Bloodletting

This is the second episode of the second season of Walking Dead and it's a dandy. It's not as good as the opener, but a worthy follow-up for sure. Just like the opener, it finely balances the action and the drama. This episode has me hanging on the edge of my seat throughout. The major zombie action doesn't show up to near the end, but it nicely sets up what's going to happen next.

In this episode, "Bloodletting," Rick and Shane desperately get Carl to the farmhouse of Hershel Greene to save Carl after he got shot by accident by Otis, a resident of Greene's house. Meanwhile, Shane and Otis decides to go to the local high school to get supplies needed for Carl's operation.

Overall, this is a very good episode. It's often dramatic, tense, and even emotional at times. The acting is very good here as Andrew Lincoln and Jon Bernthal steal the show. But there are some good guest appearances by Pruitt Taylor Vince and he was pretty good. This episode ended on another well-done cliffhanger. I rate this episode 9/10.

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.

"Bloodletting" is a terrific second episode to Season 2, after a hugely promising season opener. 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.

My only complaint of "Bloodletting" is that at times it is a little too heavy on the talk and it's a little rambling. Didn't mind that it was relatively light on the zombie action, it's hardly the first or last episode to be that and a fair number of those types of episodes have executed it well.

Like all the episodes of the show, "Bloodletting" 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 that make the zombies even more terrifying. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive.

The writing generally 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 at the end, where the action kicks in, are thrilling and terrifying as well as uncompromising.

Appreciated the ever strong and still progressing story and character building, which the episode has a bigger emphasis on, and that the pace is never dull or rushed and the cliff-hanger is surprising.

Despite the more deliberate and calmer tone, that doesn't things from being 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 and Jon Bernthal also offers fine work.

Overall, terrific. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Carl has a gunshot wound and the search for Sophia continues.

This is a strong episode that has some good character focussed drama.

The serialised plot picks up immediately where it left off with the dramatic situations involving both children. I prefer the pacing of this episode to the previous, as it does not drag as much in certain sequences of monologue.

It helps to be a parent to appreciate both plot threads. I have sat next to a hospital bed with my child on a ventilator, feeling helpless and not knowing what will happen. The scenes involving Carl captures that emotion incredibly well. However, as good as these are, there is no real suspense as it's quite obvious throughout that everything is going to be alright. Would Hollywood writers put characters through this much trauma without a payoff? No.

The high point is definitely the performances and characterisation. It all feels incredibly plausible and realistic to me. They also give Shane more solid character development and lead nicely to superb cliffhanger that flows perfectly into what looks to be a plot thread for the next episode.

All visuals and editing are excellent. The camera does a lot of storytelling, which is important to me. The zombie effects are superb as ever, particularly one very subtle and creepy surprise attack.

All performances are great with Andrew Lincoln, John Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies and Pruitt Taylor Vince standing out for me.

Starting from the cliffhanger of the last episode, we get carried over to Hershel's Farm in the hopes he can save Carl's life. We get to see how crushing this is for Rick, This episode show's just a glimpse of how amazing of an actor Andrew Lincoln is. We feel the emotions he's feeling. Not having Lori there for Carl while he has to go through this. Maggie sets off to go find Lori while a mission is being set up for the supplies Hershel needs to save Carl. Out of danger for the moment the group tries to figure out who is going to go. Shane and Otis set off for the school where the supplies are being held. Walker's surrounding the building, they find flares to use and divert the walker's so they can get inside. After getting inside they get trapped and the episode ends off.

This episode is criminally underrated, from the acting to the character dynamics and the exploration and depth of their personalities. If I could rate it a 9.5/10 I would. I don't think it's quite as amazing as some of the best but it's definitely the 3rd or 4th best episode so far. Give it multiple watches and see what your gonna see. Might change your opinion.

"Bloodletting" is an episode that delves into the emotional and physical turmoil of the characters, following the intense opener of the second season of "The Walking Dead." The episode begins with a frantic rush to save Carl's life after he is accidentally shot, introducing the Greene family farm, a location that becomes central to the season. This setting not only provides a temporary sanctuary but also introduces new dynamics and moral complexities as the group interacts with Hershel Greene and his family.

The episode masterfully balances the urgency of Carl's medical crisis with quieter moments of character development. Rick's desperation and Lori's anguish are palpable, as are the ethical dilemmas faced by Hershel, who is wary of outsiders. The introduction of the Greene family adds depth to the narrative, presenting a contrast between Rick's group, who have been on the road, and Hershel's, who have been relatively insulated from the horrors of the outside world.

"Bloodletting" also explores the theme of hope in the face of despair. The efforts to save Carl, despite the slim odds, reflect the larger struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. This theme is further emphasized by the episode's flashback to the initial outbreak, showing Lori's reaction to the news of the dead coming back to life, which juxtaposes the past's fear with the present's grim reality.

The episode is significant for setting the stage for the season's conflicts, both internal and external. Shane's journey to obtain medical supplies, culminating in a morally ambiguous act to save Carl, highlights the lengths to which characters will go to protect each other, foreshadowing future tensions and moral quandaries.

In conclusion, "Bloodletting" is a powerful episode that blends emotional depth with the harsh realities of survival. It expands the world of "The Walking Dead" by introducing new characters and settings, while also deepening existing character arcs and exploring themes of hope, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of survival. The episode's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, coupled with its contribution to the overarching narrative, makes it a crucial part of the season's fabric.