User Reviews

Gotta love this season. Human drama, simple plot, and smart subtext. it reminds me of season 1. The prison arc was O.K but felt very limited and tiring. That place & time had no hope in it whatsoever. But now the series and characters are both on a good path.

Oמ "Claimed" Glenn and Tara meet a new group of characters that(for a change) seem good-natured and accentuate this theme of hope I mentioned. Their talk of a cure\reason for what's happening is really uplifting. It feels like ages have passed since anyone mentioned "Saving the world" and I'm super glad to see this plot device is back. Introducing new characters at this stage of the series seemed like a risk to many but the bunch actually turn out to be pretty cool. They kinda remind you of the A- team! Haha.

Beside hope, the second theme of this episode can be titled "What's the mission?"; Michonne asks Rick what's his plan and he doesn't really know. The same is for the new group- Their meeting with glenn quickly puts 2 different goals up against each other, and suddenly we realize how saving the planet can take second place when you are in love. At the end of the episode it's the new group who follows Glenn to save Maggie, and once again the "mission" issue becomes blurry....Kind of a fateful meeting for everyone, I'd say!

Another reason to love this episode is Michonne who is the slowest growing character on TV but now probably also the most likable char. on the show. She is the smartest, strongest female character ever to be on the walking dead, both physically and mentally. And opening up about her emotions makes her a better friend. She is now a human being and not just a half-mute sword-wielding killer.

Not a very eventful episode, which is fine because not every episode can be, and this one more than makes up for it with tension, atmosphere and character interactions. Having just a few central characters per episode is something that works really well for this show so I'm really hoping for more episodes like this.

GOOD POINTS:

Rick hiding from the bandits- this was really intense. Sometimes in this show it feels like certain characters have too many close calls, but this didn't feel overdone at all. glad to finally see some more badass Rick moments.

Tara- when she was first introduced she seemed pretty annoying. After this episode, she's probably one of my favourite characters- seeing her stick by Glenn in his search for Maggie (despite only meeting him last episode) made her really likable.

Settings- More so than other seasons, 4b is putting a lot of effort into creating creepy, ambient locations. The pink room was really disturbing, and the scene at the end with the railroad had a sort of eerie, empty feel to it.

NOT-SO-GOOD POINTS:

Eugene- Accidentally destroying a truck then bragging about how smart he is didn't seem like the best introduction for possibly my favourite comic character. Still, the actor does a great job and I think there's a lot of potential for him.

Terminus- Just a minor point, but I feel like Michonne should have been more suspicious about joining a new community after Woodbury last season

This The Walking Dead, titled "Claimed," was a slower paced episode compared to previous ones, especially last week's zombie-filled episode, but it was still a good character-driven episode filled with some tense moments, but also some awkward dialogue and situations.

This episode was split into three separate stories: Rick and the house invaders, Michonne and Carl scavenging for supplies and bonding over the past, and Glenn and Tara's new group, including promising newcomers Abraham, Eugene, and Rosetta. In my opinion, the strongest story this week was Rick's. It was a great, tense situation Rick found himself in, constantly hiding in doorways and under the bed in order to evade the group that has invaded the house. It was a new situation for the show, and a welcome addition. The best part of the show is when humans fight other humans, showing the true danger of the zombie-filled world, and this situation again highlighted how Rick has come to fear humans more than zombies. I loved the situation; it was tense and exciting. However, some things did not work. Some of the situations Rick found himself in was construed and used simply for the purposes of excitement. For example, the first man in the room simply walked around, apparently pondering the wallpaper and the bed. Why was he standing in front of the bed for twenty seconds? Was he admiring it? It was slightly silly and took me out of the situation a little bit, but it was still exciting enough to be involving. My second criticism concerns the man in the bathroom. Why was he just sitting there staring at Rick when Rick came into the bathroom? I suppose it could have been because he was in shock seeing Rick, but he probably stared at him for a good five seconds. It was another silly instance, and the ensuing fight did not help matters. No one heard the commotion in the bathroom? We knew Rick was going to win the fight anyways, so the lack of excitement and implausible aspect of no one hearing the right took me slightly out of the scene. Overall, his scenes were exciting and tense, a welcome addition to the episode and easily the greatest part.

Second best was Abraham's story. I actually enjoy the new characters a lot, minus Rosetta. Abraham seems like a tough and out of control man, but also one who is smart enough to know the situation he is and acts accordingly. Eugene also seems like a welcome addition, and who knew a scientist could be so redneck looking!? It's not how I picture them, anyway. Their new situation seems exciting, regarding the prospect of Washington and answers regarding the zombie outbreak. I seriously doubt we will get said answers for long time (if at all), but it is a welcoming new storyline and one I am excited to see play out. The only criticism I would have regarding this storyline is Rosetta. How cartoon-looking is that woman!? She looks like a female army figurine, complete with short shorts, boots, and hat. She looks ridiculous, and I am having a very hard time taking them seriously.

