Michonne’s Redemption: Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12 (Clear)

Rick, Carl, and Michonne in The Walking Dead

Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs), and Michonne (Danai Gurira) The Walking Dead Copyright 2013 AMC TV

Warning: This Walking Dead Season 3 post contains spoilers. Please wait until after watching, before reading further. Similarities and differences between the show and the comic are also discussed, but whenever possible, details of the comic are left ambiguous in case you decide to start it later on.

Summary: Rick, Carl, and Michonne go on a supply run together which takes the father and son back to their home town. After they arrive, the trio encounters an old friend of Rick’s who has fallen on hard times. While Rick tries to talk some sense into his pal, Carl and Michonne go off on their own adventure, bonding with each other in the process.

The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12 (Clear) is very different from the other episodes in Season 3 due to its exclusive focus on a single group. I’ve been spoiled by the constant shifting between Woodbury and the prison, so I didn’t care for the change in format. Since the writers whipped me into a frenzy with all the preparations for war in Episode 11 (I Ain’t a Judas), the fact that they left that behind for an entire episode felt like someone pulled the rug out from underneath me.

At the beginning of Episode 12, as they’re trying to get their car out of the mud, Carl questions his dad for bringing Michonne along. That’s when Rick reveals that he’s trying to keep an eye on her and merely sees Michonne as a temporary ally. During this conversation you witness a beautifully awkward moment where the camera cuts to Michonne, who can hear everything. This exchange clearly impacts her since she starts to soften herself to both Rick and Carl over the course of the episode.

In the empty police station armory, Rick recommends searching local businesses for extra guns, something Michonne finds foolish. So of course Rick tries to provoke her by saying “Do you have a problem with that approach?” Cool as a cucumber she responds “No Rick, I don’t have a problem.” There are many similar moments where Michonne continually takes the high road, like when Carl tries to brush her off. She responds “I can’t stop you, but you can’t stop me from helping you.”

An effective alternate title for The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12 would be “Michonne’s Redemption.” That’s because she not only shows her worth as a valuable, reliable teammate to Rick and Carl, but she also proves herself to be a complex, interesting character for the audience. This is the point where I finally feel like I’m seeing the Michonne I love from the comics. She’s level-headed, funny, dependable, and open. I’m of the opinion that the writers wouldn’t have had to burn an entire episode endearing Michonne to us if they had started to develop her character’s positive traits earlier on.

My favorite Michonne moments from the episode were her comment about the Welcome Mat (“Mat said Welcome.”) and with the rainbow colored cat (“I was gonna go back in there anyway, couldn’t leave this behind. It’s too gorgeous.”). Also I loved her badass moment where she saved Carl from the zombie’s grip TGIM (Thank God It’s Michonne). Carl sums up his feelings and mine nicely when he says “I think she might be one of us.”

The other main thing going on in The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12, is Rick’s encounter with Morgan. I was initially confused by his crazy hideout with booby traps and zany messages scrawled everywhere, but as soon as I saw the sniper on the roof, I knew immediately it was Morgan. I’m surprised that they reintroduced him this quickly in the show considering he doesn’t resurface until much later chronologically in the comics. It’s terrible to see how downtrodden Morgan has become since losing his son. And although I’m slightly surprised Rick doesn’t manage to convince Morgan to join up with them, I can’t blame Morgan for smartly staying out of the fight. He wants only to continue his work amassing supplies and disposing of zombies. I am curious though, how the heck did he get such a massive arsenal?

In the beginning of the episode, they pass a random guy on foot with a backpack, who they speed by without helping. At the end he seems to be dead, torn up by the side of the road, so Rick, Carl, and Michonne scoop up his gear on the way by.

What do you think the point was of including this guy? Was he a red herring, or simply a means of showing how callous and distrustful everyone has become?

Also, make sure you click here to take this week’s poll: If you were Morgan would you leave with Rick?

Would you join Rick in Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12?

During The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12 (Clear), Morgan is forced to decide if he should go back with Rick to the prison.

Thoughts on AMC’s Interview with Dallas Roberts (Milton Mamet)

While I was watching the Liam Neeson film The Grey recently, I knew that I recognized one of the other actors roughing it with him in the Alaskan wilderness, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out where I knew him from. I was 3/4 of the way through the movie when I realized “Ah ha! It’s that nerdy guy from Woodbury on The Walking Dead!”

