TS-19

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.

"TS-19" is scintillating, a cracker of a season finale that comes this close to fully exploding. And a 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). It is as emotional, complex and as tense as one would expect , at the same time it has adrenaline and guts.

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.

Like all the episodes of the show, "TS-19" 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. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive.

The writing 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.

Appreciated the deliberately paced story-building of the first half, with just as much rich detail to characterisation, and just as much the nerve-shredding intensity and excitement of the second half. Would have liked more resolution to a few of the plot threads, not everything felt completely rounded off which for a season finale is a little disappointing.

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. Andrew Lincoln is an excellent lead, while there are highlight contributions from Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey DeMunn, Laurie Holden and especially Noah Emmerich.

In conclusion, excellent and scintillating that could have been even more. 9/10 Bethany Cox

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.

This was a great way to conclude this season as it provides some answers to all this, as well as putting out characters at a crossroad on what to do from here!

This episode shows how this show can handle drama as well! Despite the lack of action and walkers, the episode was still tense and exciting! Some of our characters also starts to show their true colours which will play into season two!

Noah Emmerson made a memorable appearence as Dr. Jenner! I always think of him when I think of season one! I enjoy the choice that he let our characters face.. give up or keep going in search of a solution!

Overall season one might be short, but stands as one of the stronger seasons and a great introduction to the show!

The episode starts with a flashback to Shane trying to save Rick amid pandemonium at the hospital. We then see the survivors enter the CDU but Edward Jenner may not be the saviour they are hoping for.

Once again the cast is excellent again. As is the direction.

Andrew Lincoln is again the main man while Norman Redus is excellent, as are Melissa McBride, Steven Yeun and Jon Bernthall

Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale shares a great scene with Laurie Holden's Andrea towards the end.

I have loved everything about this show except Sarah Wayne Callies. A great first season. Tip of the cap to all involved.

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!