You can buy the season on VUDU and watch without commercials (each ep shows up online around midnight the day it first airs). It's about $28 in SD--I don't pay for HD, but it's probably around $40.
The Walking Dead ***please use SPOILER tags***
- Thread starter arista
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The Kingdom was doing well. Ezekial talked about feeding Shiva when we first met him, and acknowledged that she eats more than many people; however, her value as something to give the people hope and faith in themselves made her worth the extra work.All true,but we have to suspend belief at the door,I mean,how in the heck were they feeding a full grown tiger,needs what,twenty to fifty pounds of meat almost daily..meanwhile the people are supposedly scraping for food..
There was a reason forHave to say I skipped last week after the
episode. I missed the Monday airing due to visiting my gf's mom in hospital and, knowing I wouldn't like or agree with at least one thing that happened in 'Some Guy', I just couldn't summon up any motivation to watch it. In the end, I stuck it on last night just before the latest ep. My words as I did so were, "Let's get this over with, then".What was the point of reintroducing Morales?
Now on the whole, 'Some Guy' wasn't bad. There was the now-familiar A-Team style shooting - which to me just screams that the producers, and particularly Gimple, are sitting there going 'Season 7's too slow? You want action? Here's some action. Lap it up' and basically taking the pee, because now they're looking down on the audience and sneering for not recognising their 'genius' (next up, grenades that explode a foot away, but do nothing except cause the pursuing bad guys to fly six feet in the air and perform a somersault/half-pike before staggering away) - and
But overall, it was a decent ep.there were the also now-familiar very accommodating zombies. I mean, how often did they pause to give Throwback Phil time to waffle pointlessly at Ezekiel? (Tbh, in 'Zeke's place I'd have been going "FFS, just pull the trigger if all you're going to do is bore me".) Then they were very accommodating again when they allowed the three of them to take an eternity to decide, then cross the rail tracks.though as with most of this season, there were moments of forehead-smacking stupidity and lack of narrative logic, but at this point I think they can't help themselves...or have decided that the audience is dumber than a bag of rocks and so simply don't care to try.It was good to see Special-Ops Carol back in action,
You can probably guess the big thing that didn't work for me. Yep, the death of Shiva. For one thing, a tiger would not be troubled by that number of shambling fools. Not one bit. A cub, yes. A very p***ed off adult? Nope. At the very least it would have been rolling and leaping and lashing out. I mean, these things can break your neck just giving you a playful dab. If you get a proper, full-on whack, your head's going spinning into the undergrowth. And that's without involving the four steak knife-like claws on each paw. Could the zombies have wounded it, even mortally? Yes. But what they are not doing is taking it down, not like that and nowhere near that quickly.
I get that it was symbolic. I get that the writers and producers wanted to show Ezekiel robbed of his majesty, delusions and standing. Thing is, they'd already done that. Killing the tiger was unnecessary as well as poorly done. The better decision, IMO, would have been for Shiva to have seen off the zombies before, injured or not, giving Ezekiel a final look before walking away. That moment of rejection - and Ezekiel's grief at it would have been just as poignant - would still have made the point, as well as ridding the series of something that was probably awesome in the comics, but didn't come across well on-screen (not least because they opted to use some of the worst CGI I've seen since Alien 3, and at least A3 has the excuse of having been made in something of a rush 25/26 years ago).
For the most recent ep:
It was the one I'd been dreading: Negan and Gabriel in a portakabin. Yippee. But those fears proved to be somewhat unfounded. Last year, we'd have had nothing but their (eventually interminable) droning for the whole ep. At least this season things have been mixed up a bit, so cutting back and forth actually made it work. And at last Negan gets some flesh added to his bones. It needed doing last season, in fairness, and to some extent I've gone past a point of caring or wanting to know more - the team were obviously in thrall to the character last season and forgot to actually make him a character, thereby wasting Jeffrey Dean Morgan's presence and ability - but the little bit of backstory and insight at least made him slightly more rounded and interesting again. In all honesty, Simon was more like how Negan should have been - that guy screams 'dangerous', and I don't know if that's down to writing, performance or chunks of both - but there you go.
