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Tales of The Walking Dead Season 1 Finale Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

After watching this week’s finale of Tales of The Walking Dead, I am convinced that this series has no identity.

In a nutshell, Alma died suddenly in the house, leaving Eric and Idalia to take refuge there after her death. The crucifixes on the wall begin to animate and attack Idalia, and she hears voices. As a result, Idalia feels guilty over taking advantage of the woman’s house. It takes Eric a while to accept the mysterious energy of the house, but it doesn’t last for very long as by the end, they are both dead.

Sounds familiar? It is because we just saw this nonsense on episode 2 of Tales of The Walking Dead in a familiar  structure.With awful writing and unrealistic supernatural elements that do not contribute to the plot, I felt as if I was watching the same episode over and over again.

It does not help that the talented actors were given a terrible script to act out the lines that did not sound natural. Such a waste!

Tales’ first season felt like a chore to watch rather than a coherent story. Sure it is an anthology format, but that did not work for this season as five of the six episodes’ writing and directing took a step back in quality as each week progressed. “Dee” is the best episode of the first season which outclassed all the other episodes this season. There are many shows that does the anthology format much better than this show and there should not be an excuse to why the quality of Tales is awful.

I hope that the next season goes away from the repeated tropes of the supernatural, hallucinations, and random characters that nobody cares about. Tales of The Walking Dead had potential, but it is not good as a show. And please, can each episode for the next season take place in different filming locations other than the woods, a cabin, and a basement? We see this across the three other shows. Why did it need to happen here?

 

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Tales of The Walking Dead Episode 3 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

After two episodes of Tales of The Walking Dead that I thought were okay to lackluster, the series managed to knock it out the park with this week’s “Dee.”

That is because we got to learn more about Dee’s transformation into Alpha on the main series. Samantha Morton reprised her role as the character on this spinoff and by the end of it, I wondered if we could ever get a small spinoff of The Whisperers just like we did for 2021’s Dead in the Water.

I will admit that the setting was a little weird by The Walking Dead standards, but I was more open to it than last week’s mess of an episode. Dee and Lydia was part of a group in which they worked on a private boat where they have parties like it is the old times. They eventually leave after a conflict over a death of one of the members. It is at this point where Dee begins to teach Lydia how to handle the walkers while also Lydia having to witness Dee slice open Brooke’s mouth.

By the end of this episode, they encountered The Whisperers. I thought that it was an interesting twist for Dee and Lydia to join them instead of being the group’s founders. A good detail that I also liked is that the Whisperer mask Alpha had on the main show, is the face of the former leader of The Whisperers.

While all of this is great storytelling, I am puzzled by the timeline. Did this take place after her original backstory episode on season 10? or somewhere in between? Samantha Morton said at the Comic Con panel that her backstory episode on the main show was from Lydia’s point of view and not every detail is correct as it seemed. We learned the truth on Tales of The Walking Dead, but how much of that truth could we believe?

Furthermore, this is the best episode of Tales of The Walking Dead. Great storytelling all around as we got the birth of Alpha through this show!

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On The Scene: The Walking Dead Universe Panels and Press Conferences at San Diego Comic Con

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

During the final TWD panel, Chris Hardwick moderated each of the panelists who participated in the event for the last time. Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Seth Gilliam, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, and Michael James Shaw participated in the discussion.

In general, there was an overall feeling of gratitude amongst the members of the cast, especially those who were fans. Throughout its history, the show has been made possible by the fans. There is no doubt in Reedus’ mind that the show belongs not only to the cast and crew, but also to the fans of the show. During the SDCC panel, many reminiscences were shared about previous SDCC panels. This includes the time when Andrew Lincoln tried to play a prank on Reedus by blowing glitter into his face in order to make him laugh. As a result, Lincoln’s beard ended up covered in glitter as the prank backfired.

It has been stated by Kang in the upcoming finale that our people, the Team Family, are engaged in a heavy conflict with the Commonwealth during the third part of the finale. This series of eight episodes is about bringing the gang back together with the goal of finishing this series with their goal in mind. Be prepared for some surprises along the way.

Director Nicotero certainly felt the weight of the fans’ expectations during the finale. He knew that it was his responsibility to do everything in his power to make the show as good as it could be for the fans.