Finally, and my personal least favourite, was Michonne and Carl reminiscing and bonding over their past traumas. It was nice to see Michonne and Carl bonding, and they have a good chemistry between them, but some of their dialogue and situations were near awful. "I was laughing…on the inside," was groan-worthy, as was Carl's whole speech in the child's bedroom. Chandler Riggs cannot pull off the emotional scenes. Some of Michonne's actions were also awkward, including filling her mouth with cheese spray and acting like a monster around Carl. I know it was supposed to be awkward for Michonne, but it was still weird as hell. Luckily, theirs and Rick's ending was also eventful, as they seem to be heading towards the same safe zone that Tyreese and Carol are heading towards. What comes of their reunion will remain to be seen, but I am more hopeful for the future of this show than I have been for a long time.

For more reviews and weekly reviews of TWD, see my blog at http://nathansharp28.tumblr.com/

8/10

"Son of a d***" -Abraham Ford. This episode was surprisingly decent. We are introduced to Abraham's group. I really liked their group other than Rosita. She is a mid, overrated character who hooks up with like, 4 different men in the series. Abraham and Eugene are awesome though. I hate all the scenes with Coral and Michonne. Especially the ones where they're scavenging in a house and Coral keeps asking her questions. Chandler Riggs's acting in the scene where they're eating cereal after the intro was terrible. I could do as well a job as he did. The Claimers entering the house was really intense. Rick killing Tony was really cool and intense. He also acquired the murder jacket. Seeing Eugene with the gun killing those walkers was so funny for absolutely no reason at all. Just 5 more terrible episode until the group is reunited.

Claimed is a more the same episode. The characters are scattered and wondering around trying to survive. Zombies need to be chopped, and trouble with other survivors. The story was dragging until a new plot twist arrived. There could be a cure. Some of characters run into a scientist and soldier who are trying to make it to Washington D C. The scientist knows the cause of the outbreak. Finally the character development episodes merge into the main story line. Well directed and acted show with a new spark with the emerging plot twist. Not very intelligent leaving the scientist unattended with zombies around especially with an automatic weapon that he does not know how to use. Good way to destroy your only working vehicle and leave you at the mercy of the undead. Six out of ten zombies.

Season four of Walking Dead has been the bumpiest yet. The first half of the the season with so many people at the prison and with the Governor's narrative still playing out, was a real effort to stay tuned in. The entire idea of the large community was not working for me. Of course, there were plenty of nameless people who died off from disease and zombie attacks, but the finale with the death of the Governor was (not only logic-defying but) a tremendous sense of relief.

Episodes After (S4E9) and Inmates (S4E10) of the second half of season four, has also been a bit bumpy. This is mainly because I simply don't care for or about some of the characters they've chosen to focus on. It can be a bit frustrating watching how the producers are working so hard to target the widest range of demographics. The more targeted groups who can relate to the characters, the larger the Walking Dead's audience. But at times, it seems too much.

This latest episode: Claimed (S4E11) has brought us back to the beginning with our main character Rick surviving against odds and foes, with a lots of tension; while we learn more about Michonne. As well, it is good to see Glen (another original character) back on his feet and showing himself to be capable.

The blend of new characters, plot lines and the follow of our favourite characters has set us on a couple new and interesting trajectories. Is there truth in these new claims? Claimed is definitely the episode that has me keenest for what is going to happen next. And for the first time this season, I am not expecting more of the same.

Rating 9/10.

A really good episode in the opinion of this reviewer.

Plot In A Paragraph: Michonne has met up with Carl and Rick. While she and Carl head off to find supplies while Rick stays behind. When he awakens, he is in for an unpleasant surprise. Glen meanwhile awakens to find himself in the back of a truck and learns from Tara that they passed the prison bus about 3 hours ago. Their new traveling companions Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) Eugene (Josh McDermott) and Rosita (Christian Serratos) tell them that they're on an urgent - and secret - mission and headed to Washington D.C. Glenn won't have it and insists on heading back to the bus to see if Maggie is there.

We see how devoted Maggie and Glenn are to each other (As if we didn't know already) we learnt a bit about Glens new travelling companionEugene may not be combat proficient, but he is smarter than the hard as nails Abraham (who wipes out hoards of walkers with a smile on his face) we also see that Rick, Michonne and Carl are headed to the same place as Carol, Tyreese and the girls. Hopefully they all meet up soon.

While Carl and Michonne were looking for supplies at the city Rick is at home recovering from his injuries , the same thing of 4.09 episode the only difference is that before only Carl was looking for supplies but at least this episode the writers decided to be more original and put Rick in some real danger. A lawless gang ''invade'' the house and Rick has to get away from this house as fast as possible or he will probably die.I personally think that this idea was great but badly used , Rick could've escaped in a more exciting way and moreover Rick was there to warn Carl and Michonne to not enter at the house at the PERFECT time , if Carl and Michonne entered at the house and become hostages of the gang and Rick had to rescue them , this episode would've been so much better. The other point of the episode was Gleen and Tara with the unknown general for me the show introduced well this new characters and the thing about the scientist who know the cure was awesome the show needs something like this because I can't imagine 10 seasons of Rick and Carl just killing walkers and running , seriously. I hope that Gleen and the general lead their way to Washington and discover this cure , but sadly this is so impossible to happen. Anyway , great episode so far the best of the second half of the fourth season.

