We're Not Talking About the Playing Card... Review: The Walking Dead "The Suicide King"

Air Date: Sunday, February 10, 2013, 9/8c on AMC

Rating: ★★★★★

“No him, no me; that’s all I can say.” – Daryl Dixon

The sweet town of Woodbury ain’t so sweet anymore, is it? Chaos reigns supreme in the midseason premiere, “The Suicide King.” I have mixed emotions about what occurs during this engaging hour of television, but one thing I do know for certain is I’m so glad The Walking Dead is back. I’ve missed the drama, the zombies and the lunatics marauding as men of character. But what does the title mean in reference to the characters?

Observations and thoughts:

Well, I never did get around to reading the comics, and I’m wishing now that I had. There’s so much I feel like I’m missing out on because I don’t know the back stories to many of the characters who have shown up. Take Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman), for example. I know he’s supposed to be an important person in the comics, but what will his position be in the show? Considering he’s “the first brother in the history of the world to break into prison,” and can’t get into the first cell block, his importance doesn’t seem all that significant. Guess I’ll have to wait and see how things pan out.

The Governor may want to watch his back. Glenn is out for revenge.

“You’re like my own son, Glenn.” Isn’t that something? Words I never thought I’d hear spoken to Glenn (Steven Yeun); especially not by his girlfriend’s daddy. Pause and take a moment to say, Aww… I was just remembering how Hershel (Scott Wilson) was dead set against the group staying at the farmhouse. Remember how he felt about letting a new group of survivors into his small group? Now look at where they are—one big happy family. Not only that, they stick together for better or worse. Well, except for you know who. But can you blame anyone for wanting to be with their kin over people who have slowly become like family?

Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is seriously losing his shit. He’s seeing things, and flipping out on those around him. Is he suffering from PTSD? Is the stress of losing Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) finally getting to him? I’m waiting for him to have a major breakdown and start shooting people. He’ll either go off the deep end to never return, or he’ll pull himself together for his children. I don’t think he’ll forget about his responsibilities now that he’s a single parent. Too bad no one in the group is a shrink.

Michonne (Danai Gurira) gives nothing away. Her silence may be the one thing that keeps her out of trouble. She never answers the questions that are sure to show her cards. She remains mysterious and aloof all while melting into the background. The woman knows what she’s doing and so far, it’s kept her alive. I only wonder if she’ll ever learn to trust another person after Andrea’s (Laurie Holden) betrayal.

Anyone else see what’s wrong with this picture? Andrea shouldn’t be there.

“Why didn’t you tell me they were here? You kept that from me while we were… ” Andrea is either a great actress or an idiot. I don’t know which yet because she can’t be this dense. She clearly doesn’t see the big picture even though it’s right in front of her face. I don’t understand her reluctance to see the Governor (David Morrissey) for who he is. How much more does she need to know before realizing he’s not a good person or that he doesn’t have everyone’s best interests at heart? Hell, even he knows things are falling apart at the seams. Although, he’ll do his worst to keep Woodbury as it is. It’s interesting to see how the Governor has deteriorated from gracious leader to psychopath. Or maybe he’s just matching his new attitude to the eye patch he’ll have to wear for the rest of his life.

In a scene where Merle (Michael Rooker) takes control and stirs shit up, Daryl (Norman Reedus) ends up choosing blood first: “It was always Merle and I before this.” I really thought Daryl would have chosen differently but I think his decision will lead to an awakening for him. He’ll see Merle for who he is and realize he hasn’t changed much. Daryl is a different person now; I don’t think that will sit well with Merle. He’ll want his little brother to be just that. Daryl’s had too much time as Rick’s co-pilot to take a step down and be a yes man.

Memorable lines:

Daryl’s comment to Rick about Michonne (really made me think): “You’re gonna cut Merle loose and bring the last of the samurai home?”

Glenn decides not to keep quiet about the screw-up in Woodbury and stands up to Rick: “You guys do all the talking you want; I’m done.”

Tyrese to Rick about staying in the prison: “You turn us out, you are responsible.”

Hershel as the new voice of reason: “Rick. You’ve done so much for us. I appreciate that. We all do. We owe you our lives. We’ve done everything you asked without question, and I’m telling you, you’re wrong on this. You’ve got to start giving people a chance.”

The brothers are reunited, but for how long?

“The Suicide King” is a strong comeback but I was expecting a bit more. I wanted to laugh during Daryl and Merle’s fight in the zombie ring of death; it just didn’t seem real. The choreography appeared too orchestrated to seem natural. While I’m not ecstatic with certain game changing events, the good overrode my inclination to nitpick. I’ve got so much more to say about what happened but I’ll save it for when I can gather my thoughts. I know one thing to be true—changes are sure to come.

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.

Follow the show on Twitter: @WalkingDead_AMC, hashtag #WalkingDead.

LIKE The Walking Dead on Facebook.

[nggallery id=499]

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Elle

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