Forget

I really liked this episode, I thought it showed some new themes and interesting thoughts on how to leave the past behind. When the show stops to be "meta" everything, it's plausible, and the way the show many times feels like a dead end is frustrating but also intriguing. Will they ever find a cure? Is everyone going to die at some point, will there be a happy ending or more importantly: Will it have a message and bring out some very well deserved contemplation. What I like about TWD is that those who doesn't get the show thinks it supposed to be about action but the truth is it never was and never will be about that. What I dislike is, well, it's not about the action but if it's about human emotions I really want to bleed with the characters, feel what they feel, and with Beth being gone a big part of what's human with the show got lost. She was the most real and well written/multi-layered character - It seems like everybody else is quite one-dimensional....(Of course I point out Daryl as the main example....)

I love this show and I don't want to love it just because I've been following it from the start. TWD is a bit uneven, but as most of the characters nowadays, I still have some hope.

/P

In its prime (Seasons 1-5), 'The Walking Dead', which surprisingly did appeal to me, was one of the best and most addictive shows on television. Not every episode was amazing and the odd one disappointed (but slightly), but the best episodes were that and beyond. Seasons 7 and 8 saw one of the biggest declines in quality for any show in recent memory, very like 'House of Cards'. Have said this frequently, and sorry if it is annoying anyone, but it is worth reiterating.

Season 5 may not quite be as consistent as the previous four seasons, with a small lapse in quality in the episodes, which were still more than worthwhile and well above average despite an understandably divisive critical reaction, between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance". But at its best, like the first three episodes of the season and the previous two episodes, it still intrigued and amazed. Overall, it was a solid season. After two such exceptional episodes, there is an enormous amount to recommend about "Forget" but couldn't help thinking that it was a little bit of a disappointment and less of a return to form than the previous two episodes were. It's still a very good episode in my opinion and not to be forgotten, the good qualities are many and they are great.

"Forget" is one of those episodes that is a bit on the slow side, with some not so eventful stretches, and it did for me lack tension at times.

While Sasha had a big scene that was one of the highlights of the episode, she until this point had not been the most developed or meatiest of characters, so some might consider initially the scene slightly out of the blue. Some may dismiss "Forget" as not being the most story-advancing of episodes and as a filler episode.

There is however so much that works about "Forget". The character development does advance and become richer, both significantly in ways one does not expect and with plenty of subtle touches and little things. Appreciated the quieter and more reflective tone on the most part and that it didn't feel over-stuffed, it was also very touching and above all human. It was a change of pace and a pretty good job was done on that front, it is very understated but at the same time equally confident. While previous events of the season aren't advanced as such, there is some nice foreshadowing and setting up what's to come and even some harkening back. Two scenes stood out. Despite any initial reservations, Sasha's breakdown was very poignant and many will relate, even if for some this was the first time they properly notice her that scene and her development in this episode was necessary. Making even more of an impression was the scene between Carol and Sam, showing a darker side to Carol that was so unexpected and it was quite scary and makes one feel uncomfortable in a good way. The Daryl and Aaron subplot was intriguing and did have some tension, and am loving what they are doing with the Alexandria setting, which already feels and seems like a community and that is really great to see.

As one expects, "Forget" is another superbly made episode. 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, the best performances coming from Norman Reedus commanding the screen beautifully, a heartfelt Sonequa Martin-Green and best of all an unexpectedly but thrillingly intense Melissa McBride. Writing is thought-provoking while also taut.

On the whole, didn't blow me away but very good and even though not continuing the return to form standard it's a step in the right direction. 8/10

Yes, we have seen that our beloved friends move to a new place. But it gets prosaic when the writers soak the plot around immovable materials and sentiments.

The previous episode that avidly shows the surroundings, people (kids/elders), our Gang up to something, few people getting used to, few people already liking the change, shows the exact same thing by tweaking few incidents and adding it to this.

It's always refreshing to see Rick in a society and the way he deals with humanly emotions. We get to see more characterization of Carol and Daryl in separate chapters.

I can say that this episode is another filler. Editing department of this show needs to wake up, or if this is going to be the standard pace of the show, they better pace all the other episodes the same.

6/10

Sasha has trouble adjusting to the community due to her trauma. She becomes impatient with the overly-relaxed nature of the community members, which becomes apparent at a welcoming party for the group that Deanna organizes.

Rick, Carol, and Daryl meet outside the wall, discussing a plan to steal guns from the pantry. They're concerned that the community needs to be protected from its own naivety and inexperience with potential enemies, both Walker and human. While meeting, the group runs across a Walker that has had a "W" carved into its forehead.

Daryl runs across Aaron while hunting outside the wall. The two of them attempt to catch a horse for the community, but after a Walker attack they are forced to put the animal down. Later that evening, Daryl chooses to skip the welcome party, but accepts a dinner invite to Aaron and Eric's home. At the end of the night, Aaron asks Daryl to join him as a recruiter, so Eric can be kept out of danger. When Daryl wonders why he's been chosen, Aaron tells him, "Because you know the difference between a good guy and a bad guy."

Carol begins to bond with Jessie's son, Sam. Unfortunately their friendly dynamic is shattered when Sam catches Carol in the pantry stealing guns for her group, and she threatens to tie him up outside the wall and let "monsters eat him".

"Forget" is a tense and suspenseful episode that not only explores the group's attempts to assimilate into Alexandria but also delves into the theme of deception. As Carol maintains her cover and manipulates the residents to maintain her role as a harmless housewife, she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the toll it takes on her conscience.

The episode's exploration of morality and survival adds emotional depth to the characters' experiences and underscores their willingness to do whatever it takes to protect themselves. Additionally, the episode's ending, where the group attends a town meeting to discuss their roles in the community and the challenges they face, highlights the complexities of their new lives and the struggles they face in maintaining their humanity in a world that seems intent on breaking them.

The residents of Alexandria hold a welcome party for Rick and 'family'.

This is a strong exercise in teasing an audience with awkwardness.

The setting of Alexandria has made for an intriguing new concept for the main characters to develop. Seeing the likes of Rick, Carol, Sasha and Daryl in this social setting made for some quite compelling moments that were entertaining, awkward, and harrowing. Following on from the previous episode's hilarious video interview, Carol again has the best scene in the episode, but this one is dark and a bit of a jaw-dropper.

There is an overwhelming sense of dread developing from the little hints of destructive behaviour from characters and the random clues placed on screen. Whatever is round the corner is building up to be bad, and given this is 'The Walking Dead', I can't imagine the writers will pull any punches.

This episode contains great visual storytelling, especially regarding how characters are feeling. The way Rick looks and behaves around Jessie, Sasha's perspective as she endures the party, Michonne's samurai sword, and the general interaction between people is very well done.

All performances are excellent as ever, with Melissa McBride for me standing out. Michael Cudlitz also delivers his lines very amusingly.