After the non-stop horror of last week's episode, there was only really one option to stop viewers from losing their sanity: make the most upbeat, hopeful episode ever. This involved shifting the focus totally away from Rick's group to Carol, who discovers a new community run by a so-called king who calls it his kingdom. She instantly recognises it for what it is.
Despite his absurdity, I do kind of like King Ezeikel. The tiger he keeps beside him is strangely exotic for a show that usually sticks to a colour palette of grey (the walls, roads etc) and green (greenery). So it was an interesting contrast. Whether it actually delivers anything down the line we'll have to wait and see. I do like how the whole king thing is just an act and he knows it, but he does it to make other people feel happy and safe. It's rare that you see such a good character in the Walking Dead. The most important part of the episode is the part with the Saviours. It shows no one is safe from them and that actually King Ezeikel's kingdom is not quite as secure as he lets on.
As for Carol, this episode doesn't develop her character in any major way despite the long, drawn-out conversation she has with King Ezeikel. It's not bad, it just isn't groundbreaking. But I'm glad she doesn't break down in tears or anything, as I hated the way Carol was heading in the second half of Season 6.
So overall a pretty good episode, nothing extraordinary but anything's better than that awful season premiere.
Despite his absurdity, I do kind of like King Ezeikel. The tiger he keeps beside him is strangely exotic for a show that usually sticks to a colour palette of grey (the walls, roads etc) and green (greenery). So it was an interesting contrast. Whether it actually delivers anything down the line we'll have to wait and see. I do like how the whole king thing is just an act and he knows it, but he does it to make other people feel happy and safe. It's rare that you see such a good character in the Walking Dead. The most important part of the episode is the part with the Saviours. It shows no one is safe from them and that actually King Ezeikel's kingdom is not quite as secure as he lets on.
As for Carol, this episode doesn't develop her character in any major way despite the long, drawn-out conversation she has with King Ezeikel. It's not bad, it just isn't groundbreaking. But I'm glad she doesn't break down in tears or anything, as I hated the way Carol was heading in the second half of Season 6.
So overall a pretty good episode, nothing extraordinary but anything's better than that awful season premiere.