First Time Again

The screenplay of this episode is inspired by Nolan's memento. I didn't see it intriguing as the climax of the episode is already shown in the opening shot and there is absolutely nothing that happens in the episode. The only major plot that happens in the next 55 minutes is that Rick scheming to help the people get to a secure location, which is pretty much the same plot as every episode. I might get a lot of hate and down votes for putting it this way, but I feel the show writers need to stop being lazy and portray their thoughts meticulously and cleverly.

Would you take if a director makes a one hour show with a one line plot? I don't think so. Even if you scratch my lines and say that there is much of characterisation left, you are wrong. We all have seen countless episodes that built up the characters. Now all we need is some progress in the show.

The zombies are great , the killings are cool , but just ramp up the story!!

My rating 8/10

For me, in its prime 'The Walking Dead' was a brilliant show. That prime period being Seasons 1-5. Sure Season 5 wasn't quite as consistent as the previous four and there were some disappointing (by prime 'The Walking Dead' standards) but far from terrible episodes, but at its best the season was of extemely high quality. Which is why it is sad that it declined so badly from Season 7 onwards, one of the biggest declines for any show along with 'House of Cards'.

Season 6's season premiere "First Time Again" is how to start a season with a bang. One of the best episodes of that season, one of the best latter season episodes and one of 'The Walking Dead's' most ambitious and unique episodes. "First Time Again" has a lot going on, is taut, is uncompromisingly tense, emotional and is exceptionally well made (actually stands out on that front), like the best of 'The Walking Dead'. Can totally see why it was critically acclaimed, even if it is more mixed here, and it deserves it in my opinion.

As said, "First Time Again" looks wonderful. The gritty and audacious production design still remains, photography worthy of a film, suitably frightening make-up and visuals that don't look amateurish in any way and like they were made with heart and effort. The black and white has a lot of atmosphere and visually "First Time Again" is one of the more interesting 'The Walking Dead' episodes and stands out, the past and present shots providing storytelling unlike any seen before on the show. 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.

There have not been this many walkers so well used in many an episode (not even in the Season 5 finale "Conquer"), and they are really quite terrifying here. The writing is as taut as can be and the dialogue-driven scenes didn't come over as too talky to me. The story is always compelling and makes the most of its unique structure, the coherence never being an issue and the action-driven scenes have genuine uncompromising tension. The massive set piece is a rich feast of emotions and is edge of the seat excitement, while the cliffhanger is a shocker. Love the sense of community, the character development is some of the latter seasons' richest by quite some way and the same goes for the character interactions.

Just as good are the performances, Andrew Lincoln's acting is some of the best on the show and a sly Melissa McBride is pretty unforgettable even with her screen time not being large. Lennie James kills it again and really shines in his chemistry with Lincoln.

In summary, outstanding start to the sixth season. 10/10

Just when you think a Zombie show with long five seasons couldn't get any more exciting .,. they hit you with this amazing premiere ..

Gosh i can't believe how these writers can even overcome the rush and thrill in the past episodes .. A new "First Time" .. why not !! i mean the theme song didn't start yet and i was on the edge of my seat thinking what is their plan for this amount of flesh eating creatures ;) then a little slow down by a look back on how we got here in black and white (i don't think black and white was a perfect idea but it happened) ... then Shoot .. back to thrill .. i really couldn't relax and set straight for whole minute :D as the story now will probably move outside of the "safe community".

The cast are Pro's after six years now .. won't mention them by name but a wowzer performance upping their last one every season with being more engaging, more genuine ,, a couple of new characters "with lines" .. i'd like to more of Rick/Morgan dual .

and at the end of this episode another shocking unknown surprise to come .. WoW . .. Overall .. it looks as always promising and full of thrill and suspense which would assure to make me hooked and eager for more episodes and seasons to come ;)

It was a solid start to this season, the episode was well written and directed, I particularly loved the music in this episode, it made the scenes very intense. The performances from Andrew Lincoln and Lennie James were excellent. I'm glad to get some more humor in these lines and funny interactions between characters, it's been so serious and depressing for so long. The character development in this episode was very good, especially for Rick and a couple other characters. It's a must watch in my honest opinion. The flash backs could be annoying for some, but I would think people would understand this effect was used. The action was great, there were a ton of zombies/walkers to keep people satisfied and a lot of dialogue to even it out.

Rick and the survivors find a quarry with thousand of walkers blocked by heavy trucks and he plans how to take them far from their community. Rick is supported by Deanna but the reluctant Carter unsuccessfully plots a scheme against him. While training the group, one of the trucks falls off the cliff letting the walkers to escape and the plan needs to be immediately put into action without training. Daryl on his motorcycle and Tara and Abraham in a car herd the walkers through the road to a distant point far from Alexandria. Will Rick's plan work as planned?

"First Time Again" is an episode with a confused beginning since the explanation is in black and white flashbacks. The partnership of Rick and Morgan is promising and I hope he stays with the survivors. My guess is that Ron Anderson sounded on the horn. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "First Time Again"

Note: On 22 April 2016, I saw this show again.