The last time The Walking Dead graced our screens was nearly six months ago. Now the wait is over to see where the story is heading after that cliffhanger from episode 16.
The beginning of one of these episodes have some of the best stunt choreography i’ve seen on The Walking Dead in ages. before I get there, I have to say that based on the two episodes I saw, the rest of the seasons will open with narration monologues from Judith with video compilations of past scenes to set up the plot of each episode. It is something different so I welcome it.
Now back to the action. I was on the edge of my seat when the battles took place between team family vs. The Commonwealth soldiers. This started with a plan in which Negan had to participate since Lance never saw him before. I wish I can give further detail, but the plan works Speaking of Lance, he is more blood thirsty than ever before. He is doing everything he can in these two episodes to make it known that he is the ringleader even though Pamela does not approve. Josh Hamilton is fantastic with his delivery in each scene that he is in.
Two people that I never thought of having a scene together is Negan and Mercer. I will not say what they talked about, but it is something to keep in mind for the rest of the season. Also, Negan finally drops an F-bomb in one of the episodes. As much as I wanted this to happen for years since the character was introduced in season 6, when it happens, it is not for comedy. It is used on a serious manner.
Over at The Commonwealth, there is a huge protest going on due to the story Connie put out on the newspaper. I do wish that it was not resolved this quick, but I have a feeling that a full scale riot is brewing. Also, watch out for Carol’s big knife and Jerry protecting the children! There is also a scene that I like between Carol and Negan as they are both now working together to solve an issue for the time being.
I did not forget the walkers. There are two scenes that stood out as the gore involving them is disgusting, but great to look at. Be on the lookout for those moments.
Of the characters that I like for these two episodes, it will go to Eugene, Daryl, Negan, Jerry, Rosita, and Yumiko. They all had stand out performances that kept my attention. I will not spoil a major sequence in these two episodes, but it happens after a wrestling match (Note, I know the two independent wrestlers that were on this scene). And finally, there is a major character death on one of the episodes. It is so huge that it deviated from the comic book series.
Overall, I enjoyed “Lockdown” and “”A New Deal” as i personally think these two were better than the opening episodes of 11A and 11B. Where will this all lead to on The Walking Dead? We will see in the weeks to come!