As it turns out, the actor’s name is Dallas Roberts, and although he’s slightly nerdy in The Grey, he’s less so than his brainy character Milton Mamet on The Walking Dead. Milton is for all intents and purposes The Governor’s right hand man and confidant, although surprisingly he’s not really a tough guy. He’s a thinker, and honestly from what I can tell, a huge coward. He’d rather live in perpetual fear under the rule of a messed up dictator with his creature comforts than stand up to a man like that. Roberts plays him with a constant air of uncertainty which I like though, where you can tell that Milton is constantly at odds with himself about whether he should keep listening to The Governor’s orders.

AMC posted an interview with Dallas Roberts this week which he discusses his character a bit and working on the show. For the most part there’s no earth-shattering revelations here. Roberts admits that playing an egghead came easily since he was one growing up, and that he wasn’t expecting to have a role on the show which interacts very little with zombies. He does throw in a couple of amusing anecdotes however. One is about the playful off-screen rivalry between the Woodbury folks and the prison crew. While the other one references how Roberts initially got into The Walking Dead comics through his character on the show Rubicon, which I’ve never seen. That’s a cool connection to have and it’s nice to hear at least one person acting on the show that legitimately enjoys the comics.

The final question of the interview with Dallas Roberts, poses the issue of whether there’s any danger of Milton turning into a mad scientist. I won’t ruin it, although suffice it to say it’s both humorous and accurate.

What do you think of Milton so far? Is he a coward? Is he evil? Do you think he’ll eventually grow some scruples and sell out The Governor? 

Uncle Phil Wants You: Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 11 (I Ain’t a Judas)

Andrea and a zombie from The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12

Andrea (Laurie Holden) in The Walking Dead Copyright 2013 AMC TV

Warning: This Walking Dead Season 3 post contains spoilers. Please wait until after watching, before reading further. Similarities and differences between the show and the comic are also discussed, but whenever possible, details of the comic are left ambiguous in case you decide to start it later on.

Summary: Rick’s people argue about their next move and whether they should allow Merle to stay. At the same time, The Governor starts forming an army to “defend” Woodbury. A frantic Andrea decides to sneak back to the prison in an attempt to negotiate peace before the impending war. Tyreese and his friends find their way to Woodbury where they offer their allegiance to The Governor in exchange for sanctuary. 

The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 11 (I Ain’t No Judas) is the talky-est, most
dialogue-heavy episode of the season so far. Believe it or not, I’m actually happy about that because it pleasantly reminds me of The Walking Dead comics with of its rich verbal exchanges between the characters.

There are some very bold words thrust into the conversation as Rick and his people debate their next move. The most unexpected comment of the lot is that Merle is right. And I hate to admit it, but he does makes a valid point. By hanging around the prison instead of leaving immediately, they’ve lost their strategic advantage. What’s not shocking though is that Hershel publicly calls Rick to the carpet for his looney behavior. “You said before that this wasn’t a democracy, now it’s time for you to own up to that!” he yells. Amen Hershel.

Then we actually see young Carl muster up the courage to tell his dad to stop being the leader. Carl’s advice is to let Hershel and Daryl handle things while Rick gets a rest. Good move little man. Speak your mind.

Later on Glenn tries to say that they should toss Merle, maybe even give him back to The Governor as a peace offering. Hershel shoots him down with gusto (did I mention this was another great Hershel episode?). “He (Merle) may be erratic but he has military experience. Don’t underestimate his loyalty to his brother.” Hallelujah Hershel! And speaking of Merle, Hershel goes to see him and they have a kick-ass moment. They quote the Bible together, AND we find out that Merle likes to read?! Maybe this other Dixon has more than meets the eye.

Merle seems to be truly turning over a new leaf and this time I buy it. He tries to make things right with Michonne, giving the closest thing he can to an apology and admits with what seems to be absolute sincerity (this time) that he’s done a lot of things he’s not proud of. Plus Michonne actually has lines in this episode! Holy crap! She starts to become the character I know and love from the comic when she tells Andrea off “You chose a warm bed over a friend.”

Phil wants YOU/ Phil wants YOU/ Phil wants YOU as a new recruit. He’s certainly not putting together a Navy as my singing may suggest, but Uncle Phil (aka The Governor) is forming an army to take on Rick’s crew. And he wants every able-bodied person to serve in it, even old ladies and asthmatics. Well he decides against the old lady but still keeps the asthmatic. It’s needlessly silly and over-the-top.

Lucky us, we get to see him take off his bandage to reveal his nasty eye before he switches to an eye patch. Which reminds me, I loved the line where Daryl says to Andrea “Next time you see Philip, you tell him I’m gonna take his other eye.” Damn straight Daryl.

