The first (and possibly only) season of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live concluded today, and while it had its moments, overall, I feel the show peaked at the fourth episode, which I previously praised highly.
The fifth episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents a mixed bag of good scenes and an overly convoluted plot that causes me to question if I am watching the same show as in previous episodes.
This week’s episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live set an emotional landmark as one of the best episodes of the season and one of the greatest in the franchise, as I stated on my preview of the show last month.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live — Premier Event
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live aired its first episode last night and it marks the return of Rick Grimes and Michonne on television for the first time in years.
Chief Content Officer Scott Gimple, who was also involved in producing the series, expressed his excitement that the wait is finally over. Initially conceived as three films that evolved into a mini-series, Gimple shared his relief at no longer fielding or dodging questions about Rick Grimes that have persisted over the past few years.
“I am relieved,” said Gimple. “I think Andy is much [more] relieved so that people will stop asking him on the street because that’s all he gets over the last five years or so.”
Gimple said the decision to create “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” was influenced by a combination of factors, including the ongoing pandemic, shifts in the media landscape, and the passage of time. This six-episode series was shaped by the evolving methods of television production and the availability of key talent, such as Danai Gurira.
These elements culminated in the development of the project, which ultimately resulted in a compelling and cohesive story. Gimple also hopes to bring back all the characters in each current spinoff into a big project.
“I definitely have things in the direction that we could do that and I really want to do that and we’ll see what happens,” said Gimple.
Besides Scott Gimple, AMC’s Executive Producer Denise Huth also feels relieved as she discusses The Walking Dead on The Ones Who Live from its beginnings to its current state. Huth emphasizes the theme of transformation, despite adversity, in the post-apocalyptic world, as she herself has been asked about Rick Grimes in recent years. In spite of the challenges posed by the end of the world, Huth observes that the characters have adapted and grown, often finding themselves in better situations than they were before the apocalypse, despite the challenges posed by the end of the world. As Rick Grimes and Michonne navigate the complexities of this new reality, Huth expresses her excitement at seeing their development.
“I was connected to Rick and in being with him and I wanted to follow his journey so to see it come full circle and see where he ended up because as a fan I kept asking where is he like why is he not back why, you know, he is Rick Grimes.”
Over the past six years, Rick Grimes and Michonne have been absent from the main series of The Walking Dead, leaving their fates open for further exploration. During this time, four spin-offs emerged including Dead City, which I lauded for its distinctive storytelling approach and quality as compared to other spin-offs in the franchise.
In addition to revisiting these beloved characters, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live sheds light on the enigmatic CRM organization and Rick Grimes’ evolution since his arrival while exploring the enigmatic CRM organization. I have had the chance to view the first four episodes of this series, and I can say with certainty that it has been well worth the wait.
His portrayal of Rick Grimes as a transformed character, a character that adapts his persona to deceive the CRM while strategizing his escape is well-executed by Andrew Lincoln. It is clear that his continuous evasion of the military presence has been the reason for his absence from The Walking Dead continuity for over five years.
As Rick’s prolonged predicament is presented in the series’ premiere, he is introduced to a significant narrative from the comics which is masterfully integrated into the series’ premiere. While the scene is quite impactful, I regret the partial reveal in teaser trailers of this scene. Additionally, as he writes letters to the CRM, Rick addresses long-standing questions about the CRM.
The relentless search Michonne makes for Rick gives her a greater sense of her character, allowing us to gain a greater understanding of her involvement in the migration unit. There are excellent performances from supporting actors in these sequences which contribute to the overall portrayal of Michonne’s journey, giving the film a comprehensive feel.
The Ones Who Live has the capability of including dream sequences in its episodes that, at first, I found myself confused. However, I was quickly reassured as soon as I watched episode four, and that any confusion or uncertainty I had was quickly resolved as soon as I watched it. In a sense, it stands out as one of the franchise’s finest moments, offering a captivating and phenomenal hour of television. The show’s title, “The Ones Who Live,” is given even greater significance in this episode, enhancing the overall viewing experience and leaving an impression on the audience long after the episode has ended, making a lasting impact.
Although the series is very well balanced between action, suspense, and character development, it could have benefited from a longer episode count in terms of narrative depth. It is worth noting, however, that exposition-heavy storytelling recurring in all Walking Dead installments persists to a lesser degree in this one.
Compared to World Beyond and Fear The Walking Dead, The Ones Who Live presents the CRM as a credible threat, which addresses previous shortcomings in both series. The complexities of Rick Grimes’ confinement, while not explicitly discussed, are subtly implied for viewers familiar with the previous installment.
A captivating journey about survival as well as the human spirit, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is a testament to the enduring power of stories, art, and emotions. There are heart-pounding action sequences as well as poignant moments of reflection in this rollercoaster ride of emotions. It remains a cultural phenomenon for The Walking Dead as its series continues to evolve, and The Ones Who Live remains a shining example.
In this week’s episode of Fear The Walking Dead, we see it is Charlie’s last episode. But before that, Madison, Strand, and the rest are on a fetch quest.