There was still some dumb stuff, though. Daryl and Rick's handbags at 50 paces 'fight' being one (and yes, depending on circumstances guys can and do knock each other about and then move on, friendship bruised but intact. It's pretty rare, but it happens. Women, though, generally tend to bear a grudge - it's why arguments run along the lines of 'WTF did I do?', 'Oh! Like X didn't happen or you never said Y!', 'WTF? That was years ago!'; with men it's over and done almost as soon as it happens (mostly), with women...not so much), and he subsequent loss of guns and dynamite for plot reasons. The other was Negan and Gabe's Great Escape. Yet again it's the THREAT! THREAT!!...and with a mighty bound they were free BS.
All in all, it's not perfect - way too much dumb stuff - and it's still a long, long way short of S1-S3 or S4, but it has been an improvement on S7.
Morales. Gimple is setting up the end of the season and the end of All Out War. I think you've said before that you've read the comics, but just in case you haven't I'll stay a little vague. Morales is the only character that knew Rick at the beginning and hasn't seen his evolution. Rick got to see himself through that lens--Officer Friendly--and start the process of deciding who he wants to be in the new world.
I suspect Simon was the guy Negan mentioned he ousted, the previous leader who was leading no one.
Gabriel has a plan. I think it's possible that he is faking illness, but it's equally possible that he got bitten on purpose, so he will not have a pointless death. If he brings Eugene back to the fold (who would want him?) and gets the doctor out to Maggie, he will feel as if he's atoned at least a bit for his murders. Hell, maybe he let Gregory go, meaning to be captured.
I suspect Simon was the guy Negan mentioned he ousted, the previous leader who was leading no one.
Gabriel has a plan. I think it's possible that he is faking illness, but it's equally possible that he got bitten on purpose, so he will not have a pointless death. If he brings Eugene back to the fold (who would want him?) and gets the doctor out to Maggie, he will feel as if he's atoned at least a bit for his murders. Hell, maybe he let Gregory go, meaning to be captured.
Gimple is a bit heavy handed at times (and has made definite misteps *cough*dumpsterglenn *cough*trashpandas*), but I do think he also has an overarching story plan. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of little threads come together in the final season, and things that don't seem to make sense have a purpose after all.
I've said before that I haven't read the comics (apart from the first one), so that's where anyone who has stands at an advantage, story-wise. But that, for me, is also part of the problem I have with the way the show is being run. The comic book readers know things that the non-comic book readers can't. OK, that much is par for the course. The thing is, the show should make these things clear for itself and in its own way.
For example, actually showing Rick going through a process of crisis and re-assessment, rather than Morales being some kind of magic bullet that re-sets him just like that, to the point where he and Daryl - who I know isn't in the comics but is something of an amalgam of characters who are/were - aren't just no longer on the same page, they're not even reading the same book. The point being that while comic readers might have got the reason for Morales, to non-readers his reappearance was essentially pointless.
The thing with Simon being the former leader does make a lot of sense. Why he'd settle for being an underling when he clearly, if only occasionally, questions Negan's leadership style is/could be a story in itself, though. I have to admit to enjoying Steven Ogg's performance in the role. He conveys such an air of almost casual menace that you never quite know if he's going to strike or not, though it's clear that it wouldn't be at all pleasant if he did.
Eugene...he's got to come unstuck at some point, hasn't he? He's a coward and so determined to survive that it's inevitable that he won't. Come the season's end/the end of the 'All Out War', I can see him trying to worm his way back in with the Alexandrians only to be told where to go. It'd be fitting, I think, for the character to survive but be ostracised and ultimately left all alone.
The thing with Simon being the former leader does make a lot of sense. Why he'd settle for being an underling when he clearly, if only occasionally, questions Negan's leadership style is/could be a story in itself, though. I have to admit to enjoying Steven Ogg's performance in the role. He conveys such an air of almost casual menace that you never quite know if he's going to strike or not, though it's clear that it wouldn't be at all pleasant if he did.