I’m kind of annoyed that they’re lining Tyreese’s group up with The Governor and Woodbury. Tyreese is so desperate for shelter he’s willing to do whatever to “earn their keep.” He has nothing to do with The Governor in the comics so it’s stupid they’re putting them together in the show. Although at least Tyreese seems like he doesn’t entirely trust The Governor.

And finally, Andrea may have earned awesome points with her brilliant curb stomp maneuver and her hatchet jobs on several zombie faces, however she quickly lost them when she failed to stab Philip at the end of the episode. Totally weak Andrea.

Make sure to click here to take this week’s poll: Are you tired of Hershel’s daughter singing?

Where do you think Rick plans to take Michonne and Carl on the “run” he discussed at the end of the episode? Also, who do you think will spill blood next? Rick or The Governor?  Leave me some comments and share your thoughts!

Is the singing too much in Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 11?

Toward the end of The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 11, Hershel’s daughter Beth starts singing her second song of this season. Is it too soon for another song?

The Governor Strikes Back: Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 10 (Home)

Merle Dixon in Season 3 of The Walking Dead

Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) in The Walking Dead Copyright 2013 AMC TV

Warning: This Walking Dead Season 3 post contains spoilers. Please wait until after watching, before reading further. Similarities and differences between the show and the comic are also discussed, but whenever possible, details of the comic are left ambiguous in case you decide to start it later on.

Summary: Rick leaves the prison to chase ghosts, while members of his group debate whether they should flee or stay. On the road, Daryl and Merle try to survive together, but quickly end up at odds with each other. And back at Woodbury, The Governor questions Andrea’s loyalty before slipping away to retaliate against Rick’s people.

Rick is obviously still living in Crazytown at the beginning of Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 10. The loon runs off to search for the ghost of his wife in the nearby thicket. After Rick finds her and kisses her, I was thinking how funny it would be if he snapped out of his hallucination and realized he was making out with a zombie. I’m still amused by how far off the deep end the writers are taking his character. But I’m going to stop laughing at Rick’s misfortune; I don’t want to be too mean.

Glenn continues to get on my nerves in each passing episode with all his alpha male posturing. I really hope he snaps out of it soon. With Rick out of his gourd and Daryl gone, Glenn feels like putting unnecessary pressure on himself to take charge. As Hershel astutely says later in the episode, Glenn’s heart is in the right place, but he just can’t fill Rick’s boots.

Glenn is blinded by the rage he feels about what happened to both him and Maggie back at Woodbury. Because of this he can’t make up his mind about what to do next. He toys with the idea of going straight back to Woodbury to fight The Governor, before quickly abandoning it to hold steady. The poor sap is so anxious to fortify their position that he runs off and misses all the action. I’d feel bad for him except he’s a total ass to Maggie, forcing her to reveal exactly what happened while she was in custody.

For the most part, Episode 10 is another character-heavy outing. While drama is going down at the prison, Daryl and Merle are traipsing around the woods. As always Merle is in rare form, spewing racial epithets, and engaging in selfish behavior. The scene where Daryl and Merle rescue a family from walkers up on a bridge is a real nail-biter. What I love about the incident is that it just reaffirms for Daryl the type of person that he’s become. He wants to help others even if he’s not necessarily getting something in return. His exchange soon after with Merle is fascinating because you find out new things about the characters, like the abuse Daryl suffered at the hands of their father, and the secret plan they both had to rob the camp blind back near Atlanta. I love the moment where Daryl tells his brother that he’s leaving to go where he feels at home even if it means going somewhere Merle can’t be. You just got served Merle!

Of course we finally get to know Axel (Lew Temple) just a little bit better, as does Carol, and he gets killed by The Governor’s attack. Speaking of Woodbury’s douchey leader, I didn’t buy his turn the other cheek malarkey he was telling Andrea, but I certainly didn’t think he’d strike back against Rick so soon. I was worried for our heroes when The Governor and his men started firing on the prison. That part where the van crashed through the fences had me on the edge of my seat because it sat there idling for so long. I had no clue who was in there, but I flipped when the door opened and out came a pack of zombies. Everything seemed hopeless, especially for Rick, who was pinned by several walkers. When Merle and Daryl arrived for the rescue, I’d never been so happy to see either of them. There was something slightly reassuring, yet also strangely disquieting about Merle’s giddy laughter while he helped Rick.

Which brings us to this week’s poll. Click here to tell me: Who was your favorite badass in Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 10?

