Despite reservations as to whether it would appeal to me, 'The Walking Dead' though was one of those gradually getting through the episodes over-time experiences. At its best though it proved to be extremely addictive viewing for Seasons 1-5 and in its prime was a brilliant show. Was disappointed though generally by Seasons 7 and 8, which made it feel like a different show, which is a real shame.
To me, the first half of Season 5 ranged from good to outstanding from personal opinion, the first three episodes especially making for one of the best and more consistent starts of any season for the show. There were episodes that others didn't like or had a divisive critical reception/fan reaction but had a lot of fine merits still for me to still deem them solid enough while acknowledging the flaws. Actually feel overall that Season 5 was a solid season and that none of the previous Season 5 episodes were bad, but did find that between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" some of the quality dipped and that momentum in some episodes slackened. "The Distance" was something of a return to form for 'The Walking Dead', "Remember" for me managed to be even better and is one of the season's best episodes.
A significant improvement here is the pace, which is much tighter here and in the previous episode "The Distance" than it was in some of the episodes between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" and has much more urgency and like things are moving on. There is tension and poignancy and there is much more of a sense of things moving forward, the theme of civilisation is brilliantly handled and there is some great character development here. Particularly with Rick, Carl (the most interesting he's been in a long time) and especially Carol, a notable scene between the interview scene.
"Remember" is superbly made as one expects from 'The Walking Dead'. 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, Andrew Lincoln and especially Melissa McBride being the standouts.
Writing is thought-provoking while also taut. Amidst the constant tension and emotion of the storytelling, it was also great to feel a sense of hope and that a new direction seems to be starting to form. The introduction of Alexandria fascinated and riveted, and so far there is so much more of a community and civilisation than there was with Season 3's Woodbury, which other reviewers have picked up upon.
Summing up, wonderful and well worth remembering. 10/10
To me, the first half of Season 5 ranged from good to outstanding from personal opinion, the first three episodes especially making for one of the best and more consistent starts of any season for the show. There were episodes that others didn't like or had a divisive critical reception/fan reaction but had a lot of fine merits still for me to still deem them solid enough while acknowledging the flaws. Actually feel overall that Season 5 was a solid season and that none of the previous Season 5 episodes were bad, but did find that between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" some of the quality dipped and that momentum in some episodes slackened. "The Distance" was something of a return to form for 'The Walking Dead', "Remember" for me managed to be even better and is one of the season's best episodes.
A significant improvement here is the pace, which is much tighter here and in the previous episode "The Distance" than it was in some of the episodes between "Four Walls and a Roof" and "The Distance" and has much more urgency and like things are moving on. There is tension and poignancy and there is much more of a sense of things moving forward, the theme of civilisation is brilliantly handled and there is some great character development here. Particularly with Rick, Carl (the most interesting he's been in a long time) and especially Carol, a notable scene between the interview scene.
"Remember" is superbly made as one expects from 'The Walking Dead'. 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, Andrew Lincoln and especially Melissa McBride being the standouts.
Writing is thought-provoking while also taut. Amidst the constant tension and emotion of the storytelling, it was also great to feel a sense of hope and that a new direction seems to be starting to form. The introduction of Alexandria fascinated and riveted, and so far there is so much more of a community and civilisation than there was with Season 3's Woodbury, which other reviewers have picked up upon.
Summing up, wonderful and well worth remembering. 10/10