This was Shaw’s first time participating in a panel in person. The first day he had on set was really cold, according to him. On the other hand, on his last day, hey wrapped up around six in the morning and just watched the sun come up. Moreover, he said that the walkers were some of the most delicious people to work with on the set.

The original panel schedule included Christian Serratos and Khary Peyton, but they were unable to attend. Payton announced on his social media that he has COVID so he could not make it.

A few questions were asked by Hall H fans. There were a lot of people who cried during the wrap party, according to Gimple. An episode-by-episode video with one second of each episode was put together by the post production team and shown at the wrap party. Kang explains that they are hoping to show that to the fandom at some point, but they don’t want to spoil any surprises by showing it now.

Rick’s movies were the subject of Hardwick’s question. He couldn’t get an answer from Gimple, of course. However, two people backstage were able to help. In that moment, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira emerged from the crowd. Richonne’s story had to be wrapped up because they felt they owed it to the fans to do so. It was decided by Lincoln and Gurira, after meeting with Gimple, that a six episode series would be the most effective way to tell this story. A date was set for Lincoln and Gurira to return to SDCC in 2023, and they are looking forward to it.

The first season of Tales of the Walking Dead is more like an anthology series than a regular TV show, with each episode telling a standalone story set within the Walking Dead universe, as opposed to the previous TWD shows. Tales of the Walking Dead features a number of new characters, including several played by Parker Posey, Jillian Bell, and Anthony Edwards, but some familiar faces are also returning, including Samantha Morton as Alpha, who is set to play a major role in the series.

In addition to Morton, Terry Crews and Danny Ramirez were all on hand during Friday’s SDCC panel to discuss the series. Scott M. Gimple, the showrunner of Tales of the Walking Dead Charnning Powell, and the executive producer of Tales of the Walking Dead Michael Satrazemis were all on stage with the actors.

Over to the press conferences that took place after the panel, not too much new information was shared other than Greg Nicotero talking about the finale.

“It’s definitely a challenge. Other shows if you’re talking about…you know, Game of Thrones had five seasons. Breaking Bad had six seasons. 11 seasons! Our story continued to evolve. The story really did change. The exciting thing for me after season one is, okay, finally everybody else catches up to me and realizes how cool zombies are. I grew up in the George Romero world where Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, that was sort of like my gossip. Frank Darabont used to say to me that the show was always about survival. He had always wanted to do a zombie apocalypse story. We talked about something years before The Walking Dead comic book even came out, so it was sort of like a match made in heaven when Frank put the ensemble cast together with Sarah, Jon, Steven, Melissa, and Norman. You know, the show certainly has evolved since then,” said Nicotero.

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On The Scene: AMC Network Celebrates The Final Season of The Walking Dead With a Fan Celebration at San Diego Comic Con

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon
AMC’s The Walking Dead is wrapping up their final season with their fan celebration. The event took place at San Diego Comic Con across the street of the convention center.
In addition to several exclusive experiences, designed specifically for San Diego Comic-Con, the series’ art and craft were on display, showcasing a variety of its set pieces, props and artifacts from all seasons, which offered fans an opportunity to capture photos and videos surrounded by their favorite aspects from the series, and were the perfect setting to share their favorite moments from the series. Additionally, custom video content has been created to highlight memorable moments from TWD, and to include special messages from the cast, crew, and special guests, to celebrate this groundbreaking television series.

Having been on the scene, I was able to witness all of this. As seen in the main show, the celebration had a lot of references to The Commonwealth’s location. That was from the banners, the walls, and even the propaganda flags. I felt like I was really there.

A large selection of custom-designed screen-printed t-shirts honoring the Walking Dead series were available exclusively that evening, and attendees had the opportunity to choose one of four types of shirt that would be featured in that evening’s event, as well as to transform themselves into the undead at a make-up station inspired by the Walking Dead, enjoy Commonwealth treats including the “Taste of Tradition” ice cream varieties along with themed beverages and food, and participate in a Commonwealth-inspired lottery for additional prizes.

With the help of The Walking Dead fan celebration in particular, AMC distributed TWD enamel pins designed specifically to commemorate the show’s eleven seasons, plus one bonus pin commemorating the fan celebration. The area was also inhabited by walkers!