Were you surprised Tyreese and his people were gone all episode? Where do you think they went? Do you think Merle is turning over a new leaf? Or will he just cause more trouble for the prison crew?

Do or Dixon: Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9 (Suicide King)

Norman Reedus as Daryl in The Walking Dead

Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) in The Walking Dead Copyright 2013 AMC TV

Warning: This Walking Dead Season 3 post contains spoilers. Please wait until after watching, before reading further. Similarities and differences between the show and the comic are also discussed, but whenever possible, details of the comic are left ambiguous in case you decide to start it later on.

Summary: Rick rescues Daryl and Merle from the Governor’s clutches, but he’s forced to decide whether to let Merle join the group or to cut both brothers loose. In Woodbury, citizens start panicking in the aftermath of Rick’s attack, so Andrea tries to take charge while The Governor sequesters himself. Meanwhile back at the prison, Tyreese and his friends struggle to find acceptance and trust from the survivors there.

Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9 is much less action-packed than I expected, although that isn’t a bad thing. Suicide King is a very character-driven episode, which feels appropriate since we have been away from everyone for almost a couple of months. We really get reminder of who all of the people are and how the traumatic events from the previous half of the season changed them.

Picking up immediately where Episode 9 left off, we find ourselves back in Woodbury with an angry mob chanting for blood while they encircle Daryl and Merle. Just enough time elapses where your anticipation and nerves are on the edge before the pair starts fighting. Then Rick and Maggie come to the rescue before the situation gets out of hand.

Based on the trailers for the season, I already knew Daryl and Merle would make it out alive somehow, however I didn’t realize they’d bust out so quickly or that Maggie would be the sharpshooter picking off citizens of Woodbury. Since she annoyingly cracked under torture in episode 7, it was nice to see her redeem herself with a badass moment. Did anyone else chuckle when Daryl grabbed his crossbow back from the Woodbury guy who stole it as he was escaping? I thought that was hilarious.

Then I laughed my ass off again when Rick knocked the wise cracking Merle unconscious with the butt of his gun. I certainly didn’t envy Rick’s subsequent dilemma about what to do with Merle. Daryl wouldn’t go anywhere without his brother, and Rick couldn’t stand the idea of Merle coming back with them to the prison, so it made the most sense to let them go. I wouldn’t have wanted Merle in the group either, but it would have been incredibly tough for me to let a valuable team member like Daryl go.

The following scene where Glenn starts going off on Rick about allowing Maggie participate in the rescue and for letting Daryl go, is so agitating for me. I don’t like Glenn’s sudden alpha male protective b.s. and outrage with Maggie like it’s her fault what happened. I also dislike his whiny attitude. I’m getting the suspicion that this will continue for at least a few more episodes this season. Damn it, I like Glenn because he’s a nice guy and level-headed. I don’t want him to become a jerk.

Back at the prison there were some touching character moments between Carol and Carl, and a number between Hershel and the other characters. Hershel reaffirms his role as the caring, fatherly figure we all know and love. I give him a lot of credit for consoling Maggie AND Glenn. He takes the time to tell Glenn how important he is and how he’s like a son, which he totally doesn’t have to do. Hopefully he doesn’t become the Dale of Season 3.

When it comes to Tyreese and his friends, I’m amused that the show is cherry-picking characters from the comic to introduce like Alan, his deceased wife Donna who died in episode 8, and his son Ben. In the comic Alan, his wife Donna, and young twin sons were part of the original survivors living outside Atlanta. It seems strange to introduce them now and to only have him with one son who’s a teenager. I’m really glad those idiots didn’t convince Tyreese and his daughter to make a play for the weapons while Rick was gone. So far I’m enjoying Tyreese as a character. He’s cool, calm, and a decent guy. He had a great line to Rick toward the end about being willing to pitch in, “You’ve got a problem with other folks, we can help with that too.” What a nice fellow.

Okay, lastly why the heck is with Rick totally losing his marbles? He saw some bizarre spectre in white which we can only assume is Lori, but why are the writers making him way crazier than he gets in the comics? Is it to add a wildcard element to the conflict with Woodbury? I think it’s intense enough on its own. I’m a little nervous to see how they play this out.  

What did you think of Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9? Are you annoyed with Glenn? Do you think the survivors will learn to trust Tyreese? Do you think Rick has become unfit to lead?

Also, click here to take this week’s poll: If you were Rick would you have let Merle join the group if it meant keeping Daryl?

Thoughts on AMC’s New Trailers for Walking Dead Season 3 Return

Last week, AMC release two new trailers teasing the return of The Walking Dead Season 3 on February 10. I waited as long as I could without watching them, but couldn’t help checking them out, so here are some quick thoughts on what’s in store for us.

