What Happened and What's Going On

Never has an episode of TWD been so perfectly put together.

While the themes of "let's find a new home" and "home never last" have been drilled into our minds beyond belief at this point in the series, their constant reminder throughout this episode was done so in a way never seen before and never so perfectly. We saw images instead of video. Rusted filters to remind us of what was. A character so perfectly examined and picked apart, that their layers could be discussed for time to come.

It was one of the boldest moves in all of television to go with the surreal, almost psychedelic style that the episode did and a true example of what the show is and can become. The credits for this one have to go to Bear McCreary for a masterful score, whoever edited it together, Greg Nicotero for once again directing a classic episode but doing so in such a new and innovative way, and Scott Gimple for continuing to take risks and change up the most popular show on television all in the name of achieving a great product.

This may not stand as the greatest TWD episode of all time (although pretty damn close), but it stands for something else entirely. It stands for its greatest triumph. To continue to evolve this series in such a way is a gift to viewers. While it is doubtful (and frankly impossible) the rest of the season will be conducted in this certain manner, this episode alone can stand as a benchmark for what the show is capable of...all time greatness.

I honestly thought this was a very well made episode in terms of music and direction! There were a lot of memorable scenes that were shot very well and really gave a different vibe, that brought us very close to life and death!

With all the death we have seen in this show, I think this episode handles that aspect in such a refreshing and natural way!

We got very close to tyresse in this episode, as he is confronted with his choices through hallucinations! This also reminded us of all those we have lost!

In this episode.. everything seems meaningless! No hope and no life! It really is about maintaining hope in a world where hope is taken from you!

This was one of the better episodes of the show and deserves the recognition!

OH.. and I just noticed "Wolves" sprayed on the wall..

I don't understand why Mr. Lincoln aka Rick said this is the best episode of all time. None of this meets the expectations of a true walking dead fan/follower.

Then series that started with lot of promise story , drama and visual effects has now turned into a soap opera with more than half seasons in a season being used for character development.

Only one thing happens in this episode as far as story is concerned. There is little drama with few tears and a recite from the bible. I loved the slow motion walker kill cool shots . This episode in particular shows how an attentive character with lot of strength can't escape a sneaky walker.

Dear director , please make a move with the story.

Overall rating 6/10

People complain that this is bad as a season opener(it released later but it's the middle part of the season so no)and that it didn't have the TWD vibe to it but this episode was really great and underrated.

The grief and all the sadness with a beautiful calm take on TWD was really great and the story was perfectly put together. Really great and underrated episode but people just want more action than this I guess.

This episode does not deserve a bad rating. And I really don't get why people say this is bad while this is one of the perfectly put up episodes and no wonder Lincoln also said that this was the best ep.

Admittedly it took me time to get round to watching 'The Walking Dead', despite the high recommendations. Despite reservations as to whether it would be my cup of tea, 'The Walking Dead' though was one of those gradually getting through the episodes over-time experiences but at its best it proved to be extremely addictive viewing for Seasons 1-5. Was disappointed generally by Seasons 7 and 8 which is a real shame.

The first half of Season 5 ranged from good to outstanding from personal opinion, there were episodes that others didn't like but had a lot of fine merits still for me while acknowledging the flaws. Found the mid-season finale "Coda" a very well done episode, if expecting a little more. Was also expecting more, and even more so, from the mid-season premiere "What Happened and What's Going On", which was an interesting and emotional episode and is certainly memorable, albeit it is not hard at all to see why its reception from fans, despite its critical acclaim from critics (Chad Coleman, the direction and the script particularly) is so love and hate.

Some of the pacing has been criticised and can understand why, do think that parts were a little slow in a quite narratively slight episode and the hallucinations while striking confused a little.

On a story level a lot does compel on the whole but it is not without its contrived and silly spots with some not so smart decision making and basic out of character mistakes (don't usually have this problem). The zombie action in particular, a big offender being with the zombie and Tyreese which was uncharacteristically sloppy.

There is a lot however that is terrific. "What Happened and What's Going On", like all the episodes before it, is superbly made. It has gritty and audacious production design, visuals that are well crafted and have soul rather than being overused and abused and photography of almost cinematic quality. The music is haunting and affecting, without being intrusive.

There is a lot of thought provoking writing and emotion. There is subtle tension and emotional power, and when it comes to 'The Walking Dead', "What Happened and What's Going On" is one of the boldest, with the symbolism and parallels, and most interesting from a thematic standpoint, handled with a lot of depth. Also appreciated it approaching the characters from a psychological standpoint, which Never do expect non-stop action from the show, though there are thrills on that front here and it is uncompromising, because it excels even more at world immersion. "What Happened and What's Going On" excels very well in this respect. Standout scenes were the foreshadowing opening montage, which already makes things interesting, and a generally emotionally powerful ending with a shocking twist. The character in question's (trying to avoid too many spoilers) exit is poignant if on the rushed side.

"What Happened and What's Going On's" direction and the acting all round ranges from very good to outstanding. The standout of the latter being Chad Coleman, truly superb in his best acting to date. He commands the screen brilliantly and moved me to tears in the latter stages.

Summarising, a love or hate it episode, liked but with some reservations by me. 7/10 Bethany Cox