There are minor spoilers discussed below.

We are finally back to new episodes of AMC’s The Walking Dead. While last season had its moments, my overall take on the second season is that it dragged a little bit too much. Moments of brilliance were constantly overshadowed by moments of tedium and utter stupidity (anything Lori did basically). Worse yet, the writers of the show didn’t really know how to handle the entire ensemble cast, leaving some characters to just disappear for prolonged stretches of time and really offer nothing to the overall plot at hand (looking at you, T-Dog).

I mention all of this because the start of season three feels like a rebirth for the series. Firstly, the show has jumped forward a number of months -- we don’t know how many exactly, but we do know winter is behind our cast because they’re sporting longer hair and beards, in the case of the men that is. Characters are much more hardened now, too, with pretty much everyone lending a hand in taking down hordes of zombies to clear infected areas. This even includes the likes of Carol, and Hershel’s daughters, Maggie and Beth (remember her?).

Secondly, everyone finally has something to do. There isn’t a single character wasted. For many, that is a correction of one of The Walking Dead’s largest flaws. It appears as though the writers of the show, in this specific case Glen Mazzara, have taken the criticism of last season to heart, leading to a season premiere that feels more tightly scripted and focused than the majority of season two combined.

And for those complaining that season two was a bit boring, with far too little zombie slaying action, well, this first episode should rectify that for you. There is so much blood, guts and gore in this first episode. Essentially, the entire episode revolves are our gang clearing out the prison teased at the end of season two to make it a livable environment. What this results in is a lot of zombies getting things shoved through their faces or getting decapitated altogether. The Walking Dead has never been a show aimed at people with weak stomachs, but “Seed” might just be the goriest episode yet. I know there were a few instances where even I was cringing at what I was watching. There are some truly brutal moments here, so be prepared.

Since “Seed” is primarily a familiarizing and establishing of the new status quo for our ensemble cast, there are not a whole lot of surprises to be found (cliffhanger notwithstanding). However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Michonne’s introduction. The fan-favorite character from the comic series makes her official debut in “Seed,” although you shouldn’t go in expecting too much. In fact, a vast majority of Michonne’s moments were released online month’s ago as publicity for this new season. If you’ve seen those, then you’ve seen most of what Michonne brings to the table in this episode.

With that said, Michonne does make a memorable debut, complete with her zombie pets, which should please diehard fans of the comics. But if there is one criticism to be lobbed against Michonne, it’s that she is by far the most “comic book-y” aspect of this show. Michonne strutting around with a katana and zombie lap dogs kind of flies in the face of the grim realism the rest of the episode conveys. But then again, Michonne’s introduction in Robert Kirkman’s original comic felt the same way all those years ago, and we all know everything turned out just fine.

Overall, “Seed” was a fantastic season premiere episode. In fact, I think it’s one of my favorite episodes of the show thus far. There’s a lot of great stuff here, and it seems like the crew working on the series is actually dedicated to correcting what went wrong last season. Every character has something to do, there are no illogical choices made by anyone with half a brain, and there’s plenty of zombie slaying badassery (Maggie FTW!). All in all, this is a rock solid start to The Walking Dead’s third season.

What did you think of the season premiere? Sound off in the comments below.

Erik Norris is a freelance writer for sites such as ComicVine, IGN and CraveOnline.com. You can stalk him on Twitter @Regular_Erik.

That episode was stronger than all of Season 2....

great premiere, im craving for more! this show is so good!

my gripe is why on earth did they bring Herschel along with them? oh, and we needed more Michonne!!!

Wait what? It hasn't premiered yet… has it?

@BoyWander: it already aired for me, they're showing an encore right now

Hell 2 the yez. It was a great Season Premiere to say the least and I would agree with absolutely everything said in the article. Though I've not read the comic books, I did not mind one bit the "feel" of Michonne's characterization here.

Plenty more Zombie slaying action, more gooey goodness and a lot less of Rick and his wife bitching back and forth. That I can do without. Let's hope that continues, but something tells me that won't be the case.

Still looking forward to more episodes, and Make Mine Marvel! Whoops....wrong company. No, things are looking good, a long wait but alas, it has arrived.

I will be SHOCKED if walking dead keeps up the pace of the 1st episode for the whole season. I'm not going to be surprised If the show draws out the Governor revealing himself as a dictator/ bad guy until at least the mid season break. After the 2nd season I can't trust the show to remain consistently good. Even now after arguably the best episode of the show just aired I'm just waiting for the next moment where I groan. I want to be wrong, I REALLY want to be wrong.

If Danai Gurira continues to channel Lieutenant Worf's yin with Uma Thurman's yang this season will be something special. This episode is already better than all of last season.

@Bestostero: Seriously? I still have an hour till it premiers here...

@Bestostero: Hershel is a doctor, so he's kind of a valuable asset.

I'm just glad they seem to have learned their lesson about veering too far away from the comics. Also, Carl is now the little badass he is in the comics.

@BoyWander: well i live in central time, so you're probably pacific

@AlKusanagi: exactly, that's why they shouldn't have brought him along in a dangerous task, he should've stayed back with Lori and the others. she is pregnant and probably needs his help more. i guess he could've been helpful on the mission if someone got hurt, but its too risky because if he gets hurt what then?

@Bestostero: Oh, I thought your comment was more like "Why'd they bring him from the farm?" not "Why did they bring him to clear the prison?"

What's funny is that everyone knows how to shoot a gun now, even Carl and Carol. RIP Hershel leg...

The riot gear zombie was my favorite one since the well walker. The way his face peeled off when his helmet was removed was fantastic. Reminded me of the tar zombie from Return of the Living Dead. After months of slaying Maggie still looks bangin'.

How old is Beth? Cause it may be an issue with the way her and carl were together in this episode............

...WHY DOESN'T DISH GET IT??!!

@sentryman555 said:

How old is Beth? Cause it may be an issue with the way her and carl were together in this episode............

She is a bit older than Carl, but Carl just likes her, nothing harmful there - at least not yet

Tonight's episode was one of the best to date. Season 3 is looking very promising!

Didnt get to see it. cant wait to see it tomorrow. I was watching TNA BFG

Walking Dead...more like...Awesome!

Finally saw it and I loved it. Great way to kick off season three. Michonne is probably one of my favorite characters, while Andrea is still the most irritating to me. So far.

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

@BoyWander said:

Finally saw it and I loved it. Great way to kick off season three. Michonne is probably one of my favorite characters, while Andrea is still the most irritating to me. So far.

Probably because she is unattractive and dumb. At least be one or the other!

@BoyWander: Really? Not lori?

@doordoor123 said:

Probably because she is unattractive and dumb. At least be one or the other!

Exactly!

Its clear that the people running the show have $$$ rolling in now. They are going to be daring and overcompensate for last season that, while not terrible, certainly did not have a lot going on. I saw all of that and more in this episode with the zombie killing count, which I think was greater here than all last season combined. I absolutely LOVED the episode and am so psyched for the season, especially considering that Team Grimes looks seasoned now and united. I mean how they cleared out that initial field to get into the prison...amazing! The big shocker of course for me was you know who getting bit, and Rick performing "surgery" on it....very consistent with the comic even if it was another character who had that done to him there. This is going to be one wonderful season I say...

Loved it, only thing that's terrible is having to wait till next week to see a new episode. I'm also not a fan of time jumps but it didn't seem to bother me here. What I'm really enjoying is the different paths and characters the show takes and creates from the comic. Some may not like that but it's nice to see different things with the fictions they're given.

@ComicKID777 said:

@BoyWander: Really? Not lori?

I don't know how anyone can like Lori shes so annoying.

@fps_dean said:

@sentryman555 said:

How old is Beth? Cause it may be an issue with the way her and carl were together in this episode............

She is a bit older than Carl, but Carl just likes her, nothing harmful there - at least not yet

ah. the way Hershel told him to go find his own bunk I thought it had been more of a mutual attraction which I was a little weirded out since I thought she was closer to maggie's age.

@doordoor123 said:

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

I remember reading an interview, I think on here, with Kirkman and he said the show will never catch up with the comic. i also think the show is different enough now from the comic that its off doing its own thing already. The places may be the same but the characters and plots are a little different.

Wow I loved this episode. Really really good stuff. Looking forward to this season.

i officially love walking dead

I stoked about this season. This was a great start!

I liked the episode, but i think the kill count may have been a tad too high. Perhaps its just me though. Still, quite good.

@longbowhunter said:

The riot gear zombie was my favorite one since the well walker. The way his face peeled off when his helmet was removed was fantastic. Reminded me of the tar zombie from Return of the Living Dead. After months of slaying Maggie still looks bangin'.

Yes,the riot gear zombie, gave me that feeling of when you go play a game and get to the next level and the monsters get harder.

Michonne was kicking ass and taking names. She was serving us katana realness and i was just gagging. Not to mention she has pet zombies and not one f*ck was given that day.

Oh poor Hershel. I was so upset when he got bitten my mind was racing, "I was like there goes the medical guy, what about the pregnant lady, whats going to happen" but then they saved him and now he's a pirate.

