Within The Walking Dead community, it’s a widely accepted opinion that seasons 2 and 4 were the slowest. Bitch, bitch, moan, moan. Whatever. These 2 seasons are my favorites. I like the slow storytelling aspect of both, that they allow the characters to breathe and grow and evolve.
“A” was my favorite season finale thus far. It was the perfect ending to an almost perfect season. Rick, Michonne, Carl, and now Daryl – to me – are the absolute best grouping. Carl and Michonne might have the most interesting relationship on the show. Loved that the final episode focused on them. The brutal scene between them and the Claimers was just amazing. No, seriously, AMAZING. Rick using his teeth to save his son’s life grabbed me in the gut. The lengths this man will go to. The monster within he now embraces to keep his people safe is one of the most compelling dynamics on television. And he no longer gives a fuck. Rick Grimes has ascended to a new level of being. And I can’t wait to take that journey with him.
Daryl and Rick’s scene the next morning. ALL OF THE FEELS. Thank God Daryl’s back with his family. I’m so glad Rick’s first instinct is to take Daryl’s guilt away. To claim him as brother. And I’m glad they discussed Beth. Because Beth will play a MAJOR role in season 5. I’m calling it now.
TERMINUS. Fuck those motherfuckers. Rick is so right. He’s going to jack these sons of bitches up so bad. Team Prison is back together and that’s perhaps the biggest mistake the termites could have made. Because Team Prison reunited and headed by warrior!Rick is an unstoppable force. Not to mention, I think Rick and his group went into Terminus with a plan. Rick leaving those weapons behind – including his signature python – is telling.
So what is Terminus? Are they simply cannibals? We saw the human bones. But we also saw the memorial room that screams religious cult of some sort. I think they might be the cannibals from the comics but with a twist. As for how Team Prison will get out of this scrape, I imagine that Beth will be essential to that. Which is one of the most fantastic twists the show has taken (along with no deaths). Everyone online was clamoring for Beth’s death, expecting it, hoping for it. But not under Scott Gimple’s watch. Too obvious. Too boring. I believe Beth was taken by Father Gabriel (from the comics) and that they’ll form some kind of team to help Rick and the others escape. Am I crazy? Maybe, but in the final Hershel flashback, Rick throws his sheriff’s hat on Beth’s head and proclaims her the ‘new sheriff’. I think that was done on purpose. I believe Beth will become the Andrea of the comics. And I’m so ready for this. The weakest becoming one of the strongest? Yes, please. And then her and Daryl can have their sexy little way with each other and it will be the hottest thing on television EVER.
Speaking of the Hershel flashbacks: I miss him so much!! But I can see how his journey, his story, was very, very done. Hershel wanted something for Rick and Carl that just can’t be. He wanted them to be something they’re not. And as much as Hershel’s morale strengths and lessons really helped both characters, ultimately, they can’t come back from the things they’ve done. They are different people now. They all have a monster within that is undeniable and even necessary. Recognizing, accepting, and embracing this part of themselves is the only way to continue on this journey. Like Carol said, “You can be a farmer, Rick. But you can’t JUST be a farmer.”
Where are Carol and Tyreese and Judith???
I actually really liked little punk ass Gareth as a villain. He has this weird control obsession – this evil genius – this horrific cat and mouse game going that almost makes him more formidable than the Governor. Because this kid thinks things through. He’s well-organized, calm, calculating, and extremely smart. But we all have our weaknesses.
So, kudos, TWD for being awesome. Kudos for making a believer out of my husband. He’s never really watched the show but LOVED this finale. I hope that Melissa McBride earns an Emmy nomination. I hope that season 5 raises the bar, yet again. More than anything, I just hope that the next 7 months hurry the fuck up.
Also, I’m thinking of taking a trip down to the Terminus mill and (hopefully) taking pictures this weekend. First, I’ve got to discover its location, which shouldn’t be too hard between the interwebs and Google maps. Excited!!
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It was SOOO good! I loved how it ended and I was beyond excited that bad ass Rick was back. Such a fantastic season finale.
It really was tremendous. Yay for ‘don’t give two shits’, Rick, returning (and hopefully, remaining) on our screens forever more!
Loved this episode! And I love that Rick is back and a bad ass again. I’m just glad Daryl is finally away from those awful, awful guys. I didn’t really like Beth until the episode where she was taken, but I think it would be great for her to have a bigger role next season.
Yes. I love this unapologetic Rick. I’m glad Daryl is safe and sound with team prison again. And I hope the writers take Beth’s character to some super interesting places.
I liked season 2 & 4 because they were able to grow a garden, and we could relax for a minute. But they need to escape these Terminus cannibals asap. I like Michonne best, and Rick too and Glen. Do we really have to wait 7 more months? yikes.
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Yes, me too. Only a six month wait now!!
BTW, I’m wondering where the heck Beth is and who took her. I’m not sure I recall Father Gabriel. I thought she might have been taken to Terminus. Or perhaps will meet up there. I’m glad the bad guys who were with Daryl for awhile weren’t the ones to nab her. What a relief!
Father Gabriel is from the comic and plays a fairly small role there. He’s not bad, just cowardly. But who really knows where Beth is at this point. I just really hope she’s not at Terminus. I don’t understand why they would have to go out kidnapping folks when they have so many stragglers wondering in thanks to all the signs. Seems odd.
Love Beth and Daryl, they bring out the best in each other. And thank heavens Ri k has his mojo back!! Love it.
I’m glad so many enjoyed their dynamic! And I love some badass Rick.