'The Walking Dead' was absolutely brilliant at its best and was one of the most addictive shows in its prime, for me that was Seasons 1-5. Probably not a popular opinion. Unfortunately it suffered one of the biggest declines in television (nearly 'House of Cards' bad) with Seasons 7 and 8 to the point of being unrecognisable and with it being so good at its bets that is just frustrating. As has been said frequently by me, perhaps annoyingly so but worth reiterating.
Season 5 was not as consistent as the previous four seasons and had its slow spots, nonetheless it was generally one of 'The Walking Dead's' better seasons thanks to its high points being so brilliant. Contrary to what some fans say, the weakest episodes while patchy were in my respectful opinion still overall decent with a lot done right. In terms of critical response, the season finale "Conquer" was critically acclaimed and it deserves it. To me, it is one of the best 'The Walking Dead' season finales and feels like one, as well as one of Season 5's best. It has a lot going on, is taut, is uncompromisingly tense, emotional and has some of the best scenes of the whole season. Found nothing slow here and any frustrations weren't there, did not mind Father Gabriel here though the other characters are much more interesting.
As to be expected, "Conquer" looks great and to me one of the best-looking episodes of the fifth season and even of the show up to this point. t has gritty and audacious production design, visuals that are well crafted and have soul rather than being overused and abused and photography of almost cinematic quality. 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. The walkers are terrifying here and the best used they've been in a long time, the make-up alone is freaky.
Writing is the tautest it was all season and doesn't ramble. The story is never less than riveting, with the tension increasing to fever pitch and some of it actually being quite frightening. Loose ends are tied up/resolved, remarkable with such a lot to tie up and resolve. A few great scenes here, the scene with Aaron and Daryl, Sasha in the graveyard and especially that breathlessly powerful climax.
Like the best episodes for anything, it excels at providing significant progression for both the characters and storytelling. The characters are all well written and interesting, with a standout being an increasingly scary Carol, and loved the character dynamics which saw a good deal of intensity.
Have nothing to fault the acting for (in a rare case of everybody in some way shining), with Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun (in his best performance all season) and Melissa McBride at the top of their game. A re-introduced Lennie James likewise kills it.
Summing up, fantastic episode as a season finale and as an overall 'The Walking Dead' episode. 10/10
Season 5 was not as consistent as the previous four seasons and had its slow spots, nonetheless it was generally one of 'The Walking Dead's' better seasons thanks to its high points being so brilliant. Contrary to what some fans say, the weakest episodes while patchy were in my respectful opinion still overall decent with a lot done right. In terms of critical response, the season finale "Conquer" was critically acclaimed and it deserves it. To me, it is one of the best 'The Walking Dead' season finales and feels like one, as well as one of Season 5's best. It has a lot going on, is taut, is uncompromisingly tense, emotional and has some of the best scenes of the whole season. Found nothing slow here and any frustrations weren't there, did not mind Father Gabriel here though the other characters are much more interesting.
As to be expected, "Conquer" looks great and to me one of the best-looking episodes of the fifth season and even of the show up to this point. t has gritty and audacious production design, visuals that are well crafted and have soul rather than being overused and abused and photography of almost cinematic quality. 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. The walkers are terrifying here and the best used they've been in a long time, the make-up alone is freaky.
Writing is the tautest it was all season and doesn't ramble. The story is never less than riveting, with the tension increasing to fever pitch and some of it actually being quite frightening. Loose ends are tied up/resolved, remarkable with such a lot to tie up and resolve. A few great scenes here, the scene with Aaron and Daryl, Sasha in the graveyard and especially that breathlessly powerful climax.
Like the best episodes for anything, it excels at providing significant progression for both the characters and storytelling. The characters are all well written and interesting, with a standout being an increasingly scary Carol, and loved the character dynamics which saw a good deal of intensity.
Have nothing to fault the acting for (in a rare case of everybody in some way shining), with Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun (in his best performance all season) and Melissa McBride at the top of their game. A re-introduced Lennie James likewise kills it.
Summing up, fantastic episode as a season finale and as an overall 'The Walking Dead' episode. 10/10