Rick and The Governor meet face-to-face, ostensibly to make a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed. Back at the prison, tensions arise between Merle and the rest of the group.Rick and The Governor meet face-to-face, ostensibly to make a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed. Back at the prison, tensions arise between Merle and the rest of the group.Rick and The Governor meet face-to-face, ostensibly to make a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed. Back at the prison, tensions arise between Merle and the rest of the group.
- Lori Grimes
- (credit only)
- Throwing Knife Walker
- (uncredited)
- Walker
- (uncredited)
- Walker
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe title "Arrow on the Doorpost" comes from the practice of many native American tribes of sticking a tomahawk or arrow into a tree or gatepost marking the the outer boundary of their land during times of war with other tribes. The tomahawk or arrow would be planted at the beginning of the conflict and not removed until the conflict was resolved. In some modern native American families this tradition has been updated, and the family will similarly mark a post on a verandah or tree in the front yard while a family member in service to the military is deployed in combat.
- GoofsWhen Hershel and Milton are seated and talking outside the barn (while Rick and The Governor are inside trying to strike a deal), you can see a hearing aid in one close up shot of Hershel. You don't see the hearing aid again.
- Quotes
Milton Mamet: May I see it. Your stump, I'd like to, um... ahem, see where the amputation was. How high above the bite.
Hershel Greene: I'm not showing you my leg.
Milton Mamet: It's important data.
Hershel Greene: I just met you. At least buy me a drink first.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Walking Dead: The Journey So Far (2016)
Season 3, as far as previous episodes go, has been very solid. "Arrow on the Doorpost" is another very episode to Season 3, after a hugely promising start to the season. Not as good as some other episodes and perhaps one of the lesser ones but there is a lot to love. It is yet again a strong reminder of how Seasons 1-5 of 'The Walking Dead' to me were absolutely brilliant and seeing the show in its full glory days (Season 6 was uneven, Season 7 was a huge disappointment and am still debating whether to watch Season 8). It is as emotional, complex and as tense as one would expect, at the same time it has adrenaline and guts.
It still shocks me at how an intelligent, well-made (so much so that it is easy to mistake it for a film) show about zombies could be made when so many films have tried and failed abysmally to do so.
"Arrow on the Doorpost" is a little too heavy on the talk and other episodes do better at advancement and providing new information. Pacing could have been tighter in an episode that is action-light and more reliant on characterisation, an approach that the show actually did very well at this stage.
Like all the episodes of the show, "Arrow on the Doorpost" is incredibly well made in the production values, with gritty and audacious production design, photography of almost cinematic quality, effects that look good, have soul and are not overused or abused and pretty frightening make-up. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive. The use of "Warm Shadow" is effective.
The writing generally is intelligent and thought-provoking, with lots of tension and emotional resonance and shows signs of character complexity and multiple layer storytelling.
Appreciated the ever strong and still progressing story, where a lot happens and full of different strands without being confused or over-stuffed, and character building, which the episode has a bigger emphasis on, and that the pace is rarely dull or rushed, if not as taut or edge of your seat as most of the previous episodes. The character writing and the character interactions are what is particularly great here. Am really appreciating the season continuing to give stronger development to Andrea regardless of whether people like her or not. What holds "Arrow on the Doorpost" together though is the negotiation interaction between Rick and the Governor, intriguing and tension-filled.
The world building is already stunningly immersive and effective. Direction is smart and atmospheric while the show throughout has been strongly acted. Andrew Lincoln is excellent as ever, as are Laurie Holden, David Morrisey and Norman Reedus.
Overall, very well done but is not going to be for all tastes. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 3, 2018
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Filming locations
- Douglasville, Georgia, USA(on location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime43 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD