User Reviews

I'm not a huge fan of when Walking Dead takes a full episode off from 90% of the main cast to give us an episode full of backstory and exposition, but perhaps we needed that after last week.

The problem is that 'The Well' felt like a completely different TV show than what we have grown accustomed to with The Walking Dead. The setting shift to The Kingdom gave us a fresh view of life after the walker outbreak, and while it was an interesting episode, I couldn't help but wonder why we didn't at least get a little bit of a follow up to last week.

Tonight focused on Carol and Morgan as they made their new home in The Kingdom after Carol's breakdown last season. Their dynamic brings something unique to this show, so I appreciate spending significant screen time with them. With that said, it was even more fascinating watching both of their character's ideals get broken down this week by King Ezekiel. Carol came to grips with the town's ridiculousness and phony side by reverting back to her sneaky-sly self. Ezekiel wasn't having any of that.

My favorite scene came as Carol was ready to steal the King's crops and leave, but he proceeded to sit her down and have one of the better monologues the show has given us in a while (besides Negan's). Much like Carol, I found it hard to buy into his history at first with his pet tiger, Shiva, but Khary Payton's brought a lightening charisma to Ezekiel. A much needed change of pace.

It was nice to see Carol isn't entirely abandoning the life at The Kingdom, as Shiva and Ezekiel gave her a nice welcome home present, but it begs the question, just how much will Carol be involved with this season? And specifically, with the Alexandrians? But to me, the standout from tonight was Ezekiel's presence, who perhaps brings the exact opposite tone and feel than Negan did last week. Some interesting choices made by Walking Dead of late. I'm down.

+Ezekiel and Shiva

+Carol's reaction

+Breaking down Carol & Morgan's ideals

+Full-arc in one episode

-Still felt like I needed a scene with the main crew

8.0/10

The previous episode "The Day Will Come Before You Won't Be" was surprisingly not bad at all, despite going too overboard on the violent tone. Am saying surprisingly, because it followed on from such a disappointing finish to the previous season, an inconsistent one but with many fine things. And because it opened the season where 'The Walking Dead' went notoriously downhill and felt like a completely different show altogether.

Despite a much lower rating here as of now, for me Season 7's second episode "The Well" was a little better and it is not hard to see why it was one of the best received episodes of the season by quite a large margin. It is a very solid episode, interesting for introducing one to The Kingdom and another new character, albeit a very different one compared to the previous episode, its more restrained and calmer tone being a welcome departure from before. While it won't be for all tastes and it's a long way from being 'The Walking Dead' at its best, "The Well" is one of Season 7's better episodes in my view.

It is certainly not perfect. It is a little too slow in spots, the episode being somewhat of a slow-starter and it is with the Saviors when it gets going, and bogged down by being a little too exposition heavy. Some of it being rambling (if not as much as Negan's dialogue in "The Day Will Come Before You Won't Be").

Other episodes did a better job at progressing the characters, with the introduction of Ezekiel being the most striking thing in this regard, and at moving the story forward (the episode is not complete filler though), the closest "The Well" comes to being that is other than the introduction to the Kingdom the hostility between the Kingdom and the Saviors.

However, "The Well" is stylishly photographed without trying to do too much, no trying-to-be-too-clever editing to be seen here, or being too static. Shiva looks great. The music avoids being too bombastic or being too low-key, being suitably haunting. Personally do prefer it when the direction has more tension, especially of the uncompromising kind, but did appreciate the sensitivity of it here. While the dialogue is not perfect, it is quite thought-provoking and intrigues enough, especially between Ezekial and Carol. Melissa McBride, Lennie James and Khary Payton are excellent throughout.

Although, like the script, the storytelling is flawed, there are things done well. The big scene between Ezekiel and Carol is particularly well done, great chemistry between the two, not too heavy-handed and really probes thought. Close behind is with the Saviors, that had intensity and a further sign of how dangerous they are. Carol and Morgan's story here is on the most part more interesting than in "Last Day on Earth", which didn't fit with the rest of the episode. It was great to have "The Well" focusing on two of the show's better regular characters and focusing on less characters than tends to be the case, am aware that fans had issues with Carol's development in the latter episodes of Season 6 but she is very well handled here and Morgan has come on a lot. Ezekiel is a colourfully characterised character, very intriguing and enigmatic.

In summary, well done if not top-'The Walking Dead' standard. Better than a lot of what came after though, which was a completely different story. 7/10

Okay, yes. It was a very boring and no climax episode. But at the same time, it was a very important episode.

The episode was a real "recess" compared to the previous one. In my opinion this is the principal cause of all the boredom in today's episode. It's just with Carol and Morgan from the Survivors.