I bet you those inmates they found are going to compromise the morality and security of the group.

@doordoor123 said:

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

they got to the prison at issue 13 of the book and they're now up to issue issue 102 so there's still tons of ground to cover

@CitizenJP: Watch the language please.

Requiescat in pace Hershel's leg.... Thats what you get for cockblocking Carl!

@sentryman555 said:

@doordoor123 said:

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

I remember reading an interview, I think on here, with Kirkman and he said the show will never catch up with the comic. i also think the show is different enough now from the comic that its off doing its own thing already. The places may be the same but the characters and plots are a little different.

If they're going to stick with same actor for Carl (and keep him alive in the show) then they're going to have to time-skip between every season in-story since the kid is going to be growing up in real time. They've got to plan for the actor growing up or they'll run into the problem that LOST had with Walt.

@Deranged Midget: hehe sorry i got excited...i fixed it just for you :p

Herschel by episode 8. I know, I've read the comic!

Love the episode! It's by far the best episode since the pilot and very early ones. I think they slashed more zombies in this one than in the entire 2 seasons before. Awesome! Ever since the comic book series came out and thanks to Kirkman's brilliant ideas (especially Michonne #0), I'm really looking forward to a zombie apocalypse. Cutting off their arms and jaws and letting them carry your bags... way to go! Michonne rocks!

And Rick? Oh, his last scene... Cool

Definitely a strong season premiere.  Although I laughed pretty hard when "lifting a riot zombie's helmet" was treated like some kind of brilliant discovery (or at least it appeared that way based on Maggie's reaction).   
 
DEAR GOD, IT WORKS!  WE'VE FOUND A COUNTER!  LIFT AND STAB! 

@sentryman555 said:

@doordoor123 said:

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

I remember reading an interview, I think on here, with Kirkman and he said the show will never catch up with the comic. i also think the show is different enough now from the comic that its off doing its own thing already. The places may be the same but the characters and plots are a little different.

If the series will run for another 2 seasons after this one it could possibly catch up. This episode covers a few issues (4 or 5) - from leaving the form, checking out empty houses, discovering the prison and the survivors inside. Of course it's the first episode of a brand new season. I believe it will slow down a bit from now on. With the survivors there will be more dialogues than slashing zombies once the prison has been cleaned. And then, in 3 to 5 more episodes from now the Governor will be introduced. All in all, this season may go as far as somewhere between issues 40-50 when the comic will be at #110.

However, lets enjoy this season, shall we? It's looking bloody good so far.

Great Episode and start to season 3

Thumbs up.

Agree that although Michonne is Beast Mode, her entire persona is straight out of a comicbook. I've never read the comics so maybe it was explained there and I'm the only one who doesn't know, but how/where/why/ does Michonne go Kill Bill style? Who taught her how to use a Katana and why? Its badass she's a blade wielding death dealer but its so far out there it almost sinks its own ship when placed inside the realism the other characters are swimming in. But I'm still a fan, love the show.

I actually stopped watching in the middle of last season because I was bored. I went back to it about a month ago on Netflix and pushed my way through the remaining episodes. I actually thought it got good in the final three episodes of the season. This episode was also good, but I'm a little confused with some of the stuff that happened in the time-skip (i didn't read the comic. Don't like the art change.) Exited to see what happens next.

Does anyone know how far ahead Kirkman is in the comic? He pretty much has twelve issues every year before the new seasons so I don't think it should be a problem for him to stay ahead, but you never know.

@BoyWander said:

Finally saw it and I loved it. Great way to kick off season three. Michonne is probably one of my favorite characters, while Andrea is still the most irritating to me. So far.

Probably because she is unattractive and dumb. At least be one or the other!

@fps_dean said:

@sentryman555 said:

How old is Beth? Cause it may be an issue with the way her and carl were together in this episode............

She is a bit older than Carl, but Carl just likes her, nothing harmful there - at least not yet

ah. the way Hershel told him to go find his own bunk I thought it had been more of a mutual attraction which I was a little weirded out since I thought she was closer to maggie's age.

@Gambler said:

Thumbs up.

Agree that although Michonne is Beast Mode, her entire persona is straight out of a comicbook. I've never read the comics so maybe it was explained there and I'm the only one who doesn't know, but how/where/why/ does Michonne go Kill Bill style? Who taught her how to use a Katana and why? Its badass she's a blade wielding death dealer but its so far out there it almost sinks its own ship when placed inside the realism the other characters are swimming in. But I'm still a fan, love the show.

Could just look at the first paragraph of her page^^
BB

I want Lauren Cohan to come to my house and kick my ass while looking great.