I Did Not See That Coming! Review: The Walking Dead "Seed"

Air Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012, 9/8c on AMC.

Rating:★★★★★

“He’s gotten us a lot farther than I ever thought he would. I’ll give him that.” – Carol Peletier

All I kept thinking after the opening to “Seed” was “this house… is clear.” Anyone else think that? We’ve moved along a few months into the future and things don’t seem to be any better for the gang. But they have survived and remain survivors. That tells you as much as you need to know about the people we have come to know and love over the past two seasons. Even when the world has gone to hell in a hand basket, there’s still hope; there’s still a reason to go on. But we do not eat dog food.

Observations and thoughts:

I Did Not See That Coming! Review: The Walking Dead "Seed" 1

Carl isn’t so little anymore. He’s stepping up in more ways than one.

The opening sequence is amazing. You see all the characters working in tandem without uttering one word. With almost military-like precision, they get the job done. What job, you say? The job of finding and securing a place to call home. They’ve become a family; a tight knit unit who move and think as one. Not only does the first scene clue viewers in to what to expect from the characters, but the flashes of different areas during the credits show the world as it is, and possibly where the crew has been and will go. Very nice touch!

There is character growth all around, especially for Carl (Chandler Riggs) who undergoes the biggest change. He’s no longer in the background being shepherded to and fro by his mother, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). He’s packing heat and knows how to use it. I can’t say I saw that happening with him. Most kids are shoved into the ‘you must be protected at all costs’ box and not let out for fear of the danger they may encounter. I’ve been waiting for the little guy to bite the dust at any given minute. It doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon though. I think he’s growing up in more ways than one. It’ll be interesting to see how his character continues to develop throughout the season. He’s had to man up under strenuous circumstances, and I think he’s holding up pretty damn well.

I Did Not See That Coming! Review: The Walking Dead "Seed" 2

I can’t imagine what Lori is going through. What happens when the baby is born will make or break the gang.

I know I can’t be the only person wondering this, but what will they do when Lori finally has her baby? Or the other possibility? “So let’s say it lives and I die during childbirth?” When you consider what a woman needs during and after childbirth, what will they do? I can’t wrap my mind around it, but I’m anxious to see how it all plays out. It definitely makes for an interesting story line. And the thoughts Lori has about the baby… I thought I was morbid. Sheesh!

Things seem strained, to say the least, between Lori and Rick (Andrew Lincoln). I wonder how the actors are handling that considering how tight knit they were during last season. Lincoln and Callies do an excellent job of portraying the difficulties of a couple faced with the direst of situations.

The massive number of zombie kills in the premiere is staggering. I don’t think I’ve seen so many heads fly in a single episode, ever. The Walking Dead knows how to put on a good show. This is what season premieres are supposed to be; drama, decapitations, and zombies in riot gear—the ultimate zombiepocalypse trifecta.

I Did Not See That Coming! Review: The Walking Dead "Seed" 3

We’re seeing a new breed of zombie killer this season. These guys are not messing around.

Damn it, Hershel (Scott Wilson)! Seriously! Why would you have the doctor, the one person you need the most, get into risky situations? Just when you thought things were somewhat calmed down, boom! Zombie attack! I applaud the writers for throwing in situations you don’t readily expect to take place. I mean, talk about shaking things up a bit! These characters are being tried and tested to their breaking points. While they haven’t reached them yet, they are getting close. Rick is not the same man we met in season one. Not only does he react without hesitation, he thinks quickly to ensure the best outcome. Yet, you can see the revulsion on his face when he does some of the things he is called on to do. If I were in his shoes, I’d want someone else to take over. Lincoln is astounding as a former man of the law who has dedicated his life to the preservation of others. I do wonder though how things would be different if Shane (Jon Bernthal) were still around.

Daryl (Norman Reedus) is, and will probably always remain in kick-ass mode. I’d be willing to say he’s Rick’s right hand man. When the hell did that happen? I’m not complaining, just curious. But, I think I’m going to give this episode’s best acting commendation to Lincoln. He’s become the quintessential leader of this group and he wears it well. My anticipation for the rest of the season is reaching an all time high. The writers are giving us a show to rival all shows.

Memorable lines:

Daryl to Rick: “Hey, while the others are out washing their panties, let’s go hunting. That owl didn’t exactly hit the spot.”

Rick to the group about taking over the prison: “After all we’ve been through, we can handle it. I know it. These assholes don’t stand a chance.”

Lori to Hershel about possible childbirth complications: “If there is any chance, you put me down. You don’t hesitate. Me, the baby. If we’re Walkers, you don’t hesitate and try to save us. Ok?”

“Seed” is a suspenseful, intriguing and spectacular season premiere. I assume the seed being referred to is what will sustain them once they find a place to lay low and plant a garden. It could also be the seed of doubt. Lori has so many doubts about her baby; Carole doubted whether Rick was the right man to lead them, and so many of us doubted anyone would know where Carl was during any given moment. Then there’s the question of the seed in Lori’s belly. Could her baby be the key to hope for the new world? Think on it and drop me a line.

Tune in to The Walking Dead, Sundays at 9/8c only on AMC. For more on the show, visit http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead.

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