THE WALKING DEAD “What Happened and What’s Going On” Review

Can The Walking Dead generate more excitement from the second half of it’s latest season? Or will it fall into the realm of mediocrity once more.

The official description from AMC:

After all the recent trials the group has faced, a slight detour might prove to be the solution they’ve been looking for.

Mid-season intervals can leave fans with a difference of opinions, as though many generally are elated, and eager for the shows return, there are others that see it as time to jump ship. The Walking Dead is one series that has never done the latter for me, as though the first half of the fifth season was very inconsistent, it still did enough to have me hungry for more.

Giving us a tale initially told out of sequence, “What Happened and What’s Going On” does a wonderful job of moving the story forward. The way it focuses on the group’s emotional distress following Beth’s death, adds an emotionally gripping tone to the early scenes, with the group’s decision to reunite Noah with his family being a fitting tribute to Beth. Having a enticingly dramatic tone from the first scene, the mid-season premiere manages to thrill at every corner, with the clever script of Scott M. Gimple, and suspenseful direction of Greg Nicotero leaving this fanboy hooked. The events of this episode aren’t too favourable for one character though, as though I won’t give any spoilers, their delirious like state, leads to some splendidly surreal moments, that will certainly put a smile on fans faces.

The acting ability shown within The Walking Dead never fails to amaze, as though the roster is always getting shaken up, with new characters joining, and old ones leaving, the dynamic within the main group always seems to stay strong. Andrew Lincoln (Rick) continues to be the driving force behind our group, but as the episode progresses, he is outshined by other cast members, with Chad L. Coleman (Tyreese) and Tyler James Williams (Noah) standing out the most. Despite this, the absence of certain characters left me a little saddened, as though unlike the times the group have split up, the performers remain as a unit, I can’t help but feel certain scenes would’ve felt better with the addition of other group members. The episode also has it’s share of surprise guest appearances, with some familiar faces bound to peak the interest of long time fans.

The Walking Dead once again returns in tremendous fashion, as though not quite as epic as the season premiere, it does get the show back on track. It’s well thought out plot, and dramatic twists also mesmerize, with a certain development bound to leave fans speechless.