the show’s most meaningful (and pretty much only platonic) relationship, which make him an indispensable character that fans couldn't stand to lose.

Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead):

It's difficult to say that a character in a show about the zombie apocalypse won't die, but again, I'm going to anyway. The Walking Dead prides itself on the grittiness it's genre can present on television, and killing major characters throughout its run has been a recurring, if not constant, occurrence. The show also prides itself on its characters, those who are fighting to survive in a dying world, and who better to represent that then a very American 'everyman'. While he was portrayed as a low-life, self-serving southerner in the shows first season, after the departure of his antagonising brother Merle from the group, The Walking Dead showcased Daryl’s transformation. His skills as a hunter and tracker make him an important member of the group, and while initially seeming untrusting, Daryl has warmed to the others, and as he did so, the audiences warmed to him. Now he's arguably the most competent character on the show, with Rick suffering a prolonged mental breakdown, but he's far too humble to try and lead the others, but rather content on being the man everyone turns to for help. And of course he has to retain he's masculinity while doing this, so there's a lot of crossbows, really aggressive glaring and an occasional wise-crack to round out this lovable character. To be honest, Daryl can't die on The Walking Dead, because if he did, everyone else would soon follow.

So do you agree with my picks? Are these characters just too valuable to their respective shows, and more importantly, their fans, to die? Or do you think they're just as expendable as any other character? And do you have any characters you love so much that the show they're in would be forever ruined if they died?

The Walking Dead 3.16 Review: Welcome To The Tombs

After Rick's decision not to give Michonne to The Governor, as well as Merle's suicide mission to stop The Governor himself, Rick and the others found themselves preparing to finally face him, seemingly packing up the prison in an attempt to escape. At Woodbury The Governor tortures Milton for burning the pit of walkers and betraying him, and tells him to kill Andrea. He tries to kill The Governor instead but he is stabbed, and The Governor leaves Milton to die there so he will return as a walker and kill Andrea. The Governor and his troops leave Woodbury to attack the prison, but Tyresse and Sasha stay behind to guard the woman and children that cannot fight. The Governor and his men storm the prison, destroying many gates and blowing up several guard towers with their machine guns. They scour the prison for Rick and the others, and it looks as though they have left until, once The Governor has lead his men into the depths of the prison a group of zombies is strategically released upon them. Majority of the Governor's men panic and flee, forcing them all to retreat, and as they leave the prison, Rick and the others shoot at them. In the aftermath of his defeat The Governor chases down his deserters and brutally massacres them all, except Karen who hides under one of the fallen men's body's. Rick decides that they must chase after The Governor before he attacks again and he Daryl and Michonne follow him back to Woodbury. On their way they come across the massacre and Karen informs them what has happened. Upon arriving at Woodbury Karen explains to Tyresse and Sasha what The Governor has done, and he lets Rick and the others in, who now know Andrea didn't make it make to the prison. They find her in the interrogation room, she managed to kill Milton when he came back as a walker, but not before being bitten badly on the neck. She asks Rick to let her shoot herself before she turns and he obliges. Rick and the others then return to the prison, having bought Tyresse, Sasha, Karen and the the other surviving members of Woddbury back with them.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Walking Dead 3.13 Review: Arrow on the Doorpost

