Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead Copyright 2012 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: Following Lori’s death, Rick loses his mind and storms off in a violent rage, forcing the rest of his group to find food for the new baby. In Woodbury, The Governor’s dark secrets are revealed, and Michonne tries to convince Andrea that they need to leave immediately.

Literally as soon as The Governor mentioned his daughter in Episode 4, I knew that we would probably see him with a zombie girl in The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 5 (Say the Word). That’s because in the comics, The Governor cares for his zombified niece like she’s still alive, except feeding her flesh and her and keeping her chained up in his apartment. I like that the writers decided to make her his daughter instead though, since it gives the plot point greater emotional impact, especially during that creepy opening scene where he’s brushing her hair. As a loving father, he becomes sympathetic, and less outright evil.

What makes your skin crawl even more is the shot where The Governor is looking out the window with his daughter covered up, and sees Michonne staring at him outside. It’s almost as if she knows exactly what’s going on without actually seeing it all clearly. Feels very Hitchcockian.

Michonne continues snooping around Woodbury, reclaiming her sword, and making The Governor angry by killing his collection of zombie specimens that were locked up. Again, from the moment I saw those caged zombies, I knew we’d be seeing another element featured in the comics: The Governor’s zombie Thunderdome. I didn’t necessarily expect to see him put on the sadistic game in the same episode however. It’s completely unsurprising that a thug like Merle feels right at home in a ring like that.

I don’t care how insane things became after the zombie apocalypse; I would never find amusement in something that twisted. Although I do get where The Governor was coming from when he rationalized it to Andrea by saying it taught people not to be afraid.

Speaking of Andrea, I wanted to find out what Michonne said that almost convinced her to leave Woodbury. It was frustrating how they cut away just before Michonne could explain herself. But it’s more troubling that Andrea decided to stay despite those words. I’m glad Michonne is on her own again and curious to see what dastardly plans The Governor has for her.

Rick lost his mind just as bad as he did in the comic after Lori’s death. I was pretty annoyed with him for throwing a tantrum, leaving everyone else to care for the baby. At least we got some quality time with other characters in the episode. Oscar and Axel showed their sympathy for the dead, and that they’re reasonable guys who want to help. Glenn also opened up to Hershel, saying all the kind things we all were thinking about T-Dog. And my favorite part of the episode: when Daryl tenderly cradles the baby in his arms to feed her, as everyone huddles close to discuss names.

I’m really surprised how closely the show is following the comic this season, compared to the first two. It’s kind of refreshing to have some clue as to what might happen next, but I hope it’s not a permanent trend since I don’t want it to become too predictable.

What was your favorite baby name? Share your thoughts in this week’s poll.

Also, were you surprised about The Governor’s zombie daughter? Did you think his zombie Thunderdome was screwed up or did you understand it? Who do you think was on the phone when Rick answered it at the end?