Eugene...he's got to come unstuck at some point, hasn't he? He's a coward and so determined to survive that it's inevitable that he won't. Come the season's end/the end of the 'All Out War', I can see him trying to worm his way back in with the Alexandrians only to be told where to go. It'd be fitting, I think, for the character to survive but be ostracised and ultimately left all alone.
Got to say I'm not looking forward to Mrs 'Spock of the Dump' and the other rejects from Beyond Thunderdome again, but I suppose at the very least it's a loose end that has to be tied up.
It's a shame Rick didn't at least salvage that .50 cal before paying them a visit. Though given what it didn't do to his jeep despite (correctly) blowing massive holes in the Kingdom mob...
I am not in the least bit interested in the junkyard kids coming back. Good heavens that lady is just too much. I think that if they got rid of her, would be added addition to the show.
Yeah, she and the others can go bye-de-bye to Tomorrow-morrowland and find Walker(s) (airline captain or not) any damn time they please.
I presume they're in the comics and that they worked (at least to a degree), but that really only proves a point I've made umpteen times before: what works well (enough) in a comic book doesn't always work well (or at all) on-screen, because it's a different medium with different rules and different audience expectations.
I hear you,but geez,you can get a Hobbes plush doll,eats nothing,and comes to life when no one else is around!
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I LOVE THAT SO MUCH! My favorite comic--thanks for brightening my dayI hear you,but geez,you can get a Hobbes plush doll,eats nothing,and comes to life when no one else is around!
Not sure I agree about Morales, though I do about the magic bulletI've said before that I haven't read the comics (apart from the first one), so that's where anyone who has stands at an advantage, story-wise. But that, for me, is also part of the problem I have with the way the show is being run. The comic book readers know things that the non-comic book readers can't. OK, that much is par for the course. The thing is, the show should make these things clear for itself and in its own way.
For example, actually showing Rick going through a process of crisis and re-assessment, rather than Morales being some kind of magic bullet that re-sets him just like that, to the point where he and Daryl - who I know isn't in the comics but is something of an amalgam of characters who are/were - aren't just no longer on the same page, they're not even reading the same book. The point being that while comic readers might have got the reason for Morales, to non-readers his reappearance was essentially pointless.
The thing with Simon being the former leader does make a lot of sense. Why he'd settle for being an underling when he clearly, if only occasionally, questions Negan's leadership style is/could be a story in itself, though. I have to admit to enjoying Steven Ogg's performance in the role. He conveys such an air of almost casual menace that you never quite know if he's going to strike or not, though it's clear that it wouldn't be at all pleasant if he did.
Eugene...he's got to come unstuck at some point, hasn't he? He's a coward and so determined to survive that it's inevitable that he won't. Come the season's end/the end of the 'All Out War', I can see him trying to worm his way back in with the Alexandrians only to be told where to go. It'd be fitting, I think, for the character to survive but be ostracised and ultimately left all alone.
Got to say I'm not looking forward to Mrs 'Spock of the Dump' and the other rejects from Beyond Thunderdome again, but I suppose at the very least it's a loose end that has to be tied up.Has it actually been announced that they're giving it one more season before bowing out? Last I knew, Gimple was talking about it going on for as many seasons again. There was even some mention in an article I read of "the franchise" potentially going on for another 50 years!It's a shame Rick didn't at least salvage that .50 cal before paying them a visit. Though given what it didn't do to his jeep despite (correctly) blowing massive holes in the Kingdom mob...
(there was more depth in the original story. No magical reappearance of conscience--Rick goes through exactly the type of reassessment you mentioned. I am sorry I forgot you hadn't read it).
I loathe Eugene and the Trash Pandas, him because I'm supposed to and them because they're as pointless as the Termites and all the rest of the Alexandrians turned out to be. At least the Wolves had an interesting leader and a bit of a story--now THAT was a waste of a build up.
the .50 cal
--HAHAHAHA! I know! Ezekiel shouldn't have had any leg left. Maybe only every 20th round is live ammo and Rick's jeep had magic live bullet expelling powers? Either TV/movie people know nothing about weaponry or they're counting on the audience knowing nothing, because most of what happens surrounding guns/explosives is a bunch of crap.
