The second half of the inconsistent but still watchable Season 6 started off with a bang ("No Way Out") and saw 'The Walking Dead' back on form after the let down that was the mid-season finale ("Start to Finish"). Was a little disappointed in "The Next World" and thought that its writing and storytelling was not always perfect, but appreciated the change of pace and what was done with the character relationships.
"Knots Untie" is not 'The Walking Dead' on top form perhaps and again it is not as good as "No Way Out". It is definitely a step in the right direction though and to me it is a better episode than "The Next World". It is a set up episode, with it setting things up for what's to come, but it mostly does it very well and doesn't fit my definition of a filler episode as there is a lot of intrigue, it is not a case of nothing happening and things do feel like they are advancing in storytelling and characterisation.
Perhaps the first 10-15 minutes are a little on the slow side and didn't need as long to set up.
Although the script here is more even than in that for "The Next World", with a more consistent tone and more tautness, there are times where characters make decisions that are rather rushed and perhaps extreme even too. Do have to agree about Rick and Daryl's sudden acceptance with the deal being a big example of this and didn't make much sense as a result.
However, "Knots Untie" looks characteristically great, suiting the gritty mood of the show more than ideally and all while still being beautifully shot. The music and audio are not intrusive yet still have presence without being too constant. The direction has both breathing space and momentum, so generally it doesn't feel too hurried or too drawn out. The script is intelligent and taut and the episode marks the first appearance of Gregory with a lot of promise.
Once "Knots Untie" gets going, it sets up what is about to come beautifully with lots of intrigue and a fair bit of tension without being too heavy-going. The ending is also quite sweet. The character development has far from gone backwards with it still advancing, being in particular a big showcase for Abraham in his biggest and most interesting appearance in a long time. His chemistry with Sasha is beautifully done. Maggie also has a meaty role and it is one that sees her significantly advanced in a way not seen for her in a while. While all the performances are top-notch, Michael Cudlitz makes the biggest impression and is incredibly compelling in making Abraham's conflicts suspenseful and emotionally investable.
In conclusion, very impressive. 8/10
"Knots Untie" is not 'The Walking Dead' on top form perhaps and again it is not as good as "No Way Out". It is definitely a step in the right direction though and to me it is a better episode than "The Next World". It is a set up episode, with it setting things up for what's to come, but it mostly does it very well and doesn't fit my definition of a filler episode as there is a lot of intrigue, it is not a case of nothing happening and things do feel like they are advancing in storytelling and characterisation.
Perhaps the first 10-15 minutes are a little on the slow side and didn't need as long to set up.
Although the script here is more even than in that for "The Next World", with a more consistent tone and more tautness, there are times where characters make decisions that are rather rushed and perhaps extreme even too. Do have to agree about Rick and Daryl's sudden acceptance with the deal being a big example of this and didn't make much sense as a result.
However, "Knots Untie" looks characteristically great, suiting the gritty mood of the show more than ideally and all while still being beautifully shot. The music and audio are not intrusive yet still have presence without being too constant. The direction has both breathing space and momentum, so generally it doesn't feel too hurried or too drawn out. The script is intelligent and taut and the episode marks the first appearance of Gregory with a lot of promise.
Once "Knots Untie" gets going, it sets up what is about to come beautifully with lots of intrigue and a fair bit of tension without being too heavy-going. The ending is also quite sweet. The character development has far from gone backwards with it still advancing, being in particular a big showcase for Abraham in his biggest and most interesting appearance in a long time. His chemistry with Sasha is beautifully done. Maggie also has a meaty role and it is one that sees her significantly advanced in a way not seen for her in a while. While all the performances are top-notch, Michael Cudlitz makes the biggest impression and is incredibly compelling in making Abraham's conflicts suspenseful and emotionally investable.
In conclusion, very impressive. 8/10