Remember

Despite reservations as to whether it would appeal to me, 'The Walking Dead' though was one of those gradually getting through the episodes over-time experiences. At its best though it proved to be extremely addictive viewing for Seasons 1-5 and in its prime was a brilliant show. Was disappointed though generally by Seasons 7 and 8, which made it feel like a different show, which is a real shame.

To me, the first half of Season 5 ranged from good to outstanding from personal opinion, the first three episodes especially making for one of the best and more consistent starts of any season for the show. There were episodes that others didn't like or had a divisive critical reception/fan reaction but had a lot of fine merits still for me to still deem them solid enough while acknowledging the flaws. Actually feel overall that Season 5 was a solid season and that none of the previous Season 5 episodes were bad, but did find that between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" some of the quality dipped and that momentum in some episodes slackened. "The Distance" was something of a return to form for 'The Walking Dead', "Remember" for me managed to be even better and is one of the season's best episodes.

A significant improvement here is the pace, which is much tighter here and in the previous episode "The Distance" than it was in some of the episodes between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" and has much more urgency and like things are moving on. There is tension and poignancy and there is much more of a sense of things moving forward, the theme of civilisation is brilliantly handled and there is some great character development here. Particularly with Rick, Carl (the most interesting he's been in a long time) and especially Carol, a notable scene between the interview scene.

"Remember" is superbly made as one expects from 'The Walking Dead'. 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. The direction is controlled yet alert and the acting is never less than great, Andrew Lincoln and especially Melissa McBride being the standouts.

Writing is thought-provoking while also taut. Amidst the constant tension and emotion of the storytelling, it was also great to feel a sense of hope and that a new direction seems to be starting to form. The introduction of Alexandria fascinated and riveted, and so far there is so much more of a community and civilisation than there was with Season 3's Woodbury, which other reviewers have picked up upon.

Summing up, wonderful and well worth remembering. 10/10

This is the twelfth episode of the fifth season of the Walking Dead. I enjoyed the episode, because we get to see the group struggle to return to normalcy, despite the fact the community seems like a nice enough place to stay. There is no imminent danger it seems, but it is good to see who the group never let their guard down or loosen their trust issues.

In this episode, "Remember," Rick and the rest of the group are admitted entrance to Alexandria where they are interviewed by Deanna, the leader of the place. They all struggle to become members as Glenn gets into a fight and Daryl remains in a iffy mood. Deanna later assigns Rick and Michonne as constables of Alexandria.

Overall, despite the lack of danger, this episode is a change of pace from previous episodes. We think they finally may have settled down, but I fear that there will be some twists in the near future. Also, Rick has a personal makeover which makes him look all the better.

My Grade: A

Although the fifth season is excellent, when the second half began, freshness was needed. It is just what this chapter brought. Alexandria was a great change in the series and change part of the course. It is not an epic and action-packed episode, but the videos are very interesting and how everyone acts in the face of this change

Once in Alexandria, Rick and the survivors are welcomed and interviewed by the local leader Deanna Monroe. She is a former politician from Ohio and records each interview. Then Aaron shows two beautiful mansions and offers them to the group. However they prefer to stay together in one of the houses. Part of the group befriends other people in the community, but Rick, Michonne, Carl, Daryl and Glenn are alert. Meanwhile Deanna finds jobs in the community for most of the survivors. Carl is introduced to an outsider, Enid, and when he sees her climbing the wall, he follows her. Rick decides to walk outside the wall and Glenn, Rosita and Noah are invited by Deanna's son Aiden and Nicholas to join them in a patrol outside the wall to seek supplies. However there is a friction between Aiden and Glenn and Deanna stops the quarrel; then she offers the policeman position to Rick and Michonne. Rick has a conversation with Daryl and he discloses his real intention in Alexandria.

"Remember" is a different episode of "The Walking Dead". Rick and the survivors have shower and Rick shaves his beard. The familial bond of the group is beautiful to see how connected they are. This episode raises good questions, such as who took Rick's weapon that was hidden. What was Enid doing outside the wall? Was she going to meet someone? Daryl is impressively alert but Rick's revelation of his true intention shows that he is near to cross the thin blurred live between those that are good and bad. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Remember"

Note: On 20 April 2016, I saw this show again.

After a long wait, the story writers made a move by transferring our characters from wild to a decent place.

The trust issues haven't grown thin, but the characters looking at the kids and other settled people in the community not only feel re- assured but also think the place might make them weaker due to lack of exposure.

The episode didn't have full on zombie shots, fights or long boring conversations. It's about moments between Rick and Carl, Daryl with himself and everyone trying to blend in and how things work in the community. IT'S ALL ABOUT SURVIVAL Because that's what gelled our characters together, not comfort. This marks the essence of this episode.

We have seen one whole season in the PRISON, one whole season in a community. We definitely don't want things to settle here in this place though. Somewhere around the corner a big twist awaits us.

A better episode after so long.

SPOILERS BELOW

Rick gets a hair cut and shaves his beard. You feel lighter watching that scene.