Guts

In the same vein as the pilot. As scary and immersive thanks to its top notch production Guts still managed to make The Walking Dead recipe even more tasty. More gory, more intense and a juicy mix of popcorn entertainment and philhorrosophical elements. Having diner while watching the show would be the worst meal ever, but definitely the quickest way to throw up. The Days Gone Bye headshots were nothing compared to the bloody scenes I had to endure. Of course it wasn't heavy on visuals but the sounds are so well rendered that it's easy to picture what's happening. Otherwise these painful, but mandatory, experiences were smoothed thanks to marvelous cheesy acting. It's disgusting the way we treat zombies ! Well things are more subtle than in your average scream movie because our characters are not brainless, far from it. From memories, emotions to moral values most of them have a strong empathy factor. Let's separate to get all killed one by one ! What a bright idea, not on the show. Rick's plan to escape was well designed and the character he heard on the radio should grow on you in no time. I was specially impressed by his charisma and the way he directed his team mates at some point. A teamwork ingredient we don't get to smack so often. The last time I was so dazzled by it was probably after watching Prison Break's Vs. twisted episode and of course some Smallville candies. The more we care about them, the better. Because that way when they have to walk silently in a dark alley it summons the chicken within. Yes you read me. Far from luring our attention from its evil roots there's also something deeply humanist about the story, reminiscent of George A. Romero's work. As a fan of Sara Tancredi I was also anticipating Sarah Wayne Callies's return as Lori Grimes. Her arc was minor but essential as its inevitable collision with the other is intriguing. Moreover even if her part could have been more convincing she definitely has potential and her behavior raised questions about love, friendship and sexuality. Maybe it's the ultimate one behind most walking productions, even Shaun of the Dead. What makes us human ?

Director Michelle MacLaren puts the pedal to the metal with this second episode of the series. Former regular Glenn (Steven Yeun) makes his first appearance as he helps Rick out of that tight jam in the tank, and Rick is soon holing up with Glenn & other uninfected survivors in a shopping mall, as the walkers amass outside.

It's all about the forward pace here, as we are rarely allowed the opportunity to rest and catch our breath. The protagonists are always having to think their way out of situations. While 'Days Gone Bye' did its job in establishing the scenario and the characters, this episode wastes no time in putting people in peril.

And there are tensions within the group. Guest star Michael Rooker is another actor making his first series appearance here, as a trouble-making, volatile, racist hick named Merle. All of the acting is on point, though. Glenn proves himself to be VERY helpful, watching Ricks' predicament from his vantage point. Andrew Lincoln as Rick is the one who gets the bright idea of learning how to walk among walkers. Suffice it to say, it's not a method recommended for those with weak stomachs. The title of the episode is certainly appropriate. The sight of scores of these walkers (who are also repeatedly called "geeks" here) overrunning Atlanta is quite memorable: those streets are PACKED.

Good fun, overall, with a running time that is pretty succinct (45 minutes, all told) if you're watching this on DVD or Blu, and the commercial breaks are removed.

Seven out of 10.

Directed by Michelle MacLaren, the second episode of "The Walking Dead" expands the scope of the series as we delve deeper into the dynamics of the survivor group. After narrowly escaping death in Atlanta, Rick Grimes and his newfound companions find themselves holed up in an abandoned department store, surrounded by hordes of zombies. It's here that we begin to see the true extent of the horrors they face and the lengths they'll go to survive.

One of the most iconic scenes in this episode is when Rick and Glenn cover themselves in zombie guts to blend in with the undead - a desperate gambit to escape their dire situation. It's a moment that highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the survivors as they navigate this new world filled with danger at every turn.

But "Guts" is more than just pulse-pounding action -it's a study in human nature under extreme circumstances. As tensions rise within the group, we see cracks forming in their facade of unity, revealing the depths of fear and mistrust that lurk beneath. Themes of morality and survivalism are explored as the characters grapple with the harsh realities of their new existence.

As a secondary to the pilot, this episode solidifies the experience that will be had. All the characters are interesting and the conflict is there. We get to see how a group of survivors act after the structure of society breaks down. The actions they must take to maintain safety. Bad people becoming even more bad in a stressful situation. Great supporting cast characters are introduced in the setting of a department store. They all work very well together. An episode chocked full of action and tension. As a follow-up to one of the most solid pilots ever created, It's another thrilling experience from minute 1 to the end.

The second episode is Season 1, "Guts" is more intense and more action-packed. The first episode dealt with character development, now the second episode allows more action to come across. I like the name of this episode because it's a very pivotal part of the episode and the name alone will get your guts wrenching.

This episode has Rick banding up with another group of survivors who were scavengers. But they get trapped in a department store that is surrounded by zombies.

Overall, this is a great episode, maybe a little less quality than the first but nonetheless still entertaining. I rate this episode 9/10.