The Big Scary U

After really disliking the first three episodes of Season 8 (especially "Monsters"), "Some Guy" turned out to be a big improvement and shed some hope. Didn't care for Season 8 as an overall whole, but it was not devoid of good episodes. Expectations were a bit mixed on first watch, despite being pleasantly surprised by "Some Guy" that "The Big Scary U" was going to focus on two characters that have not been that interesting in a long time concerned me a bit.

"The Big Scary U" was another Season 8 episode that was better than expected. It is not one of the best episodes of 'The Walking Dead', Season 6's "Not Tomorrow Yet" was the last "great" instalment of 'The Walking Dead', but its handling of the two characters that are not favourites of mine by any stretch was surprisingly well done. Flaws and all, "The Big Scary U" definitely to me is one of the better episodes of Season 8 and in the small group of instalments that weren't disappointing.

Sure, "The Big Scary U" could have been better. Again the action is somewhat messy and more silly than thrilling, especially in the final third. The ending felt a bit abrupt.

Felt too that some of the dialogue did ramble, especially some of Negan's. Which was not surprising, as long-winded dialogue is a common problem with Negan's character. Also Eugene is annoying and he is another character who has never been a favourite of mine.

However, "The Big Scary U" does very well with the development of Father Gabriel and Negan, both characters progressing and given more nuance than usual. It was great to see a more conflicted (without it wallowing into excessive self-pity or anything) and humanised Father Gabriel and Negan has more menace than he has done in some time while having more nuance to usual. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Seth Gilliam do fine jobs in their roles, Morgan particularly.

It never bothered me that "The Big Scary U" was a slower paced episode and not the taut action-packed sort of episode of 'The Walking Dead'. It is more character driven than plot driven, it succeeds on that front because the characterisation is interesting and illuminating in the case of Negan. While the story isn't perfectly executed, it still compels and not only does it feel like things are progressing it also does a great job with filling in the gaps the previous episodes had. Particularly in regard to the backstory of Negan.

Photography isn't disorganised or self-indulgant in the way that it was in the first three episodes of Season 8. The lighting has a foreboding atmosphere to it. The music similarly is suitably ominous and while the script is not perfect either it provokes thought.

On the whole, not great but by Season 8 standards it was good. 7/10.

Season 8 wasn't the best season but it has had some memorable moments which makes this episode stand out

this episode also showed that it doesn't need action to be entertaining and mostly focused on Negans point of view

definitely worth watching

After the first few Season 8 episodes of stilly comic-book like shoot 'em ups, human drama, fragility and conflict returns to The Walking Dead last week and especially this week. At last.

Last week and this week were centred on character. It has been these character-centric episodes which have helped make this show one of the best ever. Father Gabriel has never been one of my favourite characters despite the great performances, but this episode contrasted strength and weakness beautifully using TWDs most powerful performer right now, JD Morgans' Negan, with the difficult and haunted Father Gabriel.

Great drama and emotion in this episode. And the near-unravelling of the Saviours was also well played and makes for interesting times in the coming episodes.

Hope there's' more like this for the rest of the season. 8.5/10

Negan and Father Gabriel are trapped in a trailer surrounded by Walkers, within the grounds of the Sanctuary. While initially hostile with each other, they realize their common goal at the moment is getting to safety. Eventually Gabriel convinces Negan to make confession to him. He does this by first telling his own greatest sin, letting his parishioners die outside his church when the outbreak first began. Negan then tells him of his shame at watching his first wife, the one woman he truly loved, die, then not being able to put her down to keep her from turning. With this emotional hurdle cleared, the two men then make plans to make it back into the Sanctuary. They smear themselves in Walker guts and mix among the Walker herd, slowly making their way back to the main building.

Within the Sanctuary, Simon discusses the situation with the other lieutenants, who believe Negan may be dead. They begin to question who will now be in authority, which creates conflict among them. They also discuss the fact that supplies, now not being replenished by the other settlements, are quickly beginning to dwindle.

After the meeting, Eugene suddenly realizes that Dwight is a mole. He chooses to keep the information to himself. Meanwhile the workers, suffering from the heat now that the power has been turned off to conserve supplies, move up onto the second floor, against their normal orders. They know something is wrong, and demand to see proof that Negan is still alive. Violence is about to break out when Negan suddenly appears, alongside Father Gabriel. The people fall to their knees in loyalty.

Gabriel is taken to a cell. Later Eugene checks in on him, and immediately sees that he is falling ill with a fever. Although delirious, Gabriel insists that Dr. Carson needs to be returned to the Hilltop, so Maggie's pregnancy can continue unimpeded.

"The Big Scary U" takes a deep dive into the psyche of Negan, offering viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of the Saviors' leader. The episode centers around Negan and Gabriel, who are trapped together in a trailer during the Savior's retreat from the walker herd. This unlikely pairing provides an opportunity for introspection and revelation, as Negan reflects on his leadership style, motivations, and the future he envisions.

One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is the dynamic between Negan and Gabriel, who serves as a moral foil to Negan's ruthless pragmatism. Their discussions about faith, morality, and the nature of power reveal layers to Negan's character and hint at a more complex individual than previously portrayed. The episode's flashbacks to Negan's interactions with his lieutenants further deepen his character, showing his strategic prowess and ability to inspire loyalty through fear and charisma.

The episode also explores themes of leadership and survival, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their communities and maintain control in a chaotic world. Negan's iron-fisted rule over the Saviors is contrasted with Rick's more democratic approach, raising questions about the nature of leadership in a post-apocalyptic society. Overall, "The Big Scary U" offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the series' most enigmatic characters and sets the stage for the conflicts and revelations to come.

Excellent comeback to season 8. I really loved this episode. It was certainly an improvement over the episodes before it. Big scary U was pretty good, I liked the ominous vibes of this episode.