The Walking Dead (TV Series) First Time Again (2015) User Reviews

Totally Fresh

[LiamCullen6 · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

What a fantastic start to the season.

More walkers than we've ever seen before on screen, more characters than we've seen together in a long time, and more seeds being planted for future plot lines than any previous season premiere.

The group have devised a plan to lure a massive horde of walkers miles away from Alexandria in order to eliminate any possible danger to the group. As they're walking through the plan one final time, one of the trucks sealing the walkers in falls off a cliff - allowing the walkers to escape. The group are forced to kick their plan into action a day early and we're immediately immersed into the action.

It is time for the Alexandrians to learn how to survive in the only way possible: taking on the walkers head-on. Rick tries to push everyone into learning how to fight for themselves, but quickly realises that it will be more difficult to do so than he had originally foreseen. Remember: the Alexandrians have lived within their walls since the outbreak, and so have essentially been shielded from the apocalyptic world which our survivors have been living in the entire time. So for them to venture out of the safety of Alexandria and into the wild is - to them - like experiencing the apocalypse for the very first time.

Rick and Morgan bond whilst distinguishing themselves from one another. They adopt two completely different styles of leadership and survival. Rick's method is (as we know) blunt, brutal, and effective, whereas Morgan's seems to be more conservative, cautious, and merciful; just looking at their choice of weapons tells you a lot about how juxtaposed the two are.

Morgan insists that Rick is the same man he was when they first met, but we know just how much this world has changed Rick, and we know that's not true. It will only be a matter of time before Morgan realises this - if he hasn't already. We will have to see how their relationship develops, but if the trailers for this season are any indication, we will soon witness a power struggle between them as their differences become even more apparent and their methods incompatible.

I was a tiny bit disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Deanna, especially after where the last episode ended. But to be entirely honest, I was so blown-away by the sheer originality of the episode that it hardly bothered me.

And that cliffhanger! Who was blasting the horn? Is it the Wolves? Is Alexandria now in extreme danger? The fact that all these questions have been raised is evidence of the quality of this episode.

All in all, this was a brilliant start to the season which has set up for the rest of the season perfectly.

walking dead at its best

[cpoverman · 10/10 · 11 October 2015]

the walking dead returns with a bang. Last years premiere was one of the best episodes in TV history. This one beats last years by a small margin. the character development in this episode is amazing. Andrew Lincoln puts on a Emmy worthy performance in this episode . His performance is top notch and he and Melissa McBride deserve a lot for their incredible acting. The flashbacks were kind of annoying but were very important to the story. So i give acting 10/10 writing 9/10. Their were a lot of funny dialog's between characters. Overall this was another episode that shows why this show is such a big success and i have high hopes for this season. Ps: a very big cliffhanger that you'll want the next episode right away

How to start a season with a bang

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 4 June 2019]

For me, in its prime 'The Walking Dead' was a brilliant show. That prime period being Seasons 1-5. Sure Season 5 wasn't quite as consistent as the previous four and there were some disappointing (by prime 'The Walking Dead' standards) but far from terrible episodes, but at its best the season was of extemely high quality. Which is why it is sad that it declined so badly from Season 7 onwards, one of the biggest declines for any show along with 'House of Cards'.

Season 6's season premiere "First Time Again" is how to start a season with a bang. One of the best episodes of that season, one of the best latter season episodes and one of 'The Walking Dead's' most ambitious and unique episodes. "First Time Again" has a lot going on, is taut, is uncompromisingly tense, emotional and is exceptionally well made (actually stands out on that front), like the best of 'The Walking Dead'. Can totally see why it was critically acclaimed, even if it is more mixed here, and it deserves it in my opinion.

As said, "First Time Again" looks wonderful. The gritty and audacious production design still remains, photography worthy of a film, suitably frightening make-up and visuals that don't look amateurish in any way and like they were made with heart and effort. The black and white has a lot of atmosphere and visually "First Time Again" is one of the more interesting 'The Walking Dead' episodes and stands out, the past and present shots providing storytelling unlike any seen before on the show. The music is haunting and affecting, without being intrusive. The direction is some of the best of the whole of 'The Walking Dead' up to this point, both visually and providing the right amount and kind of drama.

