Synopsis: “Rick and Carl return from the woods to find the farm in jeopardy. The group is split up in the ensuing chaos. With things looking grim, Rick’s leadership is questioned.”
If you have not seen this episode yet and do not wish to be spoiled, do not continue reading!
I have watched this episode several times now. I’ve also spaced each viewing out over this week and could not write a review worthy of the epic season two finale. So, with that said, you NEED to watch this episode if you have not!!! I will not recap this episode as closely as usual in an attempt to make you watch it (again and again hopefully).
This is by far my favorite episode since the pilot episode. I felt like a child giddy about Christmas throughout the entire show. Absolutely nothing in this hour of adrenaline and great character writing fell short of what I had hoped for.
I have to praise the new show runner Glen Mazzara and his staff and crew for taking the masterpiece Frank Darabont created and actually upping the ante. From reading thoughts and concerns of fans across the internet all season long, a lot of people grew tired of Hershel’s farm as the setting and the “lack” of zombies. Do not get me wrong, I am usually not one to totally disagree with the masses, but this entire season was stunning. It had tons of action and excitement, plus a considerable amount of the undead! I love this show for many reasons and its character development is one of the main factors. Fans should pay close attention to that. This show is not about the dead. It is about the living.
The second half of this season much improved the pacing concerns of the first half amongst fans. That is roughly when Glen was stepping in to take on duties of show runner. Though I feel like the first half was great, the second half was truly phenomenal. This finale capped it all off!
The entire first half of the episode was packed full of zombie-killing, barn-burning action that outmaneuvers any action sequence on television that I’ve ever seen (minus certain premium channel shows, of course). I expect quality this awesome in cinemas, but this week’s TWD had me saying, “Holy crap!!!” The action, performances, direction, stunts, effects and anything else you can think of get a HUGE 10 out of 10 from me.
Some of my favorite parts in this episode include Rick and Carl igniting the barn and its unwelcome visitors, Rick stepping up and continuing to be a leader to this group, THE special, unexpected cameo of the comic book fan-favorite Michonne, and Hershel putting his trusty shotgun to use… a lot. Out of these and the many more exciting reveals (like the setting for next season as the final shot of the finale), one of the greatest parts of this episode for me is Daryl not giving up on his motorcycle. I love that he continued to ride it through the humongous hoard of zombies at night rather than ride in another’s vehicle or drive a car. Classic Daryl.
We lost some more members of the group in this finale, and though the characters were not quite as pivotal as Shane or Dale, they will be missed. Both Jimmy and Patricia parted ways to join the undeads’ cause… Possibly, that is. More than likely there was not going to be much of them left to regenerate considering the means of their deaths. Honestly, the saddest loss of this episode in my opinion was Dale’s RV. What does that say about me? I’m honest.
The big secret that Dr. Jenner whispered to Rick in the season one finale was finally brought to light at the tail end of this episode. It was… watch the episode, friends, and you’ll know. For those who have already watched, I saw that coming. It has been hinted at throughout the second half of the season. I was shocked by the group’s reaction however.
If there was one thing that I could control going into next season, it would be killing off Lori. She has been awful this season! Her reaction to Rick opening up about killing Shane was despicable. Whether she is upset with herself or not, she needs to pull herself together and support Rick before the group falls apart… or die like I mentioned. Either way, I guess.
In conclusion, hopefully I spoiled enough of the episode to entice you to watch it if you haven’t already. For those of you who watched it at least once, check out the finale montage that The Talking Dead aired after the finale. You will appreciate it. Let the long hellatus begin! I’ll see you in October!