Rick and the Governor finally met this week, under an attempt by Andria to negotiate a seize fire between those at the prison and Woodbury. Both Rick and the Governor however are leaders who will do whatever it takes to get things done, and neither is very willing to compromise. I felt as frustrated at them as Andrea did when they asked her to leave the meeting, but I simultaneously understood that in the world of The Walking Dead trust is something very few survivors can afford to do and both Rick and the Governor live by this. During the meeting Daryl and Hershel conversed with Martinez and Milton highlighting how similar the two groups are and potentially trying to build some history between characters so that when the inevitable time comes they have to fight each other, the stakes will seem that little bit higher (despite that nothing these characters shared during this episode was all that interesting). Back at the prison Merle believes that it's a good idea to attack the Governor now while he's unprepared, Glenn disagrees with him and refuses to let Merle jeopardise the lives of Rick and the others. A fight ensues but Beth breaks it up by shooting a gun. Merle settles down, but tries his hardest to convince Michonne that it could be their last chance to take the Governor by surprise. Later on Glenn and Maggie inevitably make up, so much so that they have sex while on watch. While I was a little annoyed the Rick confide in Hershel that he was considering giving up Michonne, it most certainly brings up interesting ethical and moral decisions that will likely have dire consequences regardless of Rick's choice. If he gives The Governor Michonne he is betraying a woman who, while new, has been invaluable to their groups survival. Then, as we know, the fact that the Governor is going to kill them regardless of them sacrificing Michonne. Rick raises an interesting point to Hershel though. Are they really willing to risk all their lives for Michonne? Yes, the Governor will kill them regardless, but is fighting for Michonne's life a more or less valuable cause then fighting for their own? Rick's decision to tell the others that that Governor wants them dead was a wise move. Now only he and Hershel have to be burdened with the fact that by giving up Michonne they could possibly save themselves, while the others will fight has hard as they can, believing that it is their only option.

Rating: 3/5

The Walking Dead 2.8 Review: Made To Suffer

Rick, Daryl, Michonne and Oscar attempted to rescue Glen and Maggie from Woodbury this week, and despite some incredibly stupid decisions, and a rather unbelievably easy entrance and escape, things were relatively entertaining. Rick and Michonne are two very entertaining characters, but also both have quite frustrating demeanour's, and watching them squabble over how things should be done is increasingly annoying. Regardless, both were able to successfully get what they want through the use of an endless supply of smoke grenades. Rick was able to retrieve Glen and Maggie, although Oscar didn't survive, unsurprisingly, and Michonne was at least able to attempt to get revenge on The Governer, and their fight was the highlight of the episode.

The Governer's motivations are still a mystery, but at least this episode gave audiences a closer look at his psyche, and how far he's willing to go to stop 'the terrorists' who he thinks are desperate to take what he has created in Woodbury. His seething anger at Merle for lying to him about Michonne's death led to the exciting closing scene in which he decided to bit Merle against his long lost brother Daryl in a fight, presumably to the death. The shock on Andrea's face was another great moment, a woman whose seemingly new found perfect world has just been shattered by the shocking clash of people from her past and present.

Back at the prison Carl is being all adult and emotionless as usual, and presumed paedophile Axel is making the moves on Beth, but not Carol because she's totally a lesbian. In more entertaining news, a group runs into the prison seeking refuge, and while the beginning of the episode showed them struggling with trying to keep one of there own around after they've been bit, something I'm sick of watching, it's a necessary reminder about how far Rick and the others have come. While I'm hesitant for The Walking Dead to add even more characters, I understand their need in a show with such a high death count.

Rating: 3/5

My Fall Television Schedule

So today ABC released the premiere dates for its fall schedule this year. Now I finally have an idea of what my purposed television schedule will look like, and I am simultaneously both very excited and horrified. Excited that some of my favourite shows are returning (like Boardwalk Empire and 30 Rock) and that I finally get to check out some of my most anticipated new shows that I hope will become my favourites (like Nashville and Revolution). Horrified because I don't think I've ever tried to watch so much television in my life. I've only just gotten into downloading and this is my first 'season' in which I'll actively try and keep up with shows that are airing in the US instead of waiting for them to air here in Australia. Further horrified because, by looking at my proposed fall television schedule I already know several of these shows are going to fall by the wayside and that I'll have to watch them at a later date, or god forbid, drop them entirely off my 'to watch' list. My difficulties are different to those of most in that it's not about how much program are on at once, or how much space I have on my DVR, more so what will I have time to download and watch every week. Anyway, here's what my schedule looks like at the moment.