There have not been this many walkers so well used in many an episode (not even in the Season 5 finale "Conquer"), and they are really quite terrifying here. The writing is as taut as can be and the dialogue-driven scenes didn't come over as too talky to me. The story is always compelling and makes the most of its unique structure, the coherence never being an issue and the action-driven scenes have genuine uncompromising tension. The massive set piece is a rich feast of emotions and is edge of the seat excitement, while the cliffhanger is a shocker. Love the sense of community, the character development is some of the latter seasons' richest by quite some way and the same goes for the character interactions.

Just as good are the performances, Andrew Lincoln's acting is some of the best on the show and a sly Melissa McBride is pretty unforgettable even with her screen time not being large. Lennie James kills it again and really shines in his chemistry with Lincoln.

In summary, outstanding start to the sixth season. 10/10

Season Premieres Keep Getting Better and Better

[louismales · 10/10 · 26 October 2015]

personally, I don't see the point in writing spoilers because these reviews are for people who haven't watched it. But then again, some of the best parts are major stuff, so I probably will contain spoilers, ACCIDENTALLY. But i'll write a non spoiler and a spoiler review:

NON SPOILER REVIEW: This episode is , in my opinion, the best premiere ever. It contains death, suspense, action, great acting and a major cliffhanger. As you would probably have known by now, this episode featured the most amount of walkers and by god did they use them in the correct way.

SPOILER-RY Review: As i said before, this is the best premiere ever. I think that the use of black and white was very clever to detail the flashback scenes and it was better than having it just randomly jump in time without you knowing. And Carter. Thank god he died. He was a good actor, and from the amount of publicity he got, I was assuming that he would be in a lot longer but I am happy to say that his death did have an impact on Morgans impression of Rick. The cliffhanger was very clever too with a horn attracting the horde of walkers to Alexandria. I also found it quite funny when Rick was informing the residents of Alexandria and Carol acted really scared. But I cannot wait to see the next episode as there were a lot of questions unanswered. Good job walking dead, keep it up

The Horn

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 12 October 2015]

Rick and the survivors find a quarry with thousand of walkers blocked by heavy trucks and he plans how to take them far from their community. Rick is supported by Deanna but the reluctant Carter unsuccessfully plots a scheme against him. While training the group, one of the trucks falls off the cliff letting the walkers to escape and the plan needs to be immediately put into action without training. Daryl on his motorcycle and Tara and Abraham in a car herd the walkers through the road to a distant point far from Alexandria. Will Rick's plan work as planned?

"First Time Again" is an episode with a confused beginning since the explanation is in black and white flashbacks. The partnership of Rick and Morgan is promising and I hope he stays with the survivors. My guess is that Ron Anderson sounded on the horn. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "First Time Again"

Note: On 22 April 2016, I saw this show again.

It was intense and great

[aninafetvaridze · 9/10 · 18 October 2021]

Why are people saying that they should have just blow them up arent you whatching show? Noise draws them out so if they blow them more wìll come i think this was great start for new season. (Sorry for bad english)

Eventful first episode to the sixth series

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 12 January 2022]

Rick has a plan to empty a quarry full of zombies.

This is a visually striking and well balanced between character development and action.

This episode jumps between time periods and uses black and white cinematography to help us keep track. It serves this purpose well and looks very cinematic at the same time.

The character moments are mostly strong, especially the scenes involving Morgan and Rick. There are also some memorable moments involving Glenn and Nicholas, Abraham and Sasha, and my favourite (easily) is Rick's response to Gabriel's offer to help.

I do like how The Walking Dead likes to show the reaction of characters to the behaviour of others with simple looks and body language. One scene does this so well it communicates what the characters might be thinking about the situation at the time.

I did feel the length of the episode. I'm sure the writers would argue the need for every scene for the sake of character development, but some parts could have been more ruthlessly cut. Was the attempted one-man insurrection against the Rick really necessary?

The production values are excellent as it presents what appears to be a huge undertaking. I'm not sure how many zombie extras were involved or the amount of CGI used, but what's being depicted feels plausible.

