The Gov Is That Cray Cray... Review: The Walking Dead - "Prey"

Season 3, Episode 14

Air Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 9/8c on AMC

Rating: ★★★★★

“People are more afraid of a biter on a leash than a gun in their face.” – The Governor

“Prey” comes across as a filler episode. Nothing much happens until the end where suspense is used to suck you in. But man, the ending doesn’t wash the other maniacal scenes from my mind. There is some seriously creepy stuff going on the minds of these survivors. Not only are some people losing it, others are turning a blind eye to what’s going on. I’m intrigued and repulsed all at the same time.

Observations and thoughts:

Whistle while you work…

I don’t even want to guess why the Governor (David Morrissey) has a speculum. I know the man has issues but what the hell does he have that for? He’s not a GYN or a doctor of any kind. Where my mind is going is not a good place, especially since he has that tool in his dungeon of horrors (yeah, that’s what I’m calling it). He’s so far gone I can’t even imagine what’s on his mind. The Governor didn’t just lose his eye in his fight with Michonne (Danai Gurira); he’s lost all sense of humanity, too. His plans for her involve pain and more pain all in the name of retribution. But if he actually goes through with his plans, will that make him feel better? I honestly don’t think his torturing Michonne will be enough. He’s so far beyond reason, I think when he steps back from what he’s doing, he’ll see the monster he’s become. Or not. It’s a toss-up.

So Andrea (Laurie Holden) finally makes a choice and decides what side she belongs on in the impending war. The bad thing is her decision turns her into prey. She’s wanted for the information she has; the information Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the others at the prison need. I find it interesting that Milton (Dallas Roberts) is dealing with the same choice, yet makes one that best fits his nature. He wants to stay where he feels he belongs. He wants to protect himself while securing a place in the new world. I’m not sure if he thinks the Governor will come out on top or even come back to his senses, but Milton is loyal. He doesn’t want to turn against the man who’s provided a safe haven at the end of the world.

I expected to see the Gov like this after last night’s ep.

I’m trying to get into the Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) character and see where he fits into this mess. He seems like a good guy—always looking to keep the peace—yet his decisions on what’s best for his group don’t always seem like the correct way to go. He wants to fit in—to stop running and finally find a place where his group can settle. I feel his pain and understand the strain of being in charge with others looking to you for guidance. But doesn’t he realize he’s going into a situation without knowing everything? I almost feel like he’s being played simply because he doesn’t know who to trust. It’s easy to believe what the Governor says since he’s the man in charge. I just don’t understand why Tyreese’s intuition isn’t kicking in. After seeing the plans the people of Woodbury have for the prison, I thought he was going to realize all is not what it seems. Guess I was wrong.

As an aside, let me just say Andrea is one tough lady. I thought for sure she was going to bite it during the scene in the woods. Her efforts to survive gave me a new respect for her. I know she has her head on straight even if she does some asinine things. If her character continues on the path she’s on, I think she’ll be a pretty formidable woman. At least I’d like to see her character grow to her potential.

Memorable:

Milton to Andrea: “I knew Phillip before he became the Governor…”

Andrea: “I can’t stay here. The Governor, he is not what he seems to be.”

No place else to go but up.

I can’t say I loved “Prey.” In fact, I don’t think it did anything but reassure me that the Governor is beyond insane. Add in his being a vengeful sociopath and you’ve really got trouble. I don’t know how he made it out of the factory alive but that tells me he’s more resourceful than I give him credit for. I’m intrigued, that’s for sure. Morrissey does an excellent job portraying the Governor in all his modes—from charming to psychopath. I can’t wait to see where he takes the one-eyed revenge machine next.

Tune in to The Walking Dead, Sundays at 9/8c only on AMC. For more on the show, visit the official site.

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