198 replies to this topic

[Russ]

I've just caught episodes #3 and #4, but I'm enjoying it. I've had zombie ennui lately (zommui?) so I wasn't all that keen on the idea, but I've enjoyed this riff on Romero's world. The conversation in the fishing boat between the two sisters was an awkwardly-handled realization away from being perfect. Apparently, though, there's some lag in the zombie transformation in this iteration; I'm sure I wasn't the only one who while watching that last scene was a bit worried that the comforting sister was about to get her arm chewed off by her newly-dead sibling.

Of course, the bit about the guys fronting as a gang when they were propping up a care home was kinda dumb.

If nothing else, though, this show will end up being the NYPD Blue for people eating human flesh.

[M. Leary]

Zommui

[Jason Panella]

Russ, on 23 November 2010 - 11:28 AM, said:

I've just caught episodes #3 and #4, but I'm enjoying it. I've had zombie ennui lately (zommui?) so I wasn't all that keen on the idea, but I've enjoyed this riff on Romero's world. The conversation in the fishing boat between the two sisters was an awkwardly-handled realization away from being perfect. Apparently, though, there's some lag in the zombie transformation in this iteration; I'm sure I wasn't the only one who while watching that last scene was a bit worried that the comforting sister was about to get her arm chewed off by her newly-dead sibling.

Of course, the bit about the guys fronting as a gang when they were propping up a care home was kinda dumb.

Yeah, the Vatos deal was hokey, but oddly endearing. I like how the posturing dropped once Rick and gang figured out what was up. (Also, what WAS Rick's plan to get Glenn back? This was one case where no plan would've been better than one that involved pointing three guns at 40 people with guns.)

The episode was still pretty enjoyable — I especially like how both T-Dog and Daryl actually feel like somewhat believable characters (and not eye-rolling, complaint/slur-shouting archetypes). Also, I dug Pittsburgh native/zombie makeup master Greg Nicotero's brief cameo on screen as

Spoiler

the zombie that takes a big bite out of Amy.

Also worth noting: the episode was written by Robert Kirkman, creator of the Walking Dead comic. Stilted dialogue and plotting aside, not bad for a first attempt — and nice to see how added on to his original plotline from the comics.

[Russ]

Can't believe I missed Nicotero's cameo! Have you read the comic, Jason (or anybody)? Is it any good?

[Jason Panella]

Russ, on 23 November 2010 - 12:05 PM, said:

Can't believe I missed Nicotero's cameo! Have you read the comic, Jason (or anybody)? Is it any good?

Yes, I read up through six or seven of the paper-bound trade collections (they're at 12 or 13 now). It's very good. It falters from time to time, but I only gave up after my Bleak-o-meter was in the red. The comic is absolutely brutal, but, as it's been pointed out, that's one reason it's compelling. I think I might start it up again; Nezpop, another reader, did a nice job convincing me a few pages back in this thread.

[Tyler]

I didn't like the Vatos thing even before they brought in the nursing home angle, but the ending of the episode just about made up for it.

By the way, will they ever explain what caused the zombie apocalypse, or is it meant to be more like The Road or Time of the Wolf, where the effects are so important the cause is immaterial?

[Jason Panella]

Tyler, on 23 November 2010 - 05:10 PM, said:

By the way, will they ever explain what caused the zombie apocalypse, or is it meant to be more like The Road or Time of the Wolf, where the effects are so important the cause is immaterial?

I'm thinking the latter.

Spoiler

As far as I know, the comic doesn't get into it too much; the one character that claims to be a scientist and wants to find a cure is really a high school chemistry teacher. Seems like Kirkman will tackle it some day, but he's happy just dealing with the fallout in the meantime.

[Russ]

Yeah, there's nothing good that can come from trying to explain it or trace it. I always love how in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, riffing on the disaster movies of the 50s, there's talk of the plague being the result of some exterrestrial force, complete with cutaways of experts with bad combovers getting out of cars and going into the Capitol. In DAWN OF THE DEAD, the only explanation posited is the voodoo/spiritual one: there's no more room in hell.

Besides, the last apocalyptic comic I read-- Y: THE LAST MAN-- got really stupid when it tried to explain why the plague happened and why it didn't kill everybody.

[Tyler]

Rick talking to Morgan on his walkie reminded me of Agent Cooper recording his notes for Diane.

Spoiler

Noah Emmerich! (He played the CDC guy, whose name is apparently Dr. Jenner.) I've liked him ever since he played Marlon in The Truman Show. The inside of the CDC fortress looks like the war room from Dr. Strangelove crossed with the hatch from Lost.

Edited by Tyler, 29 November 2010 - 10:29 PM.