All performances are great as ever, particularly Andrew Lincoln and Lennie James.

It's a 7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

Do you have ANY IDEA, who you're talking to?

[and_mikkelsen · 9/10 · 6 February 2024]

The single greatest line in this episode!

This was a great way to start season 6! While not as good as yhe legendary season 5 premiere, this was still a great time, that build off from where season 5 ended while also setting up the next conflict right from the beginning!

The first scene was really good! An intense start! The amount of Walkers remined me of "The army of the dead" from GOT!

From there it jobs back and forth between past and present to give us an idea of how things went from the season 5 finale..and now!

Rick was by far the one who stole the show! After all this development and build-up.. Rick manages to become what he fought against in earlier seasons!

This is why Shane was ahead of his time..cause now...Rick is becoming more like him!

I also enjoyed the scenes with Rick and Morgan!

Great premiere TWD, keep it coming

[reachthesky-78237 · 9/10 · 11 October 2015]

It was a solid start to this season, the episode was well written and directed, I particularly loved the music in this episode, it made the scenes very intense. The performances from Andrew Lincoln and Lennie James were excellent. I'm glad to get some more humor in these lines and funny interactions between characters, it's been so serious and depressing for so long. The character development in this episode was very good, especially for Rick and a couple other characters. It's a must watch in my honest opinion. The flash backs could be annoying for some, but I would think people would understand this effect was used. The action was great, there were a ton of zombies/walkers to keep people satisfied and a lot of dialogue to even it out.

An even more thrilling comeback .. with a new sub-story.,. already making us more excited about what to come in this Apocalypse :D

[Aktham_Tashtush · 9/10 · 12 October 2015]

Just when you think a Zombie show with long five seasons couldn't get any more exciting .,. they hit you with this amazing premiere ..

Gosh i can't believe how these writers can even overcome the rush and thrill in the past episodes .. A new "First Time" .. why not !! i mean the theme song didn't start yet and i was on the edge of my seat thinking what is their plan for this amount of flesh eating creatures ;) then a little slow down by a look back on how we got here in black and white (i don't think black and white was a perfect idea but it happened) ... then Shoot .. back to thrill .. i really couldn't relax and set straight for whole minute :D as the story now will probably move outside of the "safe community".

The cast are Pro's after six years now .. won't mention them by name but a wowzer performance upping their last one every season with being more engaging, more genuine ,, a couple of new characters "with lines" .. i'd like to more of Rick/Morgan dual .

and at the end of this episode another shocking unknown surprise to come .. WoW . .. Overall .. it looks as always promising and full of thrill and suspense which would assure to make me hooked and eager for more episodes and seasons to come ;)

Inspired by memento

[seshasai-tris · 8/10 · 12 October 2015]

The screenplay of this episode is inspired by Nolan's memento. I didn't see it intriguing as the climax of the episode is already shown in the opening shot and there is absolutely nothing that happens in the episode. The only major plot that happens in the next 55 minutes is that Rick scheming to help the people get to a secure location, which is pretty much the same plot as every episode. I might get a lot of hate and down votes for putting it this way, but I feel the show writers need to stop being lazy and portray their thoughts meticulously and cleverly.

Would you take if a director makes a one hour show with a one line plot? I don't think so. Even if you scratch my lines and say that there is much of characterisation left, you are wrong. We all have seen countless episodes that built up the characters. Now all we need is some progress in the show.

The zombies are great , the killings are cool , but just ramp up the story!!

My rating 8/10

If it's not broke Don't FIX IT

[sanytsanejd · 7/10 · 13 October 2015]

I did not like the black and white flashbacks. This story could have been told in the present tense. One user stated they felt slapped in the face with the black and white flashbacks , I concur. I re-watched the episode ,and found myself skipping over the flashback scenes. The season premiere could have just picked up where we left off in season 5 that eventually led to the quarry episode. I predict the show will lose a lot of interest if they continue with the black and white flashbacks, doing this color change makes the past continuity seem unimportant.