Either TV/movie people know nothing about weaponry or they're counting on the audience knowing nothing, because most of what happens surrounding guns/explosives is a bunch of crap.
Oh man! I'd love to have those.I hear you,but geez,you can get a Hobbes plush doll,eats nothing,and comes to life when no one else is around!
Not sure I agree about Morales, though I do about the magic bulletMy husband, who has not read the books, got the reason for that snippet, and I think he's not alone. It was a short cut in story telling, a bone to all the people who piss and moan every time the story pauses for actual character development.(there was more depth in the original story. No magical reappearance of conscience--Rick goes through exactly the type of reassessment you mentioned. I am sorry I forgot you hadn't read it).
I loathe Eugene and the Trash Pandas, him because I'm supposed to and them because they're as pointless as the Termites and all the rest of the Alexandrians turned out to be. At least the Wolves had an interesting leader and a bit of a story--now THAT was a waste of a build up.
the .50 cal--HAHAHAHA! I know! Ezekiel shouldn't have had any leg left. Maybe only every 20th round is live ammo and Rick's jeep had magic live bullet expelling powers?
Ah well. Could just be me. I must admit I've not been paying attention as closely as I used to (or I ought). In fact, while I'm not exactly hate-watching, it's a fact that, having come this far, I'm only sticking with it to see how it ends. (With cancellation and no resolution, most likely, same as a good many/most other shows - mostly US - over the years.)
I have, unfortunately, had this week's/tonight's ep spoiled for me, if only in the sense of being told that it's a crap one and the current season's low-point. Guess I can only wait and see, but having also been treated to examples of dialogue...yeah.
Morgan going to Fear?? Oh my goodness. You could tell Lennie was not happy his body language said it all. Jadis and her apron doings? EWWW What is Rick thinking...she took his cowboy boots. That would be removing his thangs and stuff./SPOILER]
Yap, shes soooo pesky.
Best Scenes today...if you don`t have a Firearm, take a Bazooka and jerry "Yo, the Door is not locked"
2 Episodes till Midseason Break
This week is the closest I have ever come to giving up. Everyone acts stupidly. EVERYONE. They should know better than to do half the crap that happens. I actually yelled at the TV (lol).
Yep. I could feel my IQ dropping as I watched.
Especially the bit in the warehouse. You'll know the specific scene. Or maybe not, because even Michonne seemed to have had her brain removed and Rosita pretty much threw her weapon away.
Still, it was good how Daryl "Ex Machina" Dixon turned up just in time to T-bone the pick-up with the bitchin' sound system, despite being on an ostensibly unrelated trip. /sarcasm
And re: the scene with Carl. Hasn't he ended up under a few zombies before, thanks to being stupid? Plus that first Walker must have had a Snickers or something, because Carl's arm was right there, waiting - nay, begging - to be chewed as he wrestled with Walker #2, and zed was like 'Nah, you're alright, mate. I'm not hungry.'
Still, it was good how Daryl "Ex Machina" Dixon turned up just in time to T-bone the pick-up with the bitchin' sound system, despite being on an ostensibly unrelated trip. /sarcasm
And re: the scene with Carl. Hasn't he ended up under a few zombies before, thanks to being stupid? Plus that first Walker must have had a Snickers or something, because Carl's arm was right there, waiting - nay, begging - to be chewed as he wrestled with Walker #2, and zed was like 'Nah, you're alright, mate. I'm not hungry.'
We stopped watching half way through last season. Watched the 1st episode with hopes, then, watched another, but nope. Totally done now.
I though a certain character could keep me watching, but, even that has lost it's entertainment value.
Maybe they are doing it on purpose trying to push people over to Fear....
I though a certain character could keep me watching, but, even that has lost it's entertainment value.
Maybe they are doing it on purpose trying to push people over to Fear....
