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.
It is a welcome sight to see Father Gabriel back in The Walking Dead series as he brings a series of flashbacks with Jadis that aim to fill in crucial plot holes left by The Walking Dead.
As a result of these flashbacks, the ongoing storylines are provided with some much-needed context and some more information regarding the conflict with The Whisperers. Even though Jadis’ arc does hold promise, it ultimately feels disconnected from the overarching narrative of The Ones Who Live, and as a result, viewers are left wanting more in terms of progression.
As Jadis’ motivations and internal conflicts are examined, the episode also examines her complex relationship with the Civil Republic, which is contrasted against the corrupt society of The Commonwealth. Despite Jadis’ struggle with her allegiances and ideals, the episode’s inevitable outcome feels somewhat predictable due to the amount of screen time and dialogue she receives throughout.
This episode features a time frame structure that adds to the episode’s storytelling by providing glimpses into Gabriel’s past as well as the broader timeline of The Walking Dead. As well as contextualizing Gabriel’s journey and providing insight into his character development, these flashbacks provide insight into his conflicts with The Whisperers as well as life in The Commonwealth.
This episode, however, is not without its flaws as I felt like it was written and structured like a Fear The Walking Dead episode. There are a number of overly scripted monologues and a reliance on familiar tropes that make the experience somewhat disappointing, such as walkers appearing out of nowhere and characters spending excessive time in wooded areas. While the callbacks to earlier seasons of The Walking Dead add an element of nostalgia, they do not fully resonate within the context of The Ones Who Live.
A palpable sense of uncertainty is emerging regarding the series’ direction as the season approaches its finale. In light of the fact that only one episode remain until the season finale, it is uncertain as to whether or not the storyline will come to a satisfactory conclusion, especially given how implausible it would be for Rick and Michonne to take on a military force alone.
As viewers await the final installment, there’s a lingering question of whether The Ones Who Live will deliver a resolution that ties up loose ends and satisfies the expectations of its audience.
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