The writer (Scott Gimple) said the walkers were coming back more threatening this season, I was expecting to see more agile/intelligent walkers like we saw in Season 1 - The very first zombie picks up a doll, one zombie is smashing a window with a brick, one climbs up on a tank, another jumps a fence, Morgan's zombified wife tries to open a door! and we don't see that anymore with the Walking dead. It boggles my mind how the writers find it so necessary to make the walkers so dumb. I was expecting to see some of this in the Season 6 premiere since so many fans have complained about it and Gimple stated the zombies would be the more threatening.

Unsatisfying

[ppoop-05879 · 2/10 · 11 October 2015]

I honestly found this episode useless. Because of the way the producers said it was going to be one of the best and most exciting season openers yet, I got my hopes up high only to have them thrown off the cliff with the truck that fell in the first minute of the episode. Which, by the way, was by far the most exciting thing you're going to get out of this opener. The flashbacks felt useless and aggravating, trying to set up something meaningful and symbolic but ultimately failing. It's as if the producers got together in hopes of brainstorming a theme to make the episode memorable but ran out of time and did the flashbacks as a last resort. The conversations and dialogue were cliché and the poor display of character development felt contrived and meaningless. Just as you are being convinced something explosive is going to happen, they hit you with another flashback and leave you with a feeling of dissatisfaction. It felt like one big waste of an hour and a half that was just a setup for the next episode; not to mention the million commercial breaks. All in all, the show is just going backwards in terms of plot development, character development, and the dialogue. Watch the pilot episode and then compare it to this one and you'll understand what I mean. The title of this review says it all about this episode: unsatisfying.

Best season opening so far....

[mdrameez28-249-935218 · 10/10 · 11 October 2015]

Spoiler alert:

The opening was fantastic,the episode has been well written, this episode has the biggest horde of walkers so far i have seen and the first black and white flashbacks of walking dead episode , the beauty of this episode is how the flashbacks is perfectly timed best editing and so far rick and Morgan seems to be on the same page best premier opening ever and love the walking dead and i hope every episode gets more better and better.

lets see the new characters and group really handle things pretty cool a great start to a new era of the season and the way the group handle the walkers together is pretty cool and and this episode we see a lot of new rules of handling things like rick quote that we go after the walkers before they come for us .

so i hope that this season would be less death and more about the wolfs and i am eager to know more about the wolfs.

One of the best premiere of the series, and an excellent start to the season, full of action, walkers, great performances and a spectacular and moved pace

[MomentIMDB · 10/10 · 21 September 2019]

The sixth is the best season of the series so far and this episode is a great reflection of its potential.

The episode is divided into two time periods until both reach the same point. In the past the plot focuses on the characters and the problems that the characters went through after Pete's death and the arrival of Morgan and we are also shown the plan to control the horde. At present we are shown the execution of the plan and how people manage their situation and their past.

The episode achieves a great balance between great action and walkers with excellent character development and direction.

the interactions between the characters are very good, like rick and morga, morgan and carol, jesse and rick, abraham and sasha, glenn and nicholas. All characters receive great participation.

the sequences of acciom are very good and it was good to show the terror of the walkers and the danger they are.

Carter's character gave a lot of conflict and was very interesting. showed a part of the alexandrinos and the relationship between rick and his group with the alexandrinos, something that is going to develop throughout this first half until the end of the arc.

The cliffhanger was spectacular and made me look forward to seeing the next episode.

to sum up an excellent episode

The Walking Dead is back!

[nopotential · 10/10 · 11 October 2015]

Wow, everything was great. It tied up loose ends from last season and set up a new story line that I'm already interested in. I want to watch just the gray parts, then just the colored parts. This was a great episode. Everything I wanted in the return of The Walking Dead. I'm already excited for the next episode. I have some major questions that this episode alone presented, and I'm sure that'll be covered during the season. Way to go... I've been watching "Fear the Walking Dead" while waiting for this to come out. Everything in The Walking Dead universe is enthralling and all I want is more. Great way to start off the new season.

Are you serious?

[greenwhich · 14 October 2015]

This show is brainless, because of you know zombies. Who made this starting plot, what were they possibly thinking, and why? What was up with the color constantly switching to black and white because of some kind of lost styled flashbacks. Uncool. Durp Durp.

