Air Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012, 9/8c on AMC
Rating:
“So, do whatever you gotta do to keep this crew safe. And do it with a clear conscience.” – Lori Grimes
As with most apocalyptic-themed shows, panic ensues and it’s be every man for himself. The innate bond between humans is tossed to the side in lieu of paranoia and suspicion. This week, The Walking Dead explores that notion when the group discovers they aren’t alone in the prison. I don’t question the survivors’ hesitance in welcoming these newcomers with open arms. What should be expected of them when faced with the unknown? Do they side with a motley crew of convicts ignorant of the new world order, or do they stick with their family, the familiar, the people they know? These and other questions are demanded of Rick (Andrew Lincoln) as their leader. He does what is necessary, but at what cost?
Observations and thoughts:
“Sick” moves slowly for the first half hour. The killing of Walkers is almost comical as the prisoners take turns hacking away at the undead. It was painful watching the actors who played the zombies and survivors. You could almost count the steps in the choreography.
I knew nothing good would come of this. I bet the gang will be more leery of newcomers.
You mean to tell me these prisoners have no idea what’s going on in the world? I hadn’t thought about survivors being locked up for such a long period that they don’t know anything aside from what they see in front of them. I realize prisoners are cut off from the outside world, but damn! Seeing their reactions to what’s going on with the zombiepocalypse is interesting. It’s not quite the same as Rick waking up and finding himself alone. I kept waiting for the prisoners to come to grips with reality, but they seem like they’re sleepwalking. They aren’t stupid; that much is obvious since they know they can’t leave the prison, but they don’t know what they’re up against either. “If you think this is sick, you don’t want to see what’s outside.” Daryl (Norman Reedus) gives them something to think about. I only wonder if it will get through to these newcomers or if they’ll bite the dust sooner rather than later.
The “prison riot crap” was pretty hilarious. We don’t get too many laughs during The Walking Dead, and the reprieve was appreciated. “You ain’t gotta tell us how to take out men!” Tomas (Nick Gomez) says. Obviously they did, dude. I loved the scene because it showcases the ease with which the main cast knows one another. The looks that pass between T-Dog (IronE Singleton), Rick and Daryl crack me up. Not only do they wordlessly communicate how they feel, they signal the need to keep their guards up.
Do you think excessive force was used here? LOL!
Rick is changing and I’m not sure if it’s for the better. I don’t know who he is anymore. His “kill ‘em” mentality is frightening, although necessary in their current circumstances. When Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) says, “You’re not a killer, and I know that,” she absolves Rick from doing what he has to do after reaming him out last season for doing the same thing. She used to be so hard on him, but now she either backs him up or offers alternatives. I’m sure her pregnancy is the reason for her change of heart, though I’d like to think she’s growing as a character. It’s obvious their marriage is coming apart at the seams and she’s doing all she can to keep it together. Too bad it doesn’t appear to be enough.
Since Hershel (Scott Wilson) was divested of his leg, I’ve been pondering the consequences of Rick’s rash decision. When you think about the mechanics of being bitten—teeth breaking flesh, saliva mixing with blood, blood being pumped through the body—does infection occur instantaneously? Only one person has survived a bite and that was in season one. It took a few days for him to die of the infection, but who knows what would have happened had his bite been treatable. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to Hershel and what that means for future bite victims.
Who will be the next to bite the dust?
I have a few qualms with “Sick” and they have to do with the prisoners. Why are they so cliché? There’s the requisite leader and flunkies who stick together to survive. The guy who has the gun is automatically in charge because no one wants to be shot. But did the other prisoners ever consider Tomas’ little six shooter would eventually run out of bullets? My other issue has to do with the posturing between the two leaders. It was exciting to see Rick hold his own against someone who doesn’t think he has the cojones to do what he says he will. But had Rick and Tomas initially worked together, conflict could have been avoided. Not only that, but why would men who have been locked up for who knows how long turn their heads when offered freedom? It’s not realistic, and leaves me wondering what’s really going on in that prison.
Memorable lines:
Rick to prisoner Andrew (Markice Moore): “You got more food than you got choices.”
**
Maggie (Lauren Cohen) to Glenn (Steven Yeun): “And if he does wake up? He can’t walk; all we ever do is run.”
**
T-Dog to the prisoners: “They ain’t men. They’re something else.”
**
I jumped, my heart raced, and I held my breath during certain scenes. I was worried “Sick” wouldn’t live up to the potential of the season premiere. My concerns were unfounded as the episode played out with the unexpected happening at every turn.
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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Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC © 2010-2012 American Movie Classics Company, LLC. All rights reserved.
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