*Yeah, there's definitely SPOILERS in here. It is the season finale, after all!*
"Because these people are children and children like stories."
The Walking Deadhas been teasing us over and over again with the return of Morgan (an awesome character and actor) and the debut of the Wolves. Well, why not give us both at the same time, right? Instead of immediately following-up what went down with Rick in the last cliffhanger, the first scene of the season finale finally gives us a great look at what's going on with Morgan and the infamous group. The scene finds a decent way to give us some exposition (why are they called the Wolves and why would this dude suddenly babble about it?) and it shows us just how much Morgan has changed. As if those updates weren't satisfying enough, it then busts out a pretty entertaining brawl and concludes in a terrific way. "I won't kill you, but I don't have to save you."
When you go into a season finale of The Walking Dead, part of you obviously expects a major death. The way this season has been going, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if at least two noteworthy characters were turned into zombie chow. You may not want one to die and you may not like who they kill and/or how they do it, but it's something you're getting ready to witness. That's something the minds behind the show are well aware of, so I love the way this one was paced and how it was directed. It attempted to make us think several characters are in danger, and then ends on a surprisingly promising note that also teases a ton of madness in the near future. If you went in wanting shock value, you're probably feeling disappointed. However, I love how they didn't deliver on that, basically defying what so many expected. I mean, they do hit us with a kill, but it really isn't that staggering -- we know the character's nice, but the emotional connection just isn't there yet. Still, it's still an important death because it brings about a big change.
I know thousands -- maybe millions? -- would scream and rage if Daryl was killed, but considering his journey this season and the handling of his scenes in this episode, I was feeling pretty certain he and/or Aaron wouldn't make it out of this one. I mean, they attempt to make him look so cool at first ("Hey girl, I'm just riding on my bike and looking like a boss"), he admits he feels like home out there in the mayhem and not back in Alexandria, and then he offers to basically go out in a blaze of glory. It's one of those moments that feels too obvious, but considering how many people love the character, it seemed like a fitting way to have him meet his end. You had me sure one of them would perish, The Walking Dead.
I like how we had the parallel scenes of two survivors contemplating whether they should kill other people. I didn't think either scene would follow through with it, but it's still pretty engaging and insightful. Despite all of the pathetic, foolish and evil things Nicholas did (he better be in same major trouble when they get back), Glenn still resisted ending him. I'm sure that'll frustrate some of you, but it shows just how strong Glenn has become. After all that fool put him through, he's still the better man and hopefully the experience was a (painful) lesson for Nicholas. If that doesn't put him on the right track, it'll be pretty upsetting. With Sasha, it's uncertain whether she would have done it and I kind of love that. I mean, we're leaning towards the possibility she would have pulled the trigger and I figured something would stop her, but it's great this show is still reminding us just how much this world can impact a person's mind. I want her to recover, but I really hope this group chat doesn't immediately place her back on the right track. You can't go from relaxing in a pile of zombies (looks incredibly comfortable, by the way) to being totally cool so suddenly. Sure, I wasn't believing for a second that Glenn would die (the "I love you" felt like the kiss of death, but the scenario didn't feel like end a character like him would receive), but they still did a good job throwing a lot of tension into this one. I'm glad the biggest moments were attempting to be character-driven and didn't rely on shock value. But again, the big death isn't, well, big, but it's important for the story.
I can't be the only one seriously hoping for a Carol and Abraham team-up, right? Carol continues to be a ridiculously entertaining character as she puts up this act. Her saying, "I'm sure we can work this all out," and then smiling innocently made me crack up. Who would have thought she'd turn into one of the craftiest and most badass characters in the show? Meanwhile, Abraham's blunt nature is such a delight. As characters attempt to make a legitimate case for Rick, he just says it like it is and it's hilarious. His moment with Eugene was short and sweet (good for Rosita for pushing the moment) and that was desperately needed so they can move past the craziness that happened and start working together next season. Simply put, a Carol and Abraham adventure needs to happen because they're both so lovable yet still insanely formidable.
Just like you'd expect from any other episode of The Walking Dead, there's some pretty attention-grabbing practical effects as we get multiple close-ups of the hungry undead and even some shots of mutilated ones. It's always pretty noticeable when they need to use CGI, but that didn't stop Daryl and Aaron's action scene from being all kinds of memorable. That chain whip was amazing -- does anyone else think Daryl should become the next Ghost Rider? -- and Rick's close encounter was *ahem* jaw-dropping. Man, even Gabriel had a surprisingly brutal encounter. Whether it was bloody violence or Morgan channeling his inner Gambit/Donatello to deliver some blunt force trauma, the action and effects in this finale were solid.
My biggest criticism of this episode is just how predictable and head-scratching some of the scenes were. When all is said and done, I love the stage that has now been set for Season 6, but they telegraphed a lot of stuff way too soon and that really took away from some of the surprises that were supposed to be intense. Like, no one really thought Glenn would die like that, right? (No idea how he got out of that situation after the damage he took, but whatever.) Or that it wasn't painfully obvious the coward was leading him out there? Or that the shots of cans on strings and Aaron's happiness didn't mean a trap was right around the corner? Or that the shot of Pete didn't have you waiting until he emerged and freaked out yet again? And why are zombies ninjas when they need to be? A bunch go through the gate and they don't head towards the various people who are talking and roaming freely in the community because they feel totally safe? I get the dog barking could have lured them, but it's a little tough to believe they didn't hear all of the various people gathering. I could go on and on here (seriously, I have a lot of notes from this episode), but the simple point is there were some moments that were way too predictable. Also, I love the scene of Gabriel outside of the wall (especially the contrast of that beautiful setting/the sound of nature and, well, that), but once he came back, it was frustrating and pretty obviously where this was going. From the gate to Sasha, it didn't really throw any surprises our way and I was left feeling way more interested in the other things going on. Oh, and why did no one attempt to discredit Gabriel when his words were used against them?
Random thoughts: Michonne's line to Rick ("something's going to happen; just don't make something happen") was awesome. And the empty look in Rick's eyes during that big moment in the end? Wow. Now I'm kind of tempted to rewatch the first episode so I can better appreciate just how much Rick and Morgan have changed. Does anyone else think Negan's leading the Wolves?
If you expected an "epic" or "shocking" season finale, I'm guessing you're going to be feeling pretty disappointed. Instead of giving us one stunner that'll leave viewers speechless, the episode focuses heavily on character and takes some solid steps to build the hype for the next season. It does throw some very predictable and frustrating moments our way, but I'm glad it continues to remind us just how much of a toll this bleak and horrifying world could take on someone's psyche while also giving us a good amount of zombie insanity and story buildup. The Alexandria story still has so more much potential (do yourself a favor and read that story arc, people!), so yeah, you can bet I'm looking forward to the next season. It may not feel like an epic "end" to a season, but it sure does feel like a great start for a new one.
Oh, and please tell me someone has already made a "Come at me, bro" image of Carol.
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