But when the plot also really stinks. Thousands of zombies are stuck in landfill. What am I watching? There are even bulldozers nearby, and a landfill means exactly what it says on the label. Not go herd all the zombies into a mass exodus leading them where else but the red sea, get it blood. Seriously are we all that stupid? This show is again trying to out do itself, in another bid to go and slaughter as many of the antagonist as ever thought possible, why don't you just go and use a nuke and be dumb with it? Wait them zombies will escape and go and cause zombiemaggaedon, ain't we already seen that?

This show has gone down hill faster and faster to the point of a spin off show that piloted itself wrong, but it has vastly improved on any horror shown than in this show's comical spatter. Where it is often now only causing more yawns.

Really good start

[katriinacaune · 9/10 · 12 October 2015]

I have to say - I had my doubts about this TV show. There was a time, when I considered that I won't watch it anymore. And I didn't like the season 6 trailer. Still, I watched some bits of the earlier episodes and I thought I'll give it a try. And thank God for that! I loved the flashbacks. I have always been rooting for Rick and I was thrilled, when I saw,that he didn't kill Carter, because he had a reason to, so I thought he was getting better again. Not the case. He didn't do that because he just knew, that he will die eventually. But Andrew Lincoln was, as always, just brilliant. At first it was difficult to understand, what was happening, but that was good, because it only meant that I had to pay attention. Not quite sure if they can trust Nicolas, but we'll see. And I love that Morgan always sees Rick, when he has just killed somebody. The end of the episode was really interesting and I will definitely watch the next one.Really great start to this season.

Wolves Not Far.

[fredschaefer-406-623204 · 9/10 · 12 October 2015]

The epic sixth season opener of THE WALKING DEAD is a testament to the steely resolve of Rick Grimes and the crew, who after being forced to flee Hershel Greene's farm, seen their prison sanctuary destroyed, and barely escaped the cannibals at Terminus, are now sure as hell not going to lose their new home of Alexandria, Virginia. Moreover, if the residents of Alexandria have a problem with them, then they have no idea with whom they're dealing. Rick is the man who bit out Joe's throat and has not looked back since.

This episode, titled First Time Again, is told in two separate story lines, one of which picks up right where the events of Season 5's dramatic finale left off and is in effective black and white, telling the background of the main story, set in the present, where the denizens of Alexandria must deal with the eminent threat of a mega herd of Walkers. Rick has a risky plan to draw the massive herd away from their walled off town, one which relies on tight teamwork and expert timing. The problem is that the Alexandrians are fumblers, bumblers, or just plain cowards, all badly lacking in Walker skills. Pulling this operation off and the tension between Rick, Darryl, Michonne, Abraham and their weak-kneed allies is the main plot of the episode.

The subplot concerned the reunion of Rick and Morgan, two men who have been down similar roads, but who have arrived at different destinations. While Rick will stand for no slacking in those who do not meet his standards and expectations, Morgan is a man seemingly at peace with himself and this terrible world, although somewhere along the line, the man picked up some mad ninja skills. No matter, Morgan easily fits in with Rick and the rest when it comes to facing the threat of the herd. He is the only man outside of his crew whose opinion Rick seems to care about, as when Rick reluctantly helps Morgan dig Pete's grave so Pete's son, Ron, will have a grave to visit.

There were some incredible highlights to this show, starting with the opening scene at the Walker quarry, which is like nothing we have seen before in the series. A definitive Darryl moment comes when he calmly rides his motorcycle down the highway with the herd following less than stone's throw behind. Rick's takedown of Carter and the would-be mutineers is classic, so is the throw away scene where he completely shuts down Father Gabriel, who evidently not been forgiven for leaving that gate open last season. Then there is Eugene and Heath's first meeting at the gate, with some truly comic dialog. There were some quiet moments between Abraham and Sasha, Maggie and Tara, Morgan and Michonne, and another one where Morgan lets Carole know he's on to her meek housewife charade. Nicholas has seen the light and is now following Glenn's lead after the latter spared his treacherous ass last season.

The performances were excellent; all of the regulars now fit their roles like gloves; among the Alexandrians, special praise to Ethan Embrey as Carter, truly the most worthless character in the series since Carole's husband, Ed Peltier. Lennie James's return as Morgan is most welcome, but we should all worry about a character that is the moral conscience of the show.

This episode made for quite the contrast with FEAR THE WALKING DEAD; junkie Nick Clark from that show wouldn't have lasted five minutes on the highway with the herd. However, FEAR is a completely different show about people in an entirely different place and time in the Zombie Apocalypse. We'll see them again next year. In the mean time, we've got the original TWD.

And just who was blaring the horn at the end of the episode? As World Patriot has been reminding us all summer: Wolves Not Far.

"We're doing it live!"

Back to the Best

[Aqeel_M · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

The walking dead season six premier is an example of how to do television right.The episode is completely different from the others and while change is a gamble,change paid off for this episode.The premier is nothing like you've ever seen before and has a new feel and look.The episode balances everything perfectly and boasts excellent script,directing,acting etc. The episode sets up the new storyline perfectly and the attention to detail was immaculate.The character development in this episode is outstanding and the interaction between each character is important.Every scene in this episode has a purpose and nothing feels out of place.The episode keeps you on the edge of your seats from the get go and retains your attention throughout the entire episode.The show keeps you in suspense and reveals the storyline of the episode in ideal pace.The episode is thought provoking and keeps you questioning each decision/action and the addition of Morgan is great.The episode does something I felt had been missing in a long time and that is to make the zombies feel as if they were a threat once again,something I felt was missing in previous seasons.

The episode was slightly long but due to the fact that every scene is perfect you never feel bored as you are glued to your screens.The flashbacks were annoying and the use of black and white might be a hit or miss depending on the viewer,regardless the flashbacks were vital.

In Conclusion the episode was executed brilliantly and well thought out and if the first episode is an idea of how the rest of the season will be well then this may be the greatest Walking Dead Season ever.The episode rekindles my love for Walking Dead and is a must watch.

A quick review of the Season 6 premiere of "The Walking Dead." And is a major death hinted at?

[ericrnolan · 9/10 · 12 October 2015]

I tend to obsess a little about spoilers, so I'm reluctant even to describe the plot of the Season 6 opener for "The Walking Dead." The story I thought we'd see absolutely wasn't the story we saw, and the very first scene should be a terrific surprise for the viewer. Suffice to say, this episode was fantastic — I'd give it a 9 out of 10.

After five seasons, even a die-hard fan of the program can ask about its screenwriters, "How long can they keep this up?" This is a horror subgenre that's hard to keep fresh. But the show still succeeds.

The writers are trying, and it shows. I suggest that this actually is sometimes a pretty smart show. A nice amount of thought has gone into the major action set-pieces since the start of Season 5 — everything from strategy, tactics, terrain, diversion, leadership, and even differing levels of training for new or seasoned combatants. When one protagonist refers to our heroes' adversaries as "an army," I began looking at this episode as … "military horror?" Is that even a thing? Anyway, it's a refreshing change for fans of zombie horror who are tired of the spate of second-rate movies on Netflix — those typically show attractive twenty- somethings in vague battles, cheerfully rattling off dry one-liners while swinging impact weapons, despite any training or experience. This episode offered horror fans both exploding zombie heads and an intelligently staged battle to follow. Nice stuff!

Also present were the other things that people love about the show — great character moments, surprise character development, and terrific dialogue. The exchange between Morgan and Carol was goddam beautiful, and it makes me rethink my longstanding (and unpopular) criticism that this show sometimes struggles with characterization.

The suspense and tension tonight were absolutely perfect. I was on the edge of my seat until the end of story. And the final surprise development and cliffhanger there really drove me nuts, even if I have a pretty good idea why it occurred.

There is one question here that I am embarrassed to ask. I'm afraid I'm going senile. Am I the only fan who absolutely does NOT remember that character of Ron?! I … I thought that Alexandria's Hester Prynne here had only ONE son, young Sam!

Hey, one more thing — if I'm onto something here, I'm going to be damn proud … and I don't think this counts as a spoiler, as it is only an unconfirmed suspicion on my part. We see an erratic Abraham manically and cavalierly battle some zombies here. When asked why he was behaving strangely, he replies that he's "taking the bull by the balls."

He sounded a hell of a lot to me like the erratic Roger manically and cavalierly battling zombies during a fateful scene in George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" (1978). He keeps blurting, "We got this by the balls, we got this by the balls!" And both scenes involve people getting in and out of vehicles. The 1978 sequence ends poorly for Roger because of his carelessness. Does this mean that Abraham is likewise doomed?

Rick is turning into Shane, even worse.

[mansurikaif-61565 · 9/10 · 2 September 2021]

All we saw in this episodes is how Rick is so desperate to survive, which seems to loose his humanity.

Uneventful and drawn out, the writers really over-thought this one...

[~AleXa~ · 6/10 · 12 October 2015]

Inspiration or not, the screenplay was a waste of an hour and a half episode. The black and white noir representing the past feels like a slap in the face to long-time fans, masquerading as artistic creativity when really it's a cheap attempt to establish past from present.

Not only did they completely avoid explaining the aftermath of where we last left our beloved characters, but the episode is devoid of any and all character development. There is no tension nor suspense until the last two minutes. The picturesque location is ruined by excessive and unnecessary CGI, as well as the effort put into creating those zombies, as the wide payouts masked most of that.

This episode just struck me as trying overly hard to detach from the tried and true formula that works for the show. The new characters continue to not be fleshed out, while our group sort of sits stagnant. I fear there is a level of complacency they have developed, and I just keep waiting for them to move on, it was nice while it lasted, but it doesn't work for them. They are a team and a family or nothing, and we need to get back to that--the heart of the show as it were. I was really looking forward to Rick and Morgan relearning each other, and can't help but feel gipped. I also quite enjoyed the underpinnings of respect and loyalty between Rick and Michonne and hoped they would explore that. Carl's girlfriend needs to die already, along with most of the Alexandrians. They just don't get it, but I digress...

There were a few comical comments with Daryl as the Pied Piper of the zombie horde and Carol continuing her act, but that's about the end of this episode's redeeming qualities.

I actively try to refrain from being negative, however this was easily the least interesting season premiere in the show to date. I cannot figure out whose bright idea it was to waste time like this. Half of the scenes from the past were completely unnecessary. Here's hoping we go back to normal in episode two.

6.0 of 10.0

Why don't you just kill them?

[ajd4 · 5/10 · 13 October 2015]

I don't get it. Why would you take the zombies for a lovely walk on a summers day? Where exactly were they taking them? Why not kill them? How? I don't know, get some fuel trucks and flood the pit with diesel and burn them, burn them up until they are ashes. How about that? The truck is going to collapse into the ditch? Well how about pulling another truck up behind it or some heavy equipment or all the cars you for some reason decided to line part of the road with? ... Drop some rocks on their heads... set up a sluice and let them walk through like cattle and zap them in the head with long sharpened sticks .... Find a chemical plant and get a truck full of acid ... Get some explosives and rain them down into the pit .. Shoot them with a bunch of .22s.. Pipe bombs ... Anything, try anything but letting them all loose and walking them by your community or even walking them into someone else's community .... Oh thanks Rick, thanks for bringing the million zombie march to my neighborhood ... Speaking of Rick, our clueless leader, nice plan pal .. Worked out real well, I'd be so I glad we put you in charge to screw us all.

Finally, Glenn, how about before you let all the zombies out of the tractor store u climb up on something to at least give the zombies a challenge?

Great start to the season.

[teoface · 8/10 · 1 May 2024]

This first episode was really good, although I did not like how half of the episode was on black and white and the fact that is was an hour long but it was still entertaining and the hour went by super quick and I'm so glad they brought Morgan back to the show because he was one of the best characters of season 1. Finally Alexandria is starting to become smart and use weapons and lure walkers away but they still have a lot to learn and most of the group isn't very smart with combat or good at it but I'm sure they will learn more throughout the season and it is another great season I hope it stays that way.