The Walking Dead

Another nail in the coffin of what was once a great show. Last time, I added a star for Carl's finale, but I can't do that now. While the outcome was satisfying, getting there required enduring a lot of artificially stretched plot, tugging at our heartstrings, and the usual unbearable dialogue. And let's not forget — the hat is still in play! (2018.10.21)

The opening scene with the gazebo rescue had me ready to write this episode off completely, but things stabilized later on. After Carl's death, I'm hoping another frequently irritating character — who loves to stare with bloodshot eyes — might also meet their end. Sadly, I know Rick will outlast me in this show, but hey, Christmas is just a few months away, and a guy can dream, right? (2018.10.21)

This episode could serve as the definition of boredom. I had the usual choice of several storylines, but aside from one, they all consisted of dull walks through the woods. These tedious moments were punctuated by Gabriel's usual theological and philosophical musings, which, as always, fell flat. Two moments genuinely caught my attention: Maggie's blissful smile when another large group of mouths to feed arrived at Hilltop despite dwindling supplies, and the sight of Daryl's group emerging from a swamp looking like they had just been to a dry cleaner. (2018.10.21)

The only saving grace of this episode was Simon’s political maneuvering; otherwise, it was a total farce. Negan dodged AK-47 fire with ease, and then Rick casually tossed the weapon aside — because who doesn't have an endless supply of guns, right? Watterlogged zombies burning like dry hay? Sure, why not. But hey, Rick finally found his axe (the one he's always got on his belt). So, kudos to Rick. But seriously, what was up with that bizarre van scene? Really? (2018.10.21)

More happened in this episode than in the past three combined, but that’s where my satisfaction ends. Morgan went back to his usual hallucinations, and I still don’t get why every black character in the show has to be annoying (Morgan, Gabriel, Ezekiel). The defensive tactic of letting the enemy inside the walls without a fight was mind-boggling. Any commander who gives such an order deserves a bullet — from his own men. (2018.10.22)

I can't take it anymore! Annoying Carl hasn't even cooled off and already he's been replaced by the equally irritating brat Henry. Last episode, Morgan was just hallucinating; this time, he added soul-crushing conversations with Aunt Carol. And the absurdity at the former bar was beyond disbelief. What a disaster. (2018.10.22)

f it weren't for more of Carl's "final" words and Gabriel's regular theological-philosophical musings, I might have considered giving this episode a third star because I actually enjoyed Simon's attempt at a coup. I was still on the fence until selfless Aaron delivered his speech, and then my mind was made up. (2018.10.22)

I'm not sure where my sudden burst of optimism came from, but I was still hoping the finale of this dreadful season would be good. Not a chance. Morgan continued to lose his mind while delivering speeches, Siddiq had his emotional monologue, and the idyllic ending was just frustrating. I've seen plenty of films and documentaries using Molotov cocktails, and I've even made one with satisfactory results, but I had no idea you could achieve such amazing effects with fish oil. Bravo. (2018.10.22)