The Walking Dead' "Who Are You Now" (2018)
Opening thoughts: Actually was incredibly impressed by all the previous Season 9 episodes and Season 9 on the whole improved massively on the previous two seasons easily. Then again, the season would have had to be really bad to be on par or worse than the worst of the pretty poor Season 8. Expectations were not quite as high for "Who are You Now?", due to really not being sure how 'The Walking Dead' would fare without Rick (pretty much the anchor of the show) and whether it would feel too different after his departure. "Who are You Now?" actually was so much better than anticipated, seeing as quality in general in most shows tends to be nowhere near the same in a not so good way when a great main character departs, and was pretty excellent.
Bad things: Starts a little slow and unsettled, though this is understandable considering the change.
Good things: Everything else. Very stylish and atmospheric production values. With no signs of self indulgent gimmicks or showing off. Very atmospheric music in a haunting and ominous if never over obvious way, while also having emotion that is not spelled out. Thrilling, suspense laden and well choreographed action with nothing coming over as ridiculous or chaotic. The viewer is also introduced to the new antagonists the Whispers and already they show potential and make their unsettling presence known.
The massive improvement in the writing continues here too. Hardly any extraneous talk, long winded-ness and soap-opera, apart from some long winded-ness early on but even that was done far worse in Seasons 7 and 8. Instead the scripting is tight and thoughtful on the whole, treating the characters and the viewer with respect. The story absorbs throughout, even when not fast paced it never felt dull and nothing for me felt confusing or over silly, and there is even some nice tension.
Characters are treated with respect and don't make ridiculous or confused decisions that frustrated so much in most of Season 8. The acting is great, the absence of Rick doesn't leave as much of a big hole as feared.
Concluding thoughts: Another great episode.
9/10.
Opening thoughts: Actually was incredibly impressed by all the previous Season 9 episodes and Season 9 on the whole improved massively on the previous two seasons easily. Then again, the season would have had to be really bad to be on par or worse than the worst of the pretty poor Season 8. Expectations were not quite as high for "Who are You Now?", due to really not being sure how 'The Walking Dead' would fare without Rick (pretty much the anchor of the show) and whether it would feel too different after his departure. "Who are You Now?" actually was so much better than anticipated, seeing as quality in general in most shows tends to be nowhere near the same in a not so good way when a great main character departs, and was pretty excellent.
Bad things: Starts a little slow and unsettled, though this is understandable considering the change.
Good things: Everything else. Very stylish and atmospheric production values. With no signs of self indulgent gimmicks or showing off. Very atmospheric music in a haunting and ominous if never over obvious way, while also having emotion that is not spelled out. Thrilling, suspense laden and well choreographed action with nothing coming over as ridiculous or chaotic. The viewer is also introduced to the new antagonists the Whispers and already they show potential and make their unsettling presence known.
The massive improvement in the writing continues here too. Hardly any extraneous talk, long winded-ness and soap-opera, apart from some long winded-ness early on but even that was done far worse in Seasons 7 and 8. Instead the scripting is tight and thoughtful on the whole, treating the characters and the viewer with respect. The story absorbs throughout, even when not fast paced it never felt dull and nothing for me felt confusing or over silly, and there is even some nice tension.
Characters are treated with respect and don't make ridiculous or confused decisions that frustrated so much in most of Season 8. The acting is great, the absence of Rick doesn't leave as much of a big hole as feared.
Concluding thoughts: Another great episode.
9/10.