THE WALKING DEAD: 2.08 Nebraska REVIEW

Could The Walking Dead pick-up where the midseason finale left off, deliver satisfying story and character development, and provide a firm sense of direction for the second-half of the season? Read our review to find out.

THE GOOD

Barnageddon Aftermath: It was good to see things pick-up right where the carnage left off, and interesting how the group dealt with Sophia’s demise in very different ways. Barnageddon 1.1 also provided a decent little jolt.

Sophia Fallout: Her demise further fractured the group, with secrets hitting the wall and leadership questioned. Hearing little Carl reflect on the fact that he would have shot her too, was a chilling moment and a measure of the bleak reality they find themselves in.

Internalization: Good to get Herhsel’s perspective on their predicament. He underwent some brief introspection and change, which could be vital for the longevity of his character.

Conflict: Interesting to see Shane’s guilt manifest in anger and sympathy. His suggestion that Dale could have prevented Barnageddon if he pulled the trigger on him was also a loaded piece of deflection. The arrival of Dave and Tony certainly heightened tensions, while giving us a peek beyond farm affairs before sending Rick’s morality all askew. Whether self-defence or driven by a man who has lost his empathy and perspective, killing the two strangers (however shady they were) is a BIG character statement and should have juicy moral implications going forward.

THE BAD

Grimes Reaction: While desensitization is a factor, I thought the weight of Rick pulling the trigger on Sophia didn’t quite carry over into this episode.

Beth’s collapse was a wee bit contrived, particularly because she’s neither a character we know or give two hoots about.

Too much Lori melodrama: It could be argued that the family drama is an ‘integral’ aspect of the show, but I find her character draining and uninteresting. She still doesn’t resonate with me — she’s just there to annoy.

A lot of characters without purpose. I think that speaks for itself.

Wishy-Washy: Hershel’s character development was all too fleeting. Hopefully something sticks going forward.

Crash Contrivance: Lori’s car crash was pretty ridiculous. It will create some ‘drama’ but it felt really forced.

OVERARCHING/NEW QUESTIONS

Did Hershel and Maggie know about Sophia?

How will killing Dave and Tony affect Rick going forward?

Will they tell the rest of the group about their little encounter?

Is Fort Benning really a lost cause?

Will Lori and the baybee survive?

Who is the father of Lori’s baby?

What did Jenner whisper to Rick?

Is Morgan still alive?

Where is Merle?

How did the outbreak start?

Is there a cure?

—

On the whole, “Nebraska” was a solid enough start to the second-half of the season. I found it a little disjointed and the characters seemed a little lost within themselves (not the grieving), but there were some interesting character moments, mostly stemming from Shane and Carol — I know — while the big Rick moment hopefully transmits to the rest of the season.

I fully appreciate the serialization of Dead, but if the writers can find a way to deliver more momentum and significance per episode then we could be looking at an ultimately satisfying season of post-apocalyptic serial. Fingers crossed.

8/10 Seriable Stars