MONDAY:

Timeslot:                      Television Program                  Network          Premiere Date:
8.00pm - 8.30pm:           How I Met Your Mother           (CBS)               24/ 9
8.30pm - 9.00pm:           Partners (New Show)               (CBS)               24/9
10.00pm - 11.00pm        Revolution (New Show)           (NBC)              17/9

Mondays fairly easy. I already know I probably won't watch Partners, but it's the only new comedy that I think I might enjoy, so I'll at least try and check it out. If I lived in America I would just keep watching after How I Met Your Mother, but because I have to download it and can see myself not bothering. I only recently started watching How I Met Your Mother, and again, I'm not so worried about missing comedies, so I'm happy to wait until this airs in Australia rather than downloading it. I'm definitely watching Revolution though, one of my most anticipated new shows.

TUESDAY:

Timeslot:                      Television Program                  Network          Premiere Date:
9.00pm - 9.30pm:           Happy Endings                          (ABC)              23/10
9.00pm - 9.30pm:           New Girl                                      (Fox)                25/9

Tuesday looks to be the easiest night of the week for me. I definitely watching Happy Endings, and while I like New Girl, I'm happy for that to wait and air here in Australia. That being said, I still have plans to catch up on Don't Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23, and if I like that, I'll add it to the list. Similarly, I've always wanted to get into Private Practice, and with this season likely to be it's last I might consider checking it out. Furthermore, there's heaps on new comedies premiering on Tuesday nights, six if I count correctly, and since I haven't been hooked by any comedies in recent times if I here consistently good reviews about any of these I might start watching.

WEDNESDAY:

Timeslot                        Television Program                  Network          Premiere Date
9.00pm - 10.00pm:          Supernatural                             (CW)                3/10
10.00pm - 11.00pm:        Nashville (New Show)             (ABC)              10/10

Wednesday is a fairly easy night, too. I'm definitely watching Nashville, and I'm fairly certain I'll keep up to date with Supernatural providing I don't become overloaded with other stuff to watch. Arrow is getting quite a lot of hype recently though, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to add that to my list. And don't judge me, but I'm also quite curious to see how The Neighbors will turn out.

THURSDAY:

Timeslot                       Television Program                   Network          Premiere Date
8.00pm - 8.30pm:          30 Rock                                        (NBC)               4/10 
8.00pm - 8.30pm:          The Big Bang Theory                 (CBS)                27/ 9
8.00pm - 9.00pm:          Last Resort (New Show)            (ABC)               27/9
8.00pm - 9.00pm:          The Vampire Diaries                  (CW)                11/10

Here's where things start to get interesting. Not only have I got four shows on one night, they're all on at the same time (sometimes I am lucky to live in Australia). I'm definitely watching 30 Rock for it's final season, and Last Resort is one of my most anticipated new shows. I'd like to watch The Vampire Diaries and The Big Bang Theory too, but if it all gets to much, I'll wait until I have some more time for The Vampire Diaries, and just wait for The Big Bang Theory to air in Australia. Unfortunately, Thursday is also the day of shows I've been wanting to watch for a while but haven't gotten around to. I'm just about to finish Scandal, and I had planned to catch up on Person of Interest. Similarly to its spin-off Private Practice, I've been meaning to watch Grey's Anatomy too. I don't think I'll get around to any of these though.

FRIDAY:

Timeslot                       Television Program                    Network          Premiere Date
9.00pm - 10.00pm:         Fringe                                          (Fox)                  28/9

Friday seems easy enough, but I'm fairly certain that I'll also be adding either Nikita or Grimm, or both, to this list considering I have their entire first seasons taking up space on my DVR, so they desperately need watching.

SATURDAY:

Maybe I could go outside and have a life or something? I dunno, it better be full of interesting characters and past-paced plots.

