"First Time Again", "JSS" and "Thank You" made for such a great start to Season 6, and "Here's Not Here" was a perfect example of how to do a "filler" episode well, brilliantly actually in that episode's case. "Now" was a big disappointment and my least favourite 'The Walking Dead' episode up to this point of the show, while "Always Accountable" was not a return to form but a vast improvement over that episode.
That vast improvement continues with "Heads Up", not quite yet a return to form but ever so close. The good things are so numerous and so wonderfully executed that it makes one hopeful, apart from a couple of flaws that stop a very good episode from being great. This is not a case of high expectations shattered like with "Now", more mixed expectations executed better than expected with glimmers of hope. The critical reception for the episode was mixed, as one can guess count me in as someone in the positive camp.
"Heads Up" is not a "filler" episode this time. Here the characters do advance, the Alexandrians are the most interesting they'd been up to this point of the season and one sees different sides to the characters that have been in the show from the very beginning. The standout characterisations/developments were with Enid, an interesting character for the first time, a shining role for Rosita and a softer and more compassionate Rick. There is much more momentum here than in the previous two episodes, not just in the pace, which while deliberate is not too bogged down by too much talk or draggy subplots, but the story direction as well with unanswered questions being answered and things that were long anticipated taking place. Some might say that it's a "setting things up for what's to come" episode, in a way it is but does so while still showing signs of forward progression
While the storytelling is deliberate and a few ideas are recycled it is also very compelling, helped by some great character interactions, notably Carol and Morgan and Carl and Ron. The dialogue, while still needing to be tauter, has some great moments. The best lines coming from Carol and Michonne. The highlight scene was definitely the ending, which was dynamite. Also loved the beginning, which was not expected and makes one breathe a sigh relief. Visually, the grit and audaciousness is still there with some beautifully and cleverly composed photography too. The direction does bring out enough uncertainty and tension. The music is suitably haunting and isn't over-bearing. The acting is never less than good by all, Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride and Katelyn Nacon being excellent.
On the other hand, there are still a few parts that drag and could have had less talk.
Agree as well that Deanna's grieving cycle came over as too rushed.
In summary, very good. 8/10
That vast improvement continues with "Heads Up", not quite yet a return to form but ever so close. The good things are so numerous and so wonderfully executed that it makes one hopeful, apart from a couple of flaws that stop a very good episode from being great. This is not a case of high expectations shattered like with "Now", more mixed expectations executed better than expected with glimmers of hope. The critical reception for the episode was mixed, as one can guess count me in as someone in the positive camp.
"Heads Up" is not a "filler" episode this time. Here the characters do advance, the Alexandrians are the most interesting they'd been up to this point of the season and one sees different sides to the characters that have been in the show from the very beginning. The standout characterisations/developments were with Enid, an interesting character for the first time, a shining role for Rosita and a softer and more compassionate Rick. There is much more momentum here than in the previous two episodes, not just in the pace, which while deliberate is not too bogged down by too much talk or draggy subplots, but the story direction as well with unanswered questions being answered and things that were long anticipated taking place. Some might say that it's a "setting things up for what's to come" episode, in a way it is but does so while still showing signs of forward progression
While the storytelling is deliberate and a few ideas are recycled it is also very compelling, helped by some great character interactions, notably Carol and Morgan and Carl and Ron. The dialogue, while still needing to be tauter, has some great moments. The best lines coming from Carol and Michonne. The highlight scene was definitely the ending, which was dynamite. Also loved the beginning, which was not expected and makes one breathe a sigh relief. Visually, the grit and audaciousness is still there with some beautifully and cleverly composed photography too. The direction does bring out enough uncertainty and tension. The music is suitably haunting and isn't over-bearing. The acting is never less than good by all, Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride and Katelyn Nacon being excellent.
On the other hand, there are still a few parts that drag and could have had less talk.
Agree as well that Deanna's grieving cycle came over as too rushed.
In summary, very good. 8/10