Conquer

This is not just a season finale but it is the best episode of the walking dead, in my own opinion at least. Fantastic set pieces from start to finish, not a single plot contrivance and there was a sense of dread as well as closure that I'm sure is going to amaze the viewer while watching this epic finale. For the first time in a while, it truly seems the writers know what they are doing.

There's definitely a lot going on in this episode. The characters had a lot to conquer and not a single character thread is wasted. Nice re- introduction to Morgan. A most welcome ally and where did he learn to fight like that? Lennie James was a delight to watch.

The directing was nicely done. Writing was fantastic and forced dialog which we have come to associate with the walking dead is hopefully a thing of the past if this episode is anything to go by. In a nuanced fashion, a lot of the cast stepped up their acting in this episode. Melissa Mcbride is becoming more menacing by the day as her character Carol is far cry from who we knew in seasons 1 and 2. Andrew Lincoln owned the episode and shone delightfully. Steven Yeun once again was in top form. I'd even like to make special mention to Seth Gilliam, though Father Gabriel is most presumably everyone's least favorite character right now (Wolf in sheep's....)

The Letter W, and what's its significance, stood out in episodes prior. Without giving much away I'd like to state that a new threat lies outside of Alexandria as well as inside. Moment of truth at the end of the episode and in reference to our letter W is while dealing with a threat of Wolves outside as well as Wolves in sheep's clothing inside, you either chose to be just a Lamb or rise and rise again until Lambs become Lions.

This is brilliant rendering of episodic TV. 10/10

Daryl and Aaron continue on their recruiting run. While tracking a man in a red poncho, they stumble upon a compound that has walkers in trucks, which they accidentally release. The two seek refuge in a car, and while planning their escape they are assisted by Rick's acquaintance Morgan Jones.

Nicholas, instead of heeding Glenn's warning that he is never to venture outside the gate again, sneaks out and dig up a gun that he had previously hidden. He then lures Glenn into the forest, where he attempts to shoot him. After a lengthy fight, Glenn finally gets the upper hand. He soon realizes, however, that he doesn't have it in him to kill Nicholas. Instead, he leads his battered opponent back to the community.

After Pete and Rick's brawl, Alexandria debates whether or not to exile Rick. His friends plan to vouch for him and hope for the best. As the meeting goes on, Rick encounters a Walker that got past the gate. He brings it to the meeting as evidence of how Alexandria's overly-relaxed way of doing things can get them killed. He offers to teach the population how to defend itself. A drunken Pete shows up with Michonne's Katana. Deanna's husband tries to intervene, but gets his throat slashed and bleeds out. With Abraham holding Pete down, Deanna gives Rick the okay to kill Pete. He immediately does so. Rick then looks up and finds Morgan staring at him in shock.

"Conquer" is a thrilling and action-packed season finale that not only sets the stage for the group's confrontation with the Wolves but also explores the theme of community. As Rick rallies the residents of Alexandria to defend their home, he is forced to confront his own doubts and insecurities about his leadership.

The episode's exploration of community and sacrifice adds emotional depth to the characters' experiences and underscores their determination to protect everything they have built. Additionally, the episode's ending, where Morgan returns and Rick must confront his own actions and decisions, highlights the complexities of their new lives and the challenges they face in maintaining their humanity in a world that seems intent on destroying it.

Incredible final episode of an incredible season. Melissa McBride runs the show.

This is the sixteenth and final episode of what some would say the best episode in the series. I would happen to agree with that sentiment. There are many things to love about this final episode whether it's the 90-minute running time, the crazy ending, the use of Lennie James as Morgan, the action, or finding out what "W" stands for. No matter what, this episode ended Season Five on a high note and I am eager for Season Six.

In this episode, "Conquer," Deanna calls a town meeting to discuss what to do about Rich because of his previous actions. Glenn confronts Nicholas in order to combat Nick's cowardice. Daryl and Aaron discover an old friend fifty miles away from Alexandria, as they learn what "W" could stand for.

Overall, this is just a fantastic episode that has a little bit of everything and a chance for each character to shine. I do not want to wait six months, but it looks like I may have to in order to see the sixth season. I can't wait!

My Grade: A+

'The Walking Dead' was absolutely brilliant at its best and was one of the most addictive shows in its prime, for me that was Seasons 1-5. Probably not a popular opinion. Unfortunately it suffered one of the biggest declines in television (nearly 'House of Cards' bad) with Seasons 7 and 8 to the point of being unrecognisable and with it being so good at its bets that is just frustrating. As has been said frequently by me, perhaps annoyingly so but worth reiterating.

Season 5 was not as consistent as the previous four seasons and had its slow spots, nonetheless it was generally one of 'The Walking Dead's' better seasons thanks to its high points being so brilliant. Contrary to what some fans say, the weakest episodes while patchy were in my respectful opinion still overall decent with a lot done right. In terms of critical response, the season finale "Conquer" was critically acclaimed and it deserves it. To me, it is one of the best 'The Walking Dead' season finales and feels like one, as well as one of Season 5's best. It has a lot going on, is taut, is uncompromisingly tense, emotional and has some of the best scenes of the whole season. Found nothing slow here and any frustrations weren't there, did not mind Father Gabriel here though the other characters are much more interesting.

As to be expected, "Conquer" looks great and to me one of the best-looking episodes of the fifth season and even of the show up to this point. t 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 some of the best of the whole of 'The Walking Dead' up to this point, both visually and providing the right amount and kind of drama. The walkers are terrifying here and the best used they've been in a long time, the make-up alone is freaky.

Writing is the tautest it was all season and doesn't ramble. The story is never less than riveting, with the tension increasing to fever pitch and some of it actually being quite frightening. Loose ends are tied up/resolved, remarkable with such a lot to tie up and resolve. A few great scenes here, the scene with Aaron and Daryl, Sasha in the graveyard and especially that breathlessly powerful climax.

Like the best episodes for anything, it excels at providing significant progression for both the characters and storytelling. The characters are all well written and interesting, with a standout being an increasingly scary Carol, and loved the character dynamics which saw a good deal of intensity.

Have nothing to fault the acting for (in a rare case of everybody in some way shining), with Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun (in his best performance all season) and Melissa McBride at the top of their game. A re-introduced Lennie James likewise kills it.

Summing up, fantastic episode as a season finale and as an overall 'The Walking Dead' episode. 10/10