TS-19

The final episode of Season 1 is a good one and despite the fact it doesn't have a great cliffhanger, I still want more. I liked this episode because we learn more about the actual virus and whether there is a cure or not. And there is a good balance between the relaxing, quiet time and the good, tense action. The first half is story-building and the second half is the action as they are trying to flee the CDC.

This episode, "TS-19", is about how the gang is allowed to enter Jenner's facility and for the first time in a long time, they get to enjoy real food, wine, and hot showers. But as they learn more about Jenner and the virus, they realize it may not be the safest thing to do staying at this facility.

Overall, this is a solid ending to an amazing first season. I can't wait to check out more of the adventures of Rick Grimes. This is a really hooking show and it's not all about those zombies. While altering between a quiet start and an action-packed ending, this episode manages to be an effective finale. I rate this episode 9/10.

The survivors enter the CDC building and meet Dr Jenner.

This is an emotional 45 minutes that has strong character moments and performances.

The plot has a few contrivances that set up the dramatic tension. Without going into detail I think that the timing of their arrival is rather convenient for doing the character development and swiftly kicking off another major moment of suspense. That being said, the character development is very good and the themes written into the character exchanges such as hope, death, and suicide are excellent.

There is a large exposition dump from Dr Jenner that has some great sci-fi detail, but aspects of his backstory and how everything unfolds with him are quite predictable. He is played superbly well by Noah Emmerich. The other cast members give strong performances too.

Visually it is excellent. The cinematography and editing are as strong as ever, particularly the shower scenes that convey the different emotions felt by the various characters. The set design and general art direction is perfect, with superb scenes created both inside and outside the CDC. The imagery used in some of the scientific explanations helps make the scene more cinematic.

It does somewhat follow a 'Lost' formula in cinematic style, but this works well for a zombie apocalypse story.

Finally! After a lot of near-nonsensical zombie movies, we've now come across a stylish, matter-of-fact zombie series that's just gripping...to say the least. Apart from the brilliant direction & screenplay, what really hits the viewer(maybe unconsciously)is the brilliant camera-work...and, hold on, the fantastic background music - which is used to a minimum...it's used only at the right moments! Most of the time there's no music, which actually adds to the tension...making you feel you are with them! Of course, the heavy influence of "28 days Later" & "28 weeks later" is obvious, but it's pardonable, considering the final result. Even the background music is influenced by John Murphy...but hey, no problem! The end result - Can't wait for season 2!

This episode serves as a dump of information from C. D. C scientist Edward Jenner and his research team of 1. We get to the "root" of what's really the situation of the world, and it's bad. This episode is also one of the more drastic changes from the comics and as a result, can kind of serve as a identity crisis for the show. But don't let that distract you from the impeccable writing, acting, and directing. This episode is criminally underrated and goes along with the likes of No Sanctuary, Days Gone By and Too Far Gone. The Shane situation reaches another level when Shane takes it a step too far with Lori. Seeing the characters react to this information with despair and outright giving up. Jenner poses as an endpoint for anyone who wants to jump ship with him. If anything, this episode serves for an excellent stopping point for a thrilling, engaging season of non stop action, thrilling set pieces and a brilliant set up for some of the best seasons of television.

Sadly, The Walking Dead has already finished its great season, and it did so with a bang!

The episode lets up look back into the CDC and into the headquarters. We find out not everything is how it seems, and that the group might actually be in danger. Without revealing too much, this was a great ending to the season. We also say goodbye to a character and I was really glad another two characters ended up not dying. I do not want to wait for next year, 6 episodes was too little! However, I will be waiting for the next season and to see what the show brings us! Long live the Walking Dead!