Vatos

This was the episode that showed the true nature of this show! That at any point.. a character can suffer a brutal demise!

This episode had some great tension and excitement as it jumped between the two storylines in a great way! Daryl once again steals the show, and the plotline with the other group of survivors shows how they are not the only ones out there and some are good.. while some are not! Is the world changing or is people changing?

The last part of the episode however was the part that stuck out! Out of knowhere we are reminded what can of world this is! That you should never get to comfortable and let your guard down!

By the time it was over, i was shocked and sad!

This episode has it all!! Great acting, directing, writing, drama and music! One of my favorite episodes of the season tbh.

In Atlanta, Rick, Daryl, Glenn and T-Dog find only Merle's hand on the rooftop, and they follow the blood stain trying o find Merle. They decide to retrieve the bag with weapons and ammunition and they face a hostile Latino gang of survivors that abducts Glenn. But they capture one gangster and propose to trade him per Glenn. However, the leader Guillermo also wants the weapons and ammunition in the deal. Meanwhile, Jim is disturbed in the camp and tells that he has had a prophetic dream with the walkers.

"Vatos" is a uneven episode of "The Walking Dead". The initial tension between Rick, Daryl and T-Dog with the Latino gang led by Guillermo has a disappointing resolution with the intervention of an old lady. However, the surprising attack of the zombies to the camp makes this episode worthwhile. I guess if Merle has not brought these walkers to revenge the campers for leaving him in Atlanta. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Vatos" (1.4)

Note: On 08 April 2016 I saw this show again.

Had heard nothing but great things about 'The Walking Dead' from friends and IMDb reviewers. It took a while to get round to watching, both from being busy and also not being sure whether it would be my cup of tea. Finally getting round to it a few years ago and slowly working my way through it, having had a very long to watch and review list, 'The Walking Dead' turned out to be very much my cup of tea and as good as the hype made it out to be, have found it extremely addictive.

"Vatos" continues the extensive character building and a full establishment of tone, in no way disappoints, maintains the complexity and delivers even more on the tension, emotional impact and adrenaline-rush guts. Another strong reminder of how Seasons 1-5 of 'The Walking Dead' to me were absolutely brilliant and seeing the show in its full glory days (Season 6 was uneven, Season 7 was a huge disappointment and am still debating whether to watch Season 8). The characters and storylines are advancing well even if there are not what one calls "resolutions".

It still shocks me at how an intelligent, well-made (so much so that it is easy to mistake it for a film) show about zombies could be made when so many films have tried and failed abysmally to do so.

Complaints are few actually. Sarah Wayne Callies doesn't seem at ease yet in a role that was not interesting at this point of the show. The biggest issue though for me was the tension of Rick's storyline being let down too much by an anti-climactic and hokey-in-writing stand off where Guillermo's silly dialogue and how little the scene adds to the rest of the episode or that particular subplot in general dilutes things too much.

Like all the episodes of the show however, "Vatos" is incredibly well made in the production values, with gritty and audacious production design, photography of almost cinematic quality, effects that look good, have soul and are not overused or abused and pretty frightening make-up which helps make the already freaky zombies even freakier. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive.

The writing, the aforementioned grievances aside, is intelligent and thought-provoking, with lots of tension and emotional resonance and already showing signs of character complexity and multiple layer storytelling. The more eventful scenes are thrilling and terrifying as well as uncompromising.

Particularly found the Amy and Andrea's interactions very effective, the sisterly bond wrenching the heart.

It's all thrilling and tautly paced without rushing through the more important parts. The world building is already stunningly immersive and effective. Direction is smart and atmospheric while the show throughout has been strongly acted. "Vatos" is no exception, with the heartfelt performance of Laurie Holden standing out. Andrew Lincoln continues to be an excellent lead.

Overall, excellent on the most part. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Directed by Johan Renck, "Vatos" expands the scope of the series by introducing new characters and delving into the complexities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The episode follows Rick and the survivors as they face new challenges and threats, both from the undead and from other survivors.

One of the most memorable scenes in this episode is the attack on the survivors' camp, which highlights the vulnerability of the group and the need for trust and cooperation in order to survive. The introduction of characters like Daryl Dixon adds depth to the ensemble cast, while also raising questions about loyalty and morality in a world where the rules of society have broken down.

"Vatos" explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in a world overrun by the undead. As the survivors struggle to make sense of their new reality, they are forced to confront their own humanity and the difficult choices they must make in order to stay alive.