 There were also members of the cast in attendance. A number of stars were on hand to celebrate the show, including Norman Reedus, Seth Gilliam, Michael James Shaw, Cailey Flenning, and key executives Angela Kang and Greg Nicotero. The fan celebration was a great way for fans to meet the stars of the show and to truly celebrate the fandom!

 

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On The Scene: Museum of the Moving Image’s ‘Living with The Walking Dead’ Exhibit Preview

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

As The Walking Dead enters its final season, the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) and AMC Networks are partnering to present the major exhibition Living with The Walking Dead, an exhibition devoted entirely to the groundbreaking series The Walking Dead.

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Austin Amelio as Dwight, Christine Evangelista as Sherry  - Fear the Walking Dead _ Season 7, Episode 13 - Photo Credit: Lauren "Lo" Smith/AMC
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Fear The Walking Dead Season 7, Episode 13 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

After twelve exhausting episodes of the current season of Fear The Walking Dead, we are finally at a great episode.

That is because Austin Amelio and Christine Evangelista carried this week’s episode with spectacular acting that got me to care for the characters. The big surprise is Dwight and Sherry are having a baby. Prior to this, Dwight and Sherry were bickering back and forth about protecting Mo and what the next move would be. Once that reveal became out in the open, Sherry had time to reflect to see Dwight as a father. Last year on Mother’s Day, it was Gracie’s baby that passed away. This year on Mother’s Day (When this aired on AMC+ one week ago) Sherry is pregnant! Let’s hope that nothing happens to their baby.

I also like that the on-screen chemistry between Austin and Christine is always on a top-tier level. Whether if they are in an action scene or a word-fueled speech, these two really bring the best out of each other. Look at how they interact as a couple. I felt every second of their lines being said. Shame that I cannot feel the same when Morgan and Alicia are speaking.

Morgan decided to steer the walker herd away from The Tower to the bunker that Alicia was in. What was the end goal here?   It does not help that Morgan and Alicia were giving away their locations over the radio for Strand’s rangers to hear. Also, why is there so much emphasis of Mo being the future? I do not care about what they will do with Mo. I also do not care that Wes is suddenly a bad guy one episode in Strand’s Tower. At least Wes has something to do because the character has been directionless since his brother died.

I like Alicia. However, she is not convincing as a leader. I often have to remind myself that this “war” is starting but she does not have a plan. We are thirteen episodes in this season and I feel like we are still stuck on episode one with the way this story was mapped out. It needs to move fast in a logical way.

With those hiccups aside, this episode is so far the best of the second half of the current season.

 

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Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier - The Walking Dead _ Season 11,
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The Walking Dead Season 11, Episode 15 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

Love, sex, violence, and terror is how I can describe this week’s episode of The Walking Dead.

That is because there were so many stories that progressed the plot forward. To start, Princess and Mercer are finally together as a couple. Comic book fans were waiting for this for a long time. I do however wish that they showed Mercer and Princess becoming official rather than a post-sex scene. I believe that they made up for it later in the episode as Mercer opened up to Princess about killing his own men. It takes for someone to be in love to reveal that piece of information and that was showcased on that scene.

Remember early on in The Walking Dead’s winter return when it was lead to believe that Maggie and Daryl were on opposite sides? Turns out that was not the case. Lance and his army decided to search The Hilltop (without a search warrant may I add) for any clues. During the search, he encountered Hershel. The confrontation lead to Daryl making a threat towards Lance and dropping an uncensored F-Bomb in the exchange. I love the scene as it shows the level Daryl would go on to protect his own family regardless of what his position is. I can also say that It was a heartbreaking moment for Hershel to stand near Glenn’s grave!

Another couple that is officially together is Max and Eugene. At least The Walking Dead showed that these two were building their relationship from the start. Sure, it was from the comics, but consistency matters to me. Also to add, too bad that Ezekiel and Tomichi’s mission did not go as planned at first. Carol did save the day however which lead to them getting the medicine to the ones that needed it.

