What Lies Ahead

Originally posted on Reviews Of Unusual Size

Re: The shell-shocked crew head... somewhere. The don't get far, running into a huge accident blocking the highway. Then they lose a member during a zombie attack.

Outstanding: Some great, tense horror moments in this episode, especially in the tense early moments of the attack. The actors here run the gamut from over the top and up, but I really like Andrew Lincoln in this.

Unacceptable: Unfortunately, a few little things let this episode down, mostly the ludicrously sloppy autopsy, the constant gun argument and the director's tendency to cut away to the reaction shots during action scenes. I know this is a TV show, but the first season had no qualms. But they had a budget, too.

Summary: Overall a decent second season opener, and a huge improvement over the last season's big CDC-CGI extravaganza.

It's masterfully shot, relentless, and full of exceptional performances. But mostly, it's a pointedly human story and study; that's what makes the Season 2 opener of The Walking Dead such high caliber television.

The first episode of the second season of AMC's "The Walking Dead" shows no sign in a drop of quality.

The episode starts with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) talking into his Walkie Talkie leaving a message for Marcus who we last seen in the first episode of season one. He says they are leaving Atlanta and are heading to Fort Benning. There is a lot of drama when one if the children in the group goes missing, and we get a good shock ending that ensures you will be watching the next episode as soon as possible.

Melissa McBride as Carol is the star performer here, whilst Norman Reedus as Daryl and Lincoln do some bonding in some good scenes. Once again it's Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale who is the human conscience of the group.

This was a great way to kick off season two, after a great first season! It doesn't take long for things to get intense and from there the episode is an exciting ride, that leaves you on edge to find out how things will play out!

The first part manages to create some very intense scenes where you can almost hear your heart beat! Especially since you never know who will make it!

Sophia going missing and the search for her is one of the more memorable storylines in the show, and I think this episode handles the beginning of that well!

The episode leaves you with a shocking cliffhanger and you feel like things have just begun!

The second season of "The Walking Dead," created by Frank Darabont, kicks off with "What Lies Ahead," an episode that sets a new tone for the series, steering it into darker and more emotionally complex territory. As the survivors leave Atlanta behind, hoping to find sanctuary from the walker-infested world, they encounter a graveyard of cars on a desolate highway, marking the beginning of their trials and tribulations.

This episode masterfully juxtaposes the eerie stillness of the world with the chaos lurking within and around the group. A significant portion of "What Lies Ahead" is dedicated to a harrowing scene where the survivors hide from a horde of walkers, a sequence that not only heightens the suspense but also delves deep into the characters' psyches, revealing their fears and resilience.

One of the most poignant moments in this episode is the search for Sophia, Carol's daughter, who goes missing during the walker encounter. The ensuing search operation in the woods not only serves as the primary plot but also acts as a catalyst for character development and group dynamics. Rick's leadership is tested, and the moral dilemmas faced by the group begin to surface, setting up overarching themes for the season.

Furthermore, "What Lies Ahead" brilliantly uses its setting - the eerie, walker-infested woods and the claustrophobic interiors of cars on the highway - to amplify the sense of dread and despair. The episode's climax, involving a walker attack and a gut-wrenching decision by Rick, encapsulates the series' exploration of moral ambiguity in a post-apocalyptic world. This moment, among others, underscores the harsh realities the characters must face, where survival often comes at a great personal cost.

In conclusion, the episode is a compelling blend of suspense, horror, and drama, effectively setting the stage for the season. It challenges the characters and viewers alike, asking profound questions about survival, humanity, and the sacrifices one must make in the face of unimaginable horror. "What Lies Ahead" not only delivers thrilling zombie action but also deepens the narrative's exploration of its characters, making it a standout episode that foreshadows the trials and tribulations to come.