Inside a store, their paths cross with members of PADRE who are in the process of securing valuable gas supplies. Amidst the search, Madison believes she spots a walker who closely resembles her daughter, Alicia. This prompts a reunion with Luciana, highlighting the bond between these characters.
Madison, who has endured immense loss, becomes determined to put the Alicia to rest and move forward if she sees her as a walker. The group then learns that Luciana’s gas station is, in fact, an outpost and their supplies are sourced from PADRE’s containers. The ever-present tension escalates when Madison encounters Charlie, only for her to discover that she was the one responsible for her son Nick’s death.
This revelation sparks an emotionally charged confrontation between Madison and Charlie. The exceptional acting performances by Kim Dickens and Alexa Nisenson provide depth to the grief-stricken mother and remorseful Charlie. Their intense argument delves into the complexity of their relationship, with Madison grappling with her desire for revenge, while Charlie contends with the weight of her actions.
However, it is important to point out that the decision to have such a confrontational scene, followed by Charlie taking her own life later in the same episode, leaves a lingering sense of inconsistency and lack of closure. After being treated for radiation poisoning at PADRE, Charlie was living with Luciana and dedicated herself to a mission that spanned several years to expand a trade network. Although it was good to know this information, it is more of a tell, but do not show. But then again, there are only a few more episodes left for this season so there is not enough time to tell that story (which it should have been given more time).
Madison’s line of “why is she still here” about Charlie echoes the sentiments of the Walking Dead community, as they question the continued existence of her for all these years. Strand’s response, emphasizing second chances, means nothing to me, to be honest.
Daniel’s is too humanized and this element, and’t resonate well with some viewers, who find it difficult to suspend their disbelief in light of his past threats.
The culmination of the episode sees a predictable and somewhat repetitive confrontation between Troy and Madison’s group, characterized by the usual standoffs and prolonged discussions. This approach feels overly familiar and cannot deliver a fresh dynamic in the narrative.
In conclusion, this episode of Fear The Walking Dead is rather mid, offering limited substance to the overall storyline. The exceptional acting by Alexa Nisenson stands out as a highlight, although it feels as if characters are required to channel their full acting prowess only in their final episodes, rather than throughout the series.
Scott Gimple, the chief content officer of the popular television series “The Walking Dead,” recently clarified the timeline of Melissa McBride’s introduction to The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Amidst discussions during the press conference at New York Comic Con, Gimple shed light on when the talented actress, known for her role as Carol Peletier, joined the cast.
“We were always building to getting to a second season that included Melissa,” he said.
Scott Gimple’s perspective is also aligned with Norman Reedus. Both Gimple and Reedus share the view that Melissa McBride wanted to be on the spinoff. Rather than having her from the show’s inception, they aimed to ensure that Carol’s entry into the series was well-crafted and meaningful, aligning with the character’s evolution and the narrative’s progression.
“She was on board for the first day. And the media says this, social media says that, I literally told the truth. She’s been here since day one,” said Norman Reedus.
Scott Gimple also reflected on the unique aspects of The Walking Dead and its early seasons compared to the different storytelling on Daryl Dixon. He discussed the show’s origins, highlighting the presence of a core group of characters in its initial stages. Gimple emphasized the significance of focusing on Daryl Dixon’s character and experiences as a means to establish the foundation of the series. This approach allowed for the introduction of Carol Peletier at a later point in the storyline of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, contributing to the show’s dynamic character development.
“I think it allows for richer storytelling and it just doesn’t rely on two characters that you already know, because then there are less places to go. I think it allowed Daryl to grow. And, you know, the thing I love about having Norman and Melissa as executive producers is they’re involved in their characters’ storytelling,” said Gimple.
Fans at New York Comic Con got to see the season 1 finale of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon three days prior to it airing on television. This choice was based on a keen understanding of the character’s significance and the desire to reacquaint viewers with her character’s return in a compelling way. Gimple emphasized the importance of showcasing Carol’s return as a pivotal moment in the show’s narrative, underlining the impact it had on the live audience and the overall storytelling.
“We did want to keep quiet about some things so we thought it’d be awesome if the audience gets that surprise. I mean, from being in that room today and having seen it before and knowing what was coming, it’s just so exciting,” said Gimple. “She has been one of my favorite characters since before I was working on the show.”
During a press invited conference at New York Comic Con for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Norman Reedus spoke candidly about the range of acting he has undertaken throughout this show compared to the main show when we asked him. Known for his iconic portrayal of Daryl Dixon in “The Walking Dead,” Reedus expressed his enthusiasm for embracing diverse characters and genres.
Norman Reedus, reflecting on expanding his range on his acting when we asked him, shared a glimpse into his thought process and motivation. As he discussed his enduring role as Daryl Dixon in “The Walking Dead,” he emphasized the personal and professional growth he has experienced over the years. Reedus candidly expressed his desire to evolve as an actor and explore new dimensions of character portrayal.
“I’m aging in real time and I’ve learned lots of lessons. I wanted to try to do something different. I spoke a lot about finding vulnerabilities in him (Daryl) and I don’t mind being the hero, I just don’t want to know that I am the hero,” said Reedus.
