Strangers

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.

"No Sanctuary" was an outstanding start to the fifth season and one of the show's finest season premieres, its acclaim more than justified. The exceptional quality doesn't let up in the second episode "Strangers", not as dark an episode as the season premiere but it is not really one of the "calm after the storm" episodes. It is again one of Season 5's very best, if not quite of the whole show like "No Sanctuary" was. It's a tense and gutsy kind of episode instead of the quieter, reflective and action-light kind of episode. It is yet again 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, "Strangers" 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, not as talky as some of the previous episodes, with lots of tension and emotional resonance and shows signs of character complexity and multiple layer storytelling. The ending is deeply disturbing and wrenched the gut in how shocking it is, one of the show's most shocking. The action is thrilling and uncompromising, evoking real terror and intensity, the episode containing what is a strong contender for its most stomach-churning in a powerful way reveal.

Appreciated the ever strong and still progressing story, where a lot happens and full of different strands without being confused or over-stuffed, and character building and that the pace is rarely dull or rushed, with a taut intensity in the more tense parts. The character writing and the character interactions are what is particularly great here, there are far more interesting 'The Walking Dead' characters generally than Bob but he is interesting here and sent off gut-wrenchingly. Father Gabriel makes a hugely promising first impression, one of the episode's interest points.

Everything is nicely paced without rushing through the more important parts, much of it being very taut. The world building continues to be stunningly immersive and effective. Direction is smart and atmospheric, some of the best of the whole show in my opinion, while the show throughout has been strongly acted and "Strangers" is no exception.

Concluding, outstanding. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Rick and 'family' move on to discover a church and it's priest.

This is a strong episode with nice character moments, a very brief respite from the drama of 'No Sanctuary', and yet more dark, suspenseful twists in its tail.

'The Walking Dead' is such a bleak show at times you have to savour the warm moments as much as the characters do. People welcoming new faces, looking out for each other and considering those who are not related to themselves as family are welcome breaks from the usual brutality. It is very much needed before the plot eventually takes a sharp turn for the dramatic.

I won't ruin the plot by saying any more about it.

As ever the production values are excellent as we have great cinematography, editing, lighting, art direction, and zombie effects.

All performances are as strong as always, particularly Andrew Lincoln and Seth Gilliam.

This episode was pretty dtraight forward at first, feeling like your usual Walking Dead episode... until the last part of the episode, when everything turned into true horror, reminding us to never let our guard down!

The last scene is one of the more iconic scenes for its sheer horror! That monologue followed by that reveal send chills down my spine! This is Walking Dead at its best! Showing us the brutality of this world.. and how far people have gone!

The rest of the episode broad some nice warmt and joy after some very dark and depressing episodes! Good to see everyone just having a good time, in a long time!

Gabriel was a nice new character, who might not be what he seems! A man with secrets!

This is the second episode of the fifth season of the Walking Dead. This episode is a marvelous follow-up to the season premiere. Usually after big episodes, there are slow, character-driven episodes. Not this time. The intensity is lowered to some degree, but this is still an action- packed episode that features a rather somber, gut-wrenching cliffhanger.

This episode, "Strangers," has Rick and the gang leaving Terminus. They rescue a mysterious priest from some walkers and he gives them sanctuary in his church. Rick does not trust the priest for the right reasons, and me makes that clear when they go on a hoard fun for food. Meanwhile, Daryl and Carol discover a lead regarding Beth's whereabouts and the group is being hunted by a mysterious group of people.

Overall, this is a very good episode. Things are calmer, but not incredibly calm. The ending is a shocker and I'm surprised I did not have a heart attack. I hope every episode this season maintains this level of intensity.

My Grade: A

As the group continues on its journey, it comes across the preacher Gabriel Stokes, who they have to rescue from walkers. The preacher is cooperative, and takes the group to his church. Still, Rick can't help but wonder if the man is hiding something. Abraham finds a bus that can be used to transport Eugene to Washington D. C. After Gabriel mentions a nearby food bank, Rick plans a supply run. Bob, Sasha, and a reluctant Gabriel go with Rick. Rick's suspicion of Gabriel is heightened when he sees the man cower in a corner after being exposed to seemingly familiar faces.

Carol and Daryl scout the area and come across a car that is similar to the one that took Beth away. The two give chase. While walking in the woods, Bob is kidnapped by the remaining survivors of Terminus. As the leader Gareth calmly explains their motivations, his group eats Bob's leg.

"Strangers" is a pivotal episode that not only introduces Father Gabriel and his moral dilemma but also further develops the relationships within the group. Michonne's opening up about her past and Carl's budding friendship with Enid add layers to the characters and showcase their emotional growth. Additionally, the episode's exploration of forgiveness and redemption, particularly in Father Gabriel's storyline, adds depth to the themes of faith and morality.

The episode also highlights the group's resilience and determination to survive, as they continue to push forward despite the dangers they face. The group's decision to stay together demonstrates their unwavering commitment to each other, highlighting the strength of their bond. Overall, "Strangers" is a character-driven episode that sets the stage for the challenges and conflicts the group will face as they continue their journey.