The Same Boat

I don't think this should have been a full episode. It really ground to a halt the action pace that had been happening in previous episodes. It would have worked better as a 20 minute segment of another episode cutting back and forth. And overall the characters and how they reacted were a bit too predictable to me ... like we've seen all of this before.

** Mild Spoiler ***

And I'm too old to watch the same eye-rolling scene again and again. Kidnappers leave the kidnapped alone in the room ... and the door unlocked behind them. (Groan)

Are women meant to give life or death? Walking Dead at its best.

When 'The Walking Dead' was in its prime, it was to me one of the best and most addictive shows in the past decade or so. The best of Seasons 1-5 made for quite masterful television. Season 6 was far less consistent, with big flashes of brilliance but a case of a season starting off so well and ended the opposite. Sadly, the show has not been the same since and that it declined so drastically post-Season 6 is quite disheartening.

"The Same Boat', with Season 6 nearing its end, is a wonderful episode. Not quite a 'The Walking Dead' masterpiece, not quite as good as the season's first four episodes, "No Way Out" and "Not Tomorrow Yet", or one of the show high-points. It is though one of the better Season 6 episodes (just to say to me none of the previous episodes for the season are bad, even the disappointments) and one of the last 'The Walking Dead' episodes to come over as great to me.

It is a little slow in the pace at times, especially in the early portions.

Although Carol's character development really advances and is quite riveting, her decision making, or should we say conflicting emotions, at the end doesn't ring true and compared to her actions in perilous situations in other episodes came over as out of character as well.

Otherwise her development, moral dilemmas and internal struggles in one of the most tense situations yet had intensity and was touching to see. Also felt sorry for Maggie and Paula is one chilling villain, adding to the increasing sense of danger. The conflict has real intensity, best to quite frightening effect, making the chillingly brutal conclusion all the more powerful. Melissa McBride gives a searing performance as Carol and gives some of her best acting of the show up to this point and overall, especially when she is being taunted. Not everybody here liked Alicia Witt, personally agree with the critical acclaim she got and felt that she was very confident and delighted in bringing out Paula's cruel side, making for one vicious performance that convincingly became more subtle later on the more we knew about Paula and her internal emotions.

Like all the previous episodes, "The Same Boat" is as gritty and audacious as one expects while the necessary claustophobic tension needed to make the scenario work is brilliantly brought out in the direction. The music is not over-bearing but fits with the atmosphere like a glove. The script is taut and also surprisingly elegant and despite the scale in characters being smaller the story is still big in intensity and emotional power. The claustrophobia and intimacy is on point too. Didn't feel that it was too slow most of the time.

Summarising, excellent episode, very powerful and gave me the chills. 9/10

Yes, leaving Carol and Maggie alone is straight out of a Batman TV series episode, allowing them time to do something - but the episode did result in atypical difficulties. What was special was Carol's actions (including her acting) - from the very beginning. Did you notice her marking the ground with her boot, knowing it would help Rick and the group track their location? Carol is the wisest of the group and her character arc is amazing - one of the best in any movie or TV show. Since I have to include one more line of text, here it is.................. Since I have to include one more line of text, here it is..................

We see what happens to Carol and Maggie.

This is another vicious yet compelling episode with memorable character moments for the above.

The main narrative is moved on slightly, but there is significant focus on Carol and Maggie. Their survival skills and the toll that the killing appears to be taking is handled well.

Much like the previous episode these characters are taken in a darker direction and it is uncomfortable to watch at times. They are put in a situation with little choice in the actions they take, but ultimately they put themselves in the position due the choices they made prior. It is cleverly written to try and keep you onside by showing how seemingly tortured the characters are by what they have done and continue to do.

It is what reviewers like to call a 'bottle episode' and it uses both regular and guest characters well to keep you hooked. There are some feminist themes that come through strongly in the resolution to the events and some of the dialogue.

There are a few little nitpicks that make eyes roll such as the hostage movie cliché of the leaving prisoners unguarded and one zombie related piece of gore that is clearly there for shock value. I have to say though, the twist involving the kill room is great storytelling.

I like the design of the set. As with all the production design of The Walking Dead the attention to detail is great and it feels as creepy and desolate as ever.

All performances are excellent with Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan and Alicia Witt standing out.