Reedus stressed the significance of working to earn character moments and commencing from a position of vulnerability. He aimed to genuinely capture Daryl Dixon’s challenging journey, where he grapples with both physical and emotional brokenness as he embarks on the next phase of his life. Additionally, Reedus underscored his intention to portray Daryl in a distinct manner, particularly in showcasing the character’s brighter moments, setting him apart from the main show.
“I wanted to earn the moments and I wanted to start low. And as he character, he’s broken when he gets there. He’s physically broken, and he’s finding himself again and becoming a man again in a different way.”
Norman Reedus opened up about a specific, pivotal moment in his acting career, which was the scenes he shared with Jeffrey Dean Morgan in Season 7, Episode “The Cell” of “The Walking Dead.” In these scenes, Reedus aimed to portray his character, Daryl Dixon, in a raw and unvarnished manner. He sought to strip Daryl down to his most vulnerable state, emphasizing the character’s brokenness and vulnerability. Reedus explained that the intention behind this approach was to create a compelling character arc in which Daryl could rebuild himself from the ground up, both emotionally and physically on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
“We did it with Negan in The Cell. I remember being the guy down here and trying to fight my way back up and when Negan is like, ‘what’s your name?’ And I don’t say Negan. That’s like a “fuck yeah” moment, you know? I wanted to be stripped down starting from zero.”
Following the triumphant conclusion of The Walking Dead: Dead City, I eagerly anticipated Daryl Dixon’s next chapter post-main show. To my surprise, Daryl found himself thrust into uncharted French territory. I had the opportunity to dive into the first season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and the excitement continued at San Diego Comic Con when AMC unveiled its action-packed renewal for a second season.
Let’s dive straight into the breathtaking visuals of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The production and cinematography truly excel in capturing the essence of the zombie outbreak in France. From the grandeur of the mountains and winding roads to the eerie transformation of iconic landmarks and the haunting beauty of rural landscapes, it’s as if you’re embarking on an epic adventure within an expansive open-world video game.
Another intriguing facet of the visual experience is the seamless integration of the entire French landscape into Daryl Dixon’s environment. Daryl, being in a foreign land, grapples with the linguistic and cultural differences that surround him. His inability to comprehend the entirety of France forces him to rely on either a translator or his own wits to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Every step he takes, every interaction he has, becomes a puzzle to solve in his quest to find his way back home.
It’s worth noting that Daryl is not the sole American who has found themselves in France within the storyline. However, their paths to arriving in this foreign land diverged significantly from Daryl’s, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative.
Isabelle undeniably shines as one of the standout characters in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. At the behest of AMC, I must tread carefully around revealing too much about her major plot developments, but I can share that her character introduces viewers to the very origins of the outbreak in France through a poignant flashback scene. To put it frankly, Isabelle evolves into the show’s most compelling character, taking me on a journey from initially perceiving her as inconspicuous to gaining profound insight into the depth of her character and the reasons behind her actions. Her character arc is nothing short of riveting, and it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series.
Daryl Dixon, on the other hand, undergoes remarkable character development in this series, allowing Norman Reedus to showcase a broader range in his acting abilities. This transformation is particularly notable because Daryl takes on the role of the main lead within an entirely new cast. His standout moments occur in episodes 2, 4, and 6. While it might appear as though he is being humanized for the more casual viewers, I found this evolution necessary to demonstrate how his character has evolved from his time in the main show.
Laurent is what happens when you throw in a Fear The Walking Dead story on another child. I find him to be very pointless and there is also one scene at the start of an unspecified episode that annoyed the shit out of me. I will only say that it involves a walker horde and him. I will let your imagination think of it. However, who his mother is for this story ties into the start of the apocalypse in France.
Setting aside those points, my chief criticisms of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon revolve around its disjointed storytelling. Following the initial episode, it becomes evident that there are issues with pacing, writing, and a noticeable shift in tone. The narrative loses its sense of direction, as if attempting to check off a laundry list of elements to cram into the storyline. Regrettably, this approach lacks the depth and substance needed to truly engage the audience.
Remember those variant walkers you saw on the main show? We do not get much of that here besides two major scenes. I would have thought what we saw at the end of World Beyond would play into Daryl Dixon and that was only half the truth. It does not help that the main villain is generic as hell.
The action is great. Especially towards the end of the season. I also cannot reveal what led Daryl to France, but I can say that he had a pit stop at Maine prior to the incident that led him there. I just wish that it did not take a long number of episodes to show this.
In conclusion, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is a must-watch for dedicated fans looking to stay connected to the broader franchise. It certainly delivers on the fronts of action and suspense, providing the kind of gripping entertainment viewers have come to expect from the series. However, my only lament is the missed opportunity for a more captivating and robust storytelling narrative.
A greater emphasis on character depth and plot development could have elevated the series from being merely entertaining to truly engrossing. Nonetheless, for those invested in the world of The Walking Dead, it’s an essential addition to the canon.
Also, watch until the final scene of the season finale.
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