SUNDAY:

Timeslot                      Television Program                        Network         Premiere Date
9.00pm - 10.00pm:        Boardwalk Empire                         (HBO)             16/9
9.00pm - 10.00pm:        Dexter                                               (Showtime)     30/9
9.00pm - 10.00pm:        Revenge                                            (ABC)             30/9
9.00pm - 10.00pm:        The Walking Dead                         (AMC)            14/10
10.00pm - 11.00pm:      666 Park Avenue (New Show)     (ABC)             30/9
10.00pm - 11.00pm:      Homeland                                        (Showtime)     30/9

Where to begin on what most people consider to be the best night of TV in recent years? Reading through the days I could understand why some viewers may have thought I was overreacting with the amount of television I have to watch, but as you can see, Sunday is the major problem. Unlike other days where I've considered watching a show later or dropping it, that's not really an option here. Cable shows take even longer to reach Australian shores than network ones, and all of these are critically acclaimed and are heavily discussed online, so if I watch them later, chance are I would have been spoiled by the time I got to them. Boardwalk Empire, Dexter and The Walking Dead are a must. I've got friends that watch the, and they're discussed on much online that I can't afford to miss them. I enjoy Homeland, but I'm happy to watch that later. As for Revenge, if it gets to the point where I have to drop it I will, and the verdict's out on 666 Park Avenue until I've actually seen a couple of episode. Furthermore, Sunday nights has The Good Wife and Once Upon A Time, another two popular and well-received shows that I've been desperate to catch up on and just haven't found the time. And don't get me started on Fox's animation block. I enjoy The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Dad, but for the sack of my sanity I'm going to have to pass.

For a full list of the main television networks schedule check out this Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_United_States_network_television_schedule

For a full list of all the main television networks premiere dates check you should check out tv.com, and if you haven't already you should make your own fall television schedule lineup here (it's fun and helpful):
http://www.tv.com/features/upfronts-2012/

So there you have it folks. I plan to watch 17 television shows a week (Lord give me strength), at a total of 15 hours. And if you managed to read through everything, there's about another 14 shows waiting in the wings that I would like to watch at some point. It's impossible, I know, so for the time being I'll try to lower it down to the ten shows I will watch this coming season:

Boardwalk Empire

The Walking Dead

Nashville

30 Rock

Happy Endings

Revolution

Last Resort

Dexter

666 Park Avenue

Supernatural

That being said shows like 30 Rock and Fringe only have shortened thirteen episode final seasons, and all the cable shows generally only go for twelve episodes. Obviously the shows don't all start airing at the same time either, the first show starting being Boardwalk Empire (16/9) and the last being Happy Endings (23/10). Plus there's always a high chance that new shows I watch will get cancelled... so maybe once all that happens I'll be able to cram some more hours of TV in, if I'm not brain dead by then.

Give yourself a part on the back if you read through all of this, I very much appreciate you taking the time to do so. So what do you plan to watch this fall? Any painful clashes, or are all your favourite shows on exactly when you want them to be? Let me know, I'd love to here them.

The Walking Dead Season 2 Final Recap & Review (2.13: Beside The Dying Fire)

The first half of the episode is non-stop action as a herd of Walkers, having been following a helicopter, are distracted by Carl's gunshot, and follow the sound to a clearing where Rick and Carl are returning to the farmhouse after Shane's death and transition into a Walker.

Daryl and Glenn return to the house and tell the others that Randall had turned into a Walker, despite the fact he was killed by having his neck snapped, and not bitten or scratched by another Walker. They soon spot the herd of Walkers approaching the farm and decide to use their vehicles to try and lead the Walkers away, despite how large the herd is. Lori goes into her 'I won't leave without my child!' spiel. Calm down, Carol, we only had to listen to this for three quarters of the second season after all.

Meanwhile, surmising that they won't make it to the farm, Rick and Carl hide inside the barn, and Rick douses the ground in gasoline. Rick hands Carl a lighter and sends him up to the hayloft before opening the doors. As Walkers pour in, Rick hurries up the ladder and Carl drops the lighter. The barn bursts into flames.

