Like many, the first half of Season 7 was mostly a disappointment. Although the first three episodes had promise they were still flawed and the rest of the first half mostly didn't go very far, was flawed in writing and had moments of ridiculousness amongst other things. Most of the episodes after "Rock in the Road" also disappointed, making for a season that is considered one of the worst ones for 'The Walking Dead' for good reason.
With "Rock in the Road" however, to me there was a glimmer of hope in the season's first very good episode. Personally don't quite agree with it being a return to form for 'The Walking Dead', but if there was a prize for the best episode of Season 7 "Rock in the Road" is a very strong contender. It wasn't perfect or a show high point, but by Season 7 standards it was pretty darn impressive and it is a shame that more episodes from the season were like this.
"Rock in the Road" isn't perfect. It doesn't start off promisingly in my view, it is a slow starter and will agree that the script is weak early on. Daryl is not well written here, uncharacteristic for him at this point of the show, and his dialogue doesn't make sense.
Perhaps it would have benefitted from having a little less going on, though it may have been trying to make up for how aimless the first half of Season 7 was, as parts were a little rushed and disjointed.
A vast majority of the time the storytelling is fine. There is tension but actually after so much uncompromising intensity and darkness the lighter, sometimes more amusing and more hopeful tone was appreciated and refreshing. It goes at an energised clip, it is great that the season two episodes go and especially so here started to forward the plotting and will agree that the action sequence midway through was thrilling. Although the writing is flawed, it is a lot tighter, more thought-provoking and much more natural than all the previous Season 7 episodes and much of what came after. The direction has tautness and sensitivity.
Characterisation is well done, with Ezekiel being a refreshing joy and the limited use of Negan was appreciated after him dominating so much in the first half of the season (well most of the season overall actually). Characters that had not been interesting for a long time have time to shine in their own way. The episode is stylishly photographed without being gimmicky and the music is haunting. The acting is very good from all.
Summing up, very good and refreshing. 8/10
With "Rock in the Road" however, to me there was a glimmer of hope in the season's first very good episode. Personally don't quite agree with it being a return to form for 'The Walking Dead', but if there was a prize for the best episode of Season 7 "Rock in the Road" is a very strong contender. It wasn't perfect or a show high point, but by Season 7 standards it was pretty darn impressive and it is a shame that more episodes from the season were like this.
"Rock in the Road" isn't perfect. It doesn't start off promisingly in my view, it is a slow starter and will agree that the script is weak early on. Daryl is not well written here, uncharacteristic for him at this point of the show, and his dialogue doesn't make sense.
Perhaps it would have benefitted from having a little less going on, though it may have been trying to make up for how aimless the first half of Season 7 was, as parts were a little rushed and disjointed.
A vast majority of the time the storytelling is fine. There is tension but actually after so much uncompromising intensity and darkness the lighter, sometimes more amusing and more hopeful tone was appreciated and refreshing. It goes at an energised clip, it is great that the season two episodes go and especially so here started to forward the plotting and will agree that the action sequence midway through was thrilling. Although the writing is flawed, it is a lot tighter, more thought-provoking and much more natural than all the previous Season 7 episodes and much of what came after. The direction has tautness and sensitivity.
Characterisation is well done, with Ezekiel being a refreshing joy and the limited use of Negan was appreciated after him dominating so much in the first half of the season (well most of the season overall actually). Characters that had not been interesting for a long time have time to shine in their own way. The episode is stylishly photographed without being gimmicky and the music is haunting. The acting is very good from all.
Summing up, very good and refreshing. 8/10