The first video is a quick little 30 second piece promising a look at Rick and The Governor meeting face-to-face for the first time. Thankfully it indicates that Daryl survives his bout with Merle, because he’s seen telling someone that The Governor is on his way to the prison. The majority of the trailer just plays up the impending war between the prison group and Woodbury, with soundbites from the characters mentioning how the action is going to heat up. Nothing we didn’t already know was coming. Then finally at the very end we just see separate shots of Rick and The Governor supposedly talking about how they have things to discuss. It’s kind of a rip off, because it’s not even clear they’re in the same room or that the clips are from the same scene based on the way it’s cut. No need to waste your time on this video. If you’d like to see it though, it’s below.

The second trailer for The Walking Dead Season 3 part 2, is a minute-long piece that seems like a music video at first with its credit in the corner revealing the name of the artist and song that it uses. There are some revealing tidbits with Carl telling Rick he should stop being the leader, The Governor telling Andrea to leave for the prison, and a naked Andrea standing over The Governor while he’s asleep holding a knife. Maybe he catches her contemplating his murder and that’s why he sends her away? Glenn has gotten much more badass, talking about how if The Governor wants a war, then he’s got one. Hopefully that trend will continue in the second half of the season. What piqued my curiosity the most was Hershel at the end of the trailer, calling Rick out. He’s yelling at Rick about taking responsibility for his dictatorship. I wonder what prompts that moment. Again the trailer is below. This one is definitely worth checking out.

What are you most looking forward to about the return of The Walking Dead on February 10? Any predictions on what will happen with the second half of Season 3?

Thoughts on AMC’s Interview with IronE Singleton (T-Dog)

Warning: This Walking Dead Season 3 post contains spoilers. Please wait until after watching, before reading further.

Not sure why they waited until the Season 3 hiatus, but AMC posted an interview with IronE Singleton who played T-Dog on The Walking Dead. If you’ve been keeping up with Season 3, you know that poor T-Dog was killed off very unceremoniously. I was personally very upset that they killed the character just as he was starting to get more exposure and a chance to shine.

As you can expect the interview mostly concerns questions about how it was revealed to Singleton that his character would be getting the axe and how he dealt with his last days on the show. The best nugget that comes out of the whole interview is when Singleton mentions that he does a Walking Dead rap song, where he raps like a zombie. I would love to hear that and I think it would be perfect for a viral video.

Would you watch Singleton rapping like a zombie? I know I would.

Thoughts on AMC’s Walking Dead Season 3 Part 2 Sneak Videos

Last week AMC released three videos teasing the second part of The Walking Dead Season 3. Of course I couldn’t resist checking them out, so I watched them and thought I would share my thoughts. Overall, none of it is Earth shattering or terribly revealing so you’re not missing much if you don’t see them.

The Cast Looks Ahead

This almost six-minute piece contains clips and interviews with the actors, but basically it’s just people stating the obvious about how dark things have gotten on the show. They discuss how it’s interesting to watch the characters reach their breaking points and make vague forecasts about what’s in store for the second half of Season 3. For me the highlight is to hear all the British actors with their normal voices, especially Andrew Lincoln (Rick) and David Morrisey (The Governor). I always forget that Lauren Cohan (Maggie) is a Brit too.

Special Trailer for the Second Half of Season 3

This one is my favorite because it raises some interesting questions. In the trailer, Glenn tells Maggie “You and I can end this tonight.” What he’s referring to? I hope he doesn’t mean their relationship or that he’s hinting at suicide. Daryl is seen running from bullets, so clearly escapes (Thank God). Then Hershel’s daughter kisses Rick on the cheek, which is weird. What reason will she have to do that? The last thing of note is that Carl tells Rick he should stop being the leader. Rick’s status as head honcho comes up in the comic and becomes a point of conflict with Tyreese. Definitely curious to see where they go with that.

Sneak Peek at Episode 9 (Suicide King)

Nothing much happens in this minute long clip. It’s literally right where Episode 8 ended. Just people standing around chanting with The Governor walking around. Daryl and Merle look at each other, while breathing heavily and Andrea tries to help Daryl. Maybe she’s finally coming to her senses. I’d be happy about Andrea becoming a better character. Then that jerkface The Governor says there is nothing he can do and that the people have spoken. Lame. At least we know Daryl will be on the run. Wonder if they’ll kill Merle.

What are you looking forward to the most in The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9?