I can also say that I was annoyed that Lance offered Leah a job seconds after he found out that she was the one who stolen their weapons and killed some of The Commonwealth’s soldiers. Hopefully this mission Lance offered Leah backfires! Solid episode of this week’s The Walking Dead.

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Mercer on The Walking Dead
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Exclusive: Michael James Shaw Talks The Walking Dead

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

Michael James Shaw joined the cast of The Walking Dead as Mercer beginning on the eleventh season.

The head of the army at The Commonwealth is intimidating, but also a person that does not hesitate to make his words known.  Mercer is also in a relationship with The Princess (played by Paola Lazaro) and he is beginning to open up to her. Where can this lead for the rest of the season? We will have to find out.

In this exclusive interview, Michael James Shaw talks about Mercer and Princess’ bond, putting on the armor during the hottest months in Georgia, and much more!

The Knockturnal: You have a great bond with Paola, and it really comes out during the beginning of this episode towards the middle. Especially the scene when Mercer admitted that he killed his own soldiers. So what was that like for you to develop these scenes with Paola?

MJS: “Is actually pretty easy because Paola is like one of the first friends I made here when I moved over there last year. She’s a wonderful human being and a phenomenal actress. And it was quite easy to take the leap and create the connection between the two characters. I don’t think he’s really allowed many people into his personal life while being in the Commonwealth. I think there’s a distance that must be maintained in order to maintain respect and stature in the society that they built. And I think that him allowing her into his darkness is a moment of vulnerability and also a step in developing trust with each other. It opens the door for a stronger bond between the two of them. And I feel like if he hadn’t allowed her in on that moment, the relationship couldn’t progress and develop.”

The Knockturnal: In the comic book series, Mercer and Max were not family related. The show did an interesting twist and revealed that these two are siblings. How did you react when you first found this out?

MJS: “When I found out that Margot was playing my sister, I was excited because in a way, we have bonded in a similar way in life. She’s had my back since I moved out here. She’s a wonderful human being. And again, one of the most fun actresses to work with because she’s down to earth and down to go for it. Me and Margot really trust each other and let the emotions fly! So, yeah, I was overjoyed when I found that she was actually my sister.”

The Knockturnal: During Mercer’s conversation with Max, I could not help but notice that he was working out. Knowing that he is the head of security at The Commonwealth, I can bet that Mercer has to stay in top shape. Did you have a specific workout scene to prepare you for your role as Mercer?

MJS: “I’ve been consistent with my workout routine and in the last year and a half, I’ve learned Jujutsu. I’ve been doing workouts prior to going to set at 5:00am and sometimes at 3:00am if I have to. And it was just a natural window into my preparation because I actually got to do one of the workouts in a scene. But I think that was part of building the character and creating that same discipline within myself. So when it came to doing a workout in the scene, I was like, ‘Fuck yeah, let’s just do it man.’ I probably did nearly 100 reps of each exercise. And I had built myself to be able to maintain and do that over the year.”

The Knockturnal: I also want to bring up The Commonwealth’s army suit that you had on since you joined The Walking Dead. How were you able to keep cool when it came to the very hot weather in Georgia?

MJS: “I wasn’t able to keep cool. The summer was tough. It was a family effort from makeup and costumes department. They would be throwing fans at me whenever we had a moment between takes and dabbed me with towels to remove my sweat. There’s something about being in the element and actually working or just actually feeling the fatigue or the heat. It kind of adds to your experience and I think it comes across on screen. I even enjoyed the moments of the bitter cold. I am not sure if you notice, in the first few episodes of 11A, in some of those Commonwealth interview scenes, you can see the breath coming out of our mouths because it was so cold in the studio. But I think it’s all part of that element and you kind of feel it comes across on screen. So yeah, heat or cold, I was loving every moment of it!”

The Knockturnal: It seems like a revolt or uprising is brewing within The Commonwealth. Knowing that we saw protests in the real world within the last few years, do you believe that the world is ready for these kind of potential scenes or stories on The Walking Dead?

MJS: “I cannot say for sure yet if a revolt is brewing or a riot is brewing at The Commonwealth. But it’s interesting that a lot of times how art can reflect on life. We can point out some of the the high points as well as the low points of humanity. And I think you can look forward to seeing a lot of that paint it out in our remaining season!”

 

 

 

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