[Nathan Douglas]

Interesting that that they used the main theme from Sunshine during the evacuation montage; though with a talent like Bear Mcreary composing, I wish they wouldn't waste time on using other scores.

[Jason Panella]

N.W. Douglas, on 30 November 2010 - 05:42 AM, said:

Interesting that that they used the main theme from Sunshine during the evacuation montage; though with a talent like Bear Mcreary composing, I wish they wouldn't waste time on using other scores.

Well, I thought it was an effective use of "Adagio in D Minor," even if McCreary didn't write it. If they would've played a pop song in that spot too, I would've been OK (unless it was, like, Aqua's "Barbie Girl" or something.)

I might go as far to say that "Wildfire" was my favorite episode of the series thus far. They're deviating pretty far from the comic, and it's totally working. I love it and can't wait for the season finale.

[Thom Wade]

Yeah... Wildfire worked for me on pretty much all levels. Heck, my grandmother was on her deathbed that night, and her willingness to accept that she was facing death without fear loomed heavily in my thoughts as they left their bitten compadre behind in accordance to his wishes.

[John Drew]

Hmmmm... Is it just me, or does this strike any other fans of this show as INSANE?

'The Walking Dead' Lets Go Of Writers; Considers No Writing Staff For Season 2

Quote

I hear The Walking Dead writer/ executive producer/ director Frank Darabont has let go of the writers on the hot freshman AMC series, which has already renewed for a second season. That includes Darabont's No. 2, writing executive producer Charles “Chic” Eglee. Writer turnover on series between seasons is commonplace but wholesale overhauls are unusual. What's more, I hear Darabont is looking to forgo having a writing staff for the second season of Walking Dead altogether and assign scripts to freelancers.

[Jason Panella]

Yeah, saw that yesterday. To quote the meme, I guess Frank Darabont thought Frank Darabont's original script was better.

But yes, seems...hasty? Still, I've read enough interviews with folks from the show to get that Darabont made substantial tweaks to enough of the teleplays this season already. Plus, isn't this how most TV shows used to work (the freelance approach, I mean)?

[mrmando]

Anyone feel a bit let down by the last episode?

I guess none of these characters ever saw The Truman Show. If they had, they'd have known that whereas Noah Emmerich may genuinely care about you, he is still capable of lying to your face while pretending to be your best friend.

[Gavin Breeden]

mrmando, on 06 December 2010 - 04:20 PM, said:

Anyone feel a bit let down by the last episode?

I guess none of these characters ever saw The Truman Show. If they had, they'd have known that whereas Noah Emmerich may genuinely care about you, he is still capable of lying to your face while pretending to be your best friend.

Yeah, it went out with a bit of a whimper. Thinking back to what actually happened this season on the show, I realized that very little happened.

Spoiler

We just saw a dwindling number of characters running between Atlanta and camp. What happened to Merle? And the father and son from the pilot?

I agree with Alan Sepinwall who said it didn't feel like season 1 so much as the prologue to season 1.

But it's a TV show about zombies and other than some clunky dialogue throughout the season, the deceptive standoff with the gang in Atlanta, and Shane's super cliche drinking in the shower scene of the finale, I enjoyed these episodes and I'll tune in next October.

I bet AMC is wishing they hadn't order such a small season now, the hype surrounding this brief season might wane in the next 10 months.

And your Truman Show connection cracked me up.

[Jason Panella]

Yeah, it was a very slight finale.

Honestly, I felt like the whole CDC plot was an attempt to stave off the inevitable "What caused the outbreak??????!?!?!?!" questions. The comic (mild spoiler) never explains. Trying something as simple for TV probably won't fly for people that WANT ANSWERS.

[mrmando]

Naming the character Ed Jenner was a bit too much on the nose as well, unless the writers were just trying to raise our hopes before cruelly dashing them.

[Jason Panella]

mrmando, on 06 December 2010 - 05:59 PM, said:

Naming the character Ed Jenner was a bit too much on the nose as well, unless the writers were just trying to raise our hopes before cruelly dashing them.

Yeah, I made a chuckled Lost comparison in my head when I caught that.

Any guesses on what Jenner whispered to Rick? I think I know, but I'm curious as to what others think.

EDIT: Lost comparison as in how on-the-nose the reference was.

Edited by Jason Panella, 06 December 2010 - 08:05 PM.

[Gavin Breeden]

Jason Panella, on 06 December 2010 - 07:36 PM, said:

Any guesses on what Jenner whispered to Rick? I think I know, but I'm curious as to what others think.

Perhaps Jenner somehow heard or saw the conversation between Shane and Lori through surveillance footage?

Edited by Gavin Breeden, 06 December 2010 - 08:12 PM.