AMC's The Walking Dead

I'm afraid my fave from Terriers, Michael Raymond-James, needs a new agent. When he showed up to do all the talking in the bar scene, I was psyched to see him join the cast. Just as I was psyched to see him in Terriers, a late, great show that lasted all of one season. And just as I was psyched to see him play Rene, for about 3 episodes of True Blood.

Dude has been on-the-cusp for years now.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1535423/

 

Enjoying the show but it's just something to watch on Sunday night until Mad Men starts up on March 25

 

The writing and direction of the bar scenes was fantastic, especially with the two rovers. It was the most tense human vs. human scene in the series, I believe.

The Lori shit was fucking stupid. OK, we get it that these people aren't expert survivalists, but there's a line between brainless (pun!) human actions and contrived writing. This was the latter. Big time. And it pissed me off. It's what's hampered the show - pulling water zombie out of the well, Andrea sniping Daryl, Dale with no evidence at all saying Shane killed Otis - and keeps it from being great. Then you get flashes like the bar scene or mowing down the barn walkers that keep you tuned in, hoping the minds behind the scenes can iron it out.

 

Also, it was a nice twist of irony that soon after Lori tells Rick that he needs to be alive so he can be the type of man Carl needs to raise him in this cold world, he kills two men in cold blood.

 

Have you seen Talking Dead that follows the show? They have guests, talk about the episode and take emails and calls.

The executive producer was on last night and he said they cast Raymond-James for just that reason. They wanted viewers expecting him to join the cast, only to have him get blown away in his very first appearance.

 

I can see the first two points, but I have no problem with the characterization of Rick. I think it was made very clear that those two could not be trusted and that Rick realized it.

Regarding his behavior at the CDC, you have to remember how he acted. That wasn't rational. He was desperate and he lost it.

 

As far as Dale goes, you have to remember how badly injured Shane was when he returned. He could barely walk. It's tough to imagine how he escaped without a little help. And you have to keep in mind that Dale doesn't like Shane and sees the worst in Shane's every action.

 

I looked down briefly before the shooting started at the end. Did they guy behind the bar go for his gun first, or did Rick shoot them preemptively?

 

George Lucas says Dave shot first.

 

I watched it twice and the guy definitely reached for his gun before Rick.

 

Yep. Guy reached for his gun hoping to fire at Rick, who fired and killed both guys. It was pretty sweet.

 

That's what I figured, but by the time I looked up the dude behind the bar was falling and the fat man was getting plugged.

And Han fired first. Fuck George Lucas.