With Daryl on his motorcycle, Jimmy in Dale's RV, Andrea and T-Dog in Otis's truck, and Glenn and Maggie in Shane's SUV the group drives towards the walkers starting to mill at the fence surrounding the barn. They drive past continuously, shooting as many as they can. Noticing the fire, Daryl sends Jimmy with the RV to pick up whoever starting it, believing it to be either Rick or Shane. Rick and Carl jump on the RVs rooftop as walkers surround the vehicle. The walkers break inside and tear Jimmy apart, while Rick and Carl run. So begins the culling of unnecessary secondary characters introduced this season.

Back at the farm the others realise there is too many Walkers and that they must run, Lori is persistent to stay and find Carl, but Carol convince her to leave with her, Beth and Patricia. Hershel, who is shooting from the front of the farm, doesn't hear the women screaming for him, and continue culling the oncoming walkers. As they run, walkers grab Patricia and rip into her throat, Beth is stunned, and Lori must pull her away. Up ahead, Carol, too, has become surrounded by walkers. Andrea and T-Dog arrive in Otis's truck and Lori and Beth hop in, while Andrea hops out too help Carol. Andrea shoots two of the walkers surrounding Carol dead before a third walker attacks her from behind. She spins around and fires. From Otis's truck, Lori, Beth and T-Dog see the walker fall on Andrea. Walkers swarm the truck and T-Dog drives away, while Carol has vanished.

Elsewhere, Glenn and Maggie find their car surrounded too, and are forced to leave the farm. Back at the house, Hershel continues to fend off walkers (so what do you know, he doesn't die). Rick arrives and convinces him it's time to leave. Along with Carl, they escape in Hershel's SUV. Andrea, unhurt, tries to flag Rick down as he drives away, but he doesn't notice her. She flees on foot with the bag of guns. Daryl rescues Carol on his motorcycle, and they ride away. The barn continues to burn and eventually collapses as the RV is destroyed.

Other then some continuity issues with the logistics of everyone location, there were several instances in which characters would be directly next to each other, and two second later be separated by the farm, these scenes were fast-paced and enthralling entertainment.

I was a little disappointed that having the group separated into smaller groups didn't last a bit longer. I always love it when television shows change the dynamics between the characters. For example, I would have loved to see more of just Lori, Beth and T-Dog travelling in Otis's pickup together, but alas it was not to be. That being said, kudos has to be given to the logic of all of these characters, they never discussed where they should meet if something happened, but they were all smart enough to return to the highway where they left supplies for Sophia earlier that season. Accept for poor Andrea, who has been running all night from walkers, and is now out of ammunition. A walker topples her, but before it can bite her its head is sliced off. As the walker's body slumps over, Andrea sees standing before her a hooded stranger wielding a samurai sword and two jaw less and armless walkers chained at the neck with shackles.

Later, the other survivors caravan down a country road. Hershel's SUV runs out of gas. Rick declares they'll camp by the road and scavenge in the morning, but the others doubt him. From here, there are revelations abound, mostly because Rick seems to have gone off the deep end and just can't keep his mouth shut. He reveals that Jenner told him they are all infected with the walker virus, so when they die, they will come back. The others are furious at him for keeping it a secret. And Rick reveals that he was doing what he thought was best for them, which including killing Shane. Carol and Maggie express they are eager to leave the group, and rick tells them they're most welcome to try and get by by themselves and to see how'd they do. No one leaves and he tells them the group isn't a democracy anymore. In the distance, a large structure looms; a prison.

While there's plenty of plot threads to keep audiences eagerly awaiting next season, including the hooded figure and the prison, it's the character development I'm most excited about. Rick's transition from reluctant hero to ruthless dictator has been a swift one, and we are yet to see the full repercussions. It will be interesting to see what he is willing to do, if he will further transgress into a Shane like character, and even more interesting how the group of survivors will react to his new leadership strategy.

Rating: 4/5