Just more random thoughts (since no one asked for them ).
).Ignoring the obvious question of 'why keep them alive in the first place?' (Answer: fake tension via conflict) and the equally obvious outcome (the Saviors' eventual breakout), why, if it was possible to erect a holding pen without attracting hordes of walkers, would you not build it on the outside of the compound and build a platform above where two guards, max, would keep watch, instead of building it inside where i: it poses a massive security risk and ii: you need upwards of five people to stand guard? Secondly, if you absolutely had to have it inside the walls, would you also not make it a bit, erm, sturdier? As it is, that thing would hold me for about five minutes, and that's because I'm old (well, middle aged), (slightly) overweight and knackered. In my prime, call it 90 seconds, two minutes, tops. By the time the dozy buggers on stag realised anything was wrong and had 'A-Teamed' it all over the place, it'd be job done. As, I suspect, it will eventually turn out, because hey, Maggie isn't just going to walk into a container by herself, is she?
Re: the crossover to FTWD...seems 'tis to be Morgan. Maybe that's why he had a recurrence of his mental breakdown went a-roamin' a few eps back. Still, AFAIK, it's a hell of a walk from Virginia to (Baja) California (which is where the action was at the end of S2, which is as far as I've seen). And that's without several million zombies staggering about and generally making life a tad tricky.
But, thing is, how do the timelines match up? TWD is, roughly, 3 years after the ZA (going by Judith's age and the term of Lori's pregnancy). FTWD is, or was, the direct aftermath of the breakout. So, unless TWD really has irreparably damaged my IQ, the two don't match unless FTWD has skipped ahead (once or several times) or is about to.
Re: the crossover to FTWD...seems 'tis to be Morgan. Maybe that's why he had a recurrence of his mental breakdown went a-roamin' a few eps back. Still, AFAIK, it's a hell of a walk from Virginia to (Baja) California (which is where the action was at the end of S2, which is as far as I've seen). And that's without several million zombies staggering about and generally making life a tad tricky.
But, thing is, how do the timelines match up? TWD is, roughly, 3 years after the ZA (going by Judith's age and the term of Lori's pregnancy). FTWD is, or was, the direct aftermath of the breakout. So, unless TWD really has irreparably damaged my IQ, the two don't match unless FTWD has skipped ahead (once or several times) or is about to.
Just more random thoughts (since no one asked for them
Ignoring the obvious question of 'why keep them alive in the first place?' (Answer: fake tension via conflict) and the equally obvious outcome (the Saviors' eventual breakout), why, if it was possible to erect a holding pen without attracting hordes of walkers, would you not build it on the outside of the compound and build a platform above where two guards, max, would keep watch, instead of building it inside where i: it poses a massive security risk and ii: you need upwards of five people to stand guard? Secondly, if you absolutely had to have it inside the walls, would you also not make it a bit, erm, sturdier? As it is, that thing would hold me for about five minutes, and that's because I'm old (well, middle aged), (slightly) overweight and knackered. In my prime, call it 90 seconds, two minutes, tops. By the time the dozy buggers on stag realised anything was wrong and had 'A-Teamed' it all over the place, it'd be job done. As, I suspect, it will eventually turn out, because hey, Maggie isn't just going to walk into a container by herself, is she?
Re: the crossover to FTWD...seems 'tis to be Morgan. Maybe that's why he had a recurrence of his mental breakdown went a-roamin' a few eps back. Still, AFAIK, it's a hell of a walk from Virginia to (Baja) California (which is where the action was at the end of S2, which is as far as I've seen). And that's without several million zombies staggering about and generally making life a tad tricky.
But, thing is, how do the timelines match up? TWD is, roughly, 3 years after the ZA (going by Judith's age and the term of Lori's pregnancy). FTWD is, or was, the direct aftermath of the breakout. So, unless TWD really has irreparably damaged my IQ, the two don't match unless FTWD has skipped ahead (once or several times) or is about to.
I'm sure the crossover will predate Morgan's second arrival with TWD crew. He was missing from TWD from seasons 2-5 or 6.
