Review: The Walking Dead "Hounded" In Which Merle Shows His True Colors

Air Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012, 9/8c on AMC

Rating: ★★★★★

“We having fun yet?!” – Merle Dixon

The message “Go back” greets Merle (Michael Rooker) and his team in one of the most creative ways I’ve ever seen body parts used. But then I think it has more to do with the theme of “Hounded” than simply being a message. Who needs to go back? And go back to what? The world will probably never return to what it once was. The zombiepocalyse is here to stay and let’s not forget, everyone who dies comes back zombified. So again I ask, go back to what?

Observations and thoughts:

Review: The Walking Dead "Hounded" In Which Merle Shows His True Colors 1

Merle may have bit off more than he can chew with Michonne.

I’m just going to put this out there right now: the Governor (David Morrissey) better watch his back. Yes, it may seem like Andrea (Laurie Holden) is being coy and falling all over herself to get into his good graces, but I think she’s planning to infiltrate the system and take him out. Or I could be wrong. Andrea isn’t stupid. She always allies herself with people who are just as tough as she is and holds her own against any issues that may arise.

Can we all agree that Michonne (Danai Gurira) is not to be messed with? She wields her katana like it’s an extension of her arm (think Merle), becoming one with the weapon and taking down anyone or anything that stands in her way. I’m even more curious about her character now because I want to know how she got so good with her weapon and what fuels her killing rage.

Did you guess the phone conversations Rick (Andrew Lincoln) has are all in his head? The reason I believed this is simple: it’s the end of the world and telephones probably aren’t operational. And the fact that Rick has gone off his rocker! I wanted Hershel (Scott Wilson) to stay with Rick to show him the truth of the matter, but knew it wouldn’t happen that way. So, now that Rick has come to realize he’s not doing as well as he thought he was, what’s next for him? Will he tell Hershel the real deal or forget about it? Will he ask for help or use the experience to become stronger? My heart goes out to him because you can clearly see he’s suffering, but do you believe he’s back to normal now? The team needs their fearless leader. While Lincoln is doing a fantastic job portraying Rick coping with his grief, I’m anxious to see where he takes the character next. Rick is sure to rebound and go back to his old self, even if he is a haunted man.

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It’s the Zombie Wrecking Crew! They will take a mofo out.

Merle hasn’t changed much. I thought maybe his time separated from the group might have humbled him. But it seems I’m wrong. He says he wants to reunite with his “baby brother,” yet I seriously doubt there are good intentions behind his quest for a family reunion. While Merle is out to save his own skin at any costs, he’s also interested in moving up in the Governor’s world. If he gets in good with him, things may start to come Merle’s way. But I wouldn’t turn my back on Merle for a second. He’s more ruthless than ever.

We’ve been getting clues about where Carol (Melissa McBride) might be or whether she’s miraculously survived all alone in the prison. First, her scarf was recovered, and now Daryl (Norman Reedus) stumbles upon her knife. I never gave up hope that she would be found, but I wasn’t holding my breath either. Good thing that’s finally resolved in “Hounded” because I was anxious to know what happened to her. Seeing Daryl suffer when he can’t find or save someone makes you wonder just how much he’s keeping to himself. He likes Carol, for sure, yet he doesn’t give in to her friendly flirtations. And Daryl once again shows us his other side—the one that isn’t total bad ass, but still not to be screwed with. I love that he takes the time to comfort those who need it. He’s considerate and looks out for everyone in the group, showing them they are truly family in every way that counts. I don’t think Merle has a shot in hell of getting Daryl away from the group.

Memorable lines:

Merle, about Michonne’s zombie body part message: “Aw, look at this. She sent us a bite-o-gram, ya’ll.”

Rick: “What makes your place so safe?”

Caller: “It’s just away… from them.”

Carl (Chandler Riggs): “Sorry about your mom.”

Daryl: “I’m sorry about yours.”

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How well will the group receive Michonne? And what will they tell her about Andrea?

If you think about what those phone calls mean in the grand scheme of things, it’s frightening. Rick wants to go where the callers are, which can only mean one thing. He’s ready to be done with it all. So now that he’s been pushed back from the edge, where will he take his team of survivors? And I can’t forget that ending. Michonne, powdered formula in hand, surrounded by Walkers! (It’s about time the writers brought back that zombie deterrent.) This show just keeps getting more interesting.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle