Inspiration or not, the screenplay was a waste of an hour and a half episode. The black and white noir representing the past feels like a slap in the face to long-time fans, masquerading as artistic creativity when really it's a cheap attempt to establish past from present.
Not only did they completely avoid explaining the aftermath of where we last left our beloved characters, but the episode is devoid of any and all character development. There is no tension nor suspense until the last two minutes. The picturesque location is ruined by excessive and unnecessary CGI, as well as the effort put into creating those zombies, as the wide payouts masked most of that.
This episode just struck me as trying overly hard to detach from the tried and true formula that works for the show. The new characters continue to not be fleshed out, while our group sort of sits stagnant. I fear there is a level of complacency they have developed, and I just keep waiting for them to move on, it was nice while it lasted, but it doesn't work for them. They are a team and a family or nothing, and we need to get back to that--the heart of the show as it were. I was really looking forward to Rick and Morgan relearning each other, and can't help but feel gipped. I also quite enjoyed the underpinnings of respect and loyalty between Rick and Michonne and hoped they would explore that. Carl's girlfriend needs to die already, along with most of the Alexandrians. They just don't get it, but I digress...
There were a few comical comments with Daryl as the Pied Piper of the zombie horde and Carol continuing her act, but that's about the end of this episode's redeeming qualities.
I actively try to refrain from being negative, however this was easily the least interesting season premiere in the show to date. I cannot figure out whose bright idea it was to waste time like this. Half of the scenes from the past were completely unnecessary. Here's hoping we go back to normal in episode two.
6.0 of 10.0
Not only did they completely avoid explaining the aftermath of where we last left our beloved characters, but the episode is devoid of any and all character development. There is no tension nor suspense until the last two minutes. The picturesque location is ruined by excessive and unnecessary CGI, as well as the effort put into creating those zombies, as the wide payouts masked most of that.
This episode just struck me as trying overly hard to detach from the tried and true formula that works for the show. The new characters continue to not be fleshed out, while our group sort of sits stagnant. I fear there is a level of complacency they have developed, and I just keep waiting for them to move on, it was nice while it lasted, but it doesn't work for them. They are a team and a family or nothing, and we need to get back to that--the heart of the show as it were. I was really looking forward to Rick and Morgan relearning each other, and can't help but feel gipped. I also quite enjoyed the underpinnings of respect and loyalty between Rick and Michonne and hoped they would explore that. Carl's girlfriend needs to die already, along with most of the Alexandrians. They just don't get it, but I digress...
There were a few comical comments with Daryl as the Pied Piper of the zombie horde and Carol continuing her act, but that's about the end of this episode's redeeming qualities.
I actively try to refrain from being negative, however this was easily the least interesting season premiere in the show to date. I cannot figure out whose bright idea it was to waste time like this. Half of the scenes from the past were completely unnecessary. Here's hoping we go back to normal in episode two.
6.0 of 10.0