*** SPOILERS AHEAD! ***

With so many mini-stories now in play, TWD approaches this week's episode with a three-story focus following Rick (home alone, but not for long), Michonne and Carl (out on a supply run), and Glenn and Tara (meeting up with three important new characters). Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) continues to be the series' emotional touchstone. But I can't be the only TWD fan who is growing restless under the yoke of the show's familiar cycle of character-study-and-zombie- kills. Well-drawn characters are crucial, and zombie kills are great (and sometimes bloody brilliant), but TWD is treading water now with this formula deep into the back half of this season, and sacrificing storytelling in the process. Big questions are gnawing away at the show: Where are we going with these survivors? Can this ever end? What caused this to happen in the first place? The Walking Dead is a mature show, and needs to work harder to address these narrative demands.

'Claimed' opens with the Michonne-Grimes "family" reunited: Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) are eating and laughing together at the breakfast table, while Rick shuffles morosely about the kitchen in his prison rags. (A small point, but Michonne finds a clean shirt in the house, so how about it, Rick?) But Carl is still moody and Michonne is worried. They implore Rick to rest while they head out into the neighborhood for food and supplies, and he agrees reluctantly. Rick settles down in an upstairs bed for a nap with a book -- a simple act of leisure that is an outrageous luxury in their new world. Before long he's awakened by sounds of violence on the floor below. A gang of marauders is in the house and Rick must once again find escape for himself and salvation for his family, who could return any moment.

Michonne and Carl are an endearing pair. They need each other, and serve as confidantes for one another. As they cautiously pick through the neighborhood, Michonne notes Carl's detachment -- he's not in the mood for a laugh, even when she instigates hijinks with crazy cheese. Michonne, you kooky girl! As they reach a house that looks promising, she pauses ... then: "I had a 3-year-old son, and he happened to find me extremely funny." She smiles, and breaks our hearts just a little more.

What they find inside the house mirrors last week's scene where Carl finds a teen's abandoned room but then quickly sobers to the reality that he can never enjoy the promise the room holds. In 'Claimed' Michonne wanders through the empty house, pausing to gaze at cheerful children's paintings on the wall, and the inside of a child's brightly painted room. As always, grim reality lurks just beneath the surface, and she quickly finds the house's true horror: a family laid out just so on beds, all shot through the head in an apparent mercy murder-suicide.

As Michonne and Carl wrap up their supply run, Rick is beset with new threats. These nameless and mostly faceless men who've invaded the house underscore that the most successful survivors in this paradigm are largely the strongest and most ruthless. They fight for the best bed -- Rick has scrambled underneath and shakily bides his time -- and bludgeon one another for dominance. After some truly nerve-wracking scenes, Rick manages a slim escape (not before murdering a man on a toilet!) and intercepts the returning Carl and Michonne in the nick of time. They quickly hit the road and reach the railroad tracks that we know Tyreese's group is also following; a banner promising sanctuary at 'Terminus' hangs on the side of a rail car, and it's decided. Sanctuary is what they need, and so they begin their trek.

For TWD comic fans, the trio of Eugene, Abraham and Rosita are a welcome sight, potentially infusing new direction into the show. In the comic series, these three characters become allies of Rick. Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) -- Sgt. Abraham Ford -- is the muscle. He's a blunt instrument, bent on completing his mission to help fix the world. How? By ferrying the shifty- eyed scientist Eugene (Josh McDermitt) to Washington, D.C., where his professed scientific knowledge of what caused the apocalypse will help find a cure. Eugene ... where to begin? His mullet is already well-noted and he seems to have gotten this far in the walker world without any self-defense skills. Rosita (Christian Serratos) is plucked directly from the source material, but looks like a teenager dressed in a sexy military girl Halloween costume.

When he finally awakens, Glenn (Steven Yuen) and Tara are bouncing along in the back of Abraham's military truck. Though safe, they're now three hours from the prison area -- and three hours from any hope of finding Maggie (Lauren Cohan). He forces them to stop and scuffles angrily with Eugene, who insists that Maggie must be dead; Eugene haplessly shoots up their truck (and gas tank) while trying to repel walkers emerging from the corn fields; and Abraham utters the night's best line: "Son of a d**k!" while assessing the truck's fatal damage. Glenn's determination to retrace his steps, no matter the cost or futility, inspires a shoulder shrug from Rosita, as she sets off to follow Glenn and Tara, and Abraham and Eugene follow suit.

So we have some new possibilities for at least some of our characters. They could head to D.C., in search of real answers. There's no doubt that at least some of them will make it to the mysterious 'Terminus,' but fans will not tolerate another Governor-style bunker situation. The most intriguing question is, does Eugene really know what caused the outbreak? There lies the real energy that The Walking Dead needs to propel the series toward a season conclusion that holds imaginative promise far beyond the biters.

Rating: 6 out of 10