“These people are children, and children like stories.” - Carol
As far as finales go, this one was not the worst but not the best. I’d say it ranks just above Season 1 & 2, but pretty far below Season 3 & 4. Kind of in the Goldilocks zone of ‘not sucking as bad as you could have.’ There were parts that had SERIOUS strengths though, and multiple times I was actually on the edge of my seat panicking. Daryl trapped in that car with Aaron? Rick fighting off a hoard on his own? Father Gabriel leaving the gate unlocked? All moments that had my heart in my throat.
But others, of course, were not so stellar. First, let’s start with the obvious errors. Did this episode really need to be an extra thirty minutes long? I mean, yeah, it was great to get an extended episode, but I can count at least five things that really just DID NOT need to be there.
- Sasha lying down in a mass walker grave
- The “kill Glenn” mission
- Anything to do with Father Gabriel
- Tara’s bedside sequence
- Jessie
Tada! All of these things could have been scrapped to make more time for the takeover story that has been teased for literally EONS – and never actually happened – and the subplot where Daryl and Morgan finally meet. I know I’ve been hard on The Walking Dead as of late, but if the show refuses to step up its game, then I refuse to temper my sarcasm. Love is a two-way street, y’all.
Michonne
“I’m still with you.”– Michonne
Hands down, Michonne’s characterization and plot this year have been the BEST. Her transition towards mercy and optimism felt earned and organic, and her belief in Alexandria was teased out so beautifully. The partnership she shares with Rick was likewise developed so perfectly that their discussion about the fate of the town just rang true on every level.
That last shot of her taking her sword back down from the mantle was so poignant, and it left us with a great sense of where her head is going to be at the start of next season.
Maggie
Rick
"I was wondering how many of you I'd have to kill to save your lives. But I'm not going to do that."- Rick
I truly loved Rick, no matter how crazy he got this year. Looking at his entire arc for the season, he’s been on and off the loco wagon a few times, but ultimately he’s retained one basic principle: protect and serve.
Rick is above all, a protector. Someone who is willing to go the extra mile and get his hands dirty to ensure that his people survive and thrive in this world that’s out to get them. His methods might turn a lot of people off, but like he said… that’s a weakness. The people of Alexandria need to change if they’re going to survive, and Rick is the person to change them.
Carol
“Come at me.” – Carol
Carol’s been doing this weird thing lately where sometimes I’ll worship the ground she walks on, and other times I’ll kind of wish her dead. She causes SO many problems, but then she turns around and does something totally amazing.
For example, she pushed Rick to murder Pete, and then acted like a pissed off principle when he made the attempt. But then she played that crowd like a fiddle later on, and I couldn't help but giggle like a lunatic the entire time. See my dilemma? If Carol would just stop trying to murder the crap out of people, I might start liking her again.
Daryl
Can I just wrap Daryl up in the biggest hug of all time? He’s become such a great guy, and a genuine believer in the goodness of other people. Something that he was struggling with a lot last season has become one of his strongest character traits. He might be rough around the edges, but that man offered to jump into a hoard of walkers to save Aaron’s life. Just because he kind of liked the guy. I feel like a proud stage mom.
Plus, the walker trap scene was hardcore.
The Wolves
But those two idiots who Morgan literally beat up with a stick? Not doing it for me.
Morgan
Finally, finally, finally! Morgan caught up with Rick, and after five seasons, we might actually get to see him interact with all our other favorite characters!
I honestly wish we'd got more of Morgan, but it was definitely more powerful to only get glimpses. His new found respect for human life is interesting, and probably a better way for him to deal with the loss of his son than "clearing" entire towns on his own. It's also sure to cause a lot of strife with his once BFF, Rick, since Rick absolutely believes in killing anyone that resembles a threat.
Conquer
On the other hand, I feel likeThe Walking Deadhas gotten into the bad habit of trying to be more sophisticated than entertaining. The creative camera angles and the half-finished thoughts are titillating to the rare viewers who like to delve into theories and dissect every hidden meaning, but I’m not sure they’re resonating with the general audience. More importantly, there are so many characters and subplots that it’s hard to focus on anyone for an extended period of time. And then even when they’ve got an extra 30 minutes, they misuse that time.
Ultimately, I’m feeling very let down by this season, but my hopes are up for Season 6!
Extra Credit
- LOVED the callback to Bob’s line about nightmares. So very relevant for this episode!
- I’m glad Glenn came out the other side of that existential crisis not a murderer. Those things are important.
Demerits
- I won’t waste my breath telling you again how pointless Jessie is.
- Actually, yes I will. Jessie is the worst.
- Quickly followed by her cardboard cutout of a wife-beating husband.
- Ummmm did the only guy capable of building the walls just die? Whoops.
- Poor poncho man…
- Tara's awake! And not a single fuck was given.