The Well was important because introduces us to the Kingdom and to King Ezekiel, both really big stuff for whats comes ahead in the show.

The most important thing in this episode is the "Pig thing" and the Saviors showing the power that they have in all communities.

Although that, the episode is very boring and in the last chance they had to do something interesting the episode ends with Carol and Ezekiel doing nothing.

As a comic reader I'm very satisfied with Ezekiel and the Kingdom, but really disappointed with the Morgan and Carol's protagonism and drama.

7.5/10

Surprisingly decent. This episode shows what happens to Carol and Morgan at the end of the season 6 finale. This episode introduces The Kingdom. You'd think that Alexandria and Hilltop are enough to turn this show into a reality t.v show, but no, they need The Kingdom as well. King Ezekiel is introduced. "I forgot to say that, Ezekiel has a tiger". He didn't forget. The writers just didn't want to reveal that he had a tiger yet. Later into the episode, the Saviors meet up with Ezekiel and some of the people from The Kingdom; Saviors that we haven't seen before. The Saviors are doing the same thing that they've been doing to Hilltop and now Alexandria. Taking their stuff instead of killing them. At the end of the episode Carol leaves The Kingdom and goes to a house that they passed on the way there. Overhated episode.

Honestly after the the emotional season 6 finale and first episode of season 7 I did not expect this...was not impressed by this episode

After the non-stop horror of last week's episode, there was only really one option to stop viewers from losing their sanity: make the most upbeat, hopeful episode ever. This involved shifting the focus totally away from Rick's group to Carol, who discovers a new community run by a so-called king who calls it his kingdom. She instantly recognises it for what it is.

Despite his absurdity, I do kind of like King Ezeikel. The tiger he keeps beside him is strangely exotic for a show that usually sticks to a colour palette of grey (the walls, roads etc) and green (greenery). So it was an interesting contrast. Whether it actually delivers anything down the line we'll have to wait and see. I do like how the whole king thing is just an act and he knows it, but he does it to make other people feel happy and safe. It's rare that you see such a good character in the Walking Dead. The most important part of the episode is the part with the Saviours. It shows no one is safe from them and that actually King Ezeikel's kingdom is not quite as secure as he lets on.

As for Carol, this episode doesn't develop her character in any major way despite the long, drawn-out conversation she has with King Ezeikel. It's not bad, it just isn't groundbreaking. But I'm glad she doesn't break down in tears or anything, as I hated the way Carol was heading in the second half of Season 6.

So overall a pretty good episode, nothing extraordinary but anything's better than that awful season premiere.

An injured Carol awakens with Morgan at her side. He tells her what has happened and where they are. They have been brought to a community called The Kingdom, a place led by "King" Ezekiel. Carol is stunned by the way things are run. She concludes that it's a ridiculous fantasy world, and she needs to leave.

She plays along, in order to keep people from becoming suspicious while she plans to escape with supplies. Before she can leave, Ezekiel catches her, and they both drop their facades. Ezekiel encourages her to embrace life, and suggests a plan that would allow her to simultaneously "go and not go." She takes residence in a cottage outside the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Morgan begins to bond with Benjamin, a young resident who is training to be a soldier. He also discovers that The Kingdom is being extorted by the Saviors, although it is being kept secret from most of the community.

"The Well" is a stark contrast to the season premiere, offering a glimpse of hope and humanity in the midst of the post-apocalyptic world. The episode introduces the Kingdom, a new community led by the enigmatic King Ezekiel. The Kingdom is a vibrant and thriving community, complete with its own unique culture and way of life. Ezekiel's larger-than-life personality and his pet tiger, Shiva, add a sense of whimsy and intrigue to the episode.

One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Carol is introduced to Ezekiel and is initially skeptical of his grandiose persona. However, as she spends more time in the Kingdom, she begins to see the value in Ezekiel's leadership style and the community he has built. The episode also explores themes of identity and self-discovery, as Carol grapples with her own inner demons and tries to find a sense of purpose in this new world.

The episode is also notable for its exploration of the relationship between Ezekiel and his people, particularly his relationship with Benjamin, a young resident of the Kingdom who looks up to Ezekiel as a father figure. Their interactions add depth to Ezekiel's character and highlight the bond he shares with his community.

Great Episode. Amazing Sayings and plot. Very "well" developed showing Ezekiel as a wise and peaceful leader using the theatricality to teach people virtue and nobility. Claire is as dull as she could have been looking for something outside herself, which, of course, will end up, in finding the light and the right path inwards helped thoroughly by Ezekiel, in a relationship that could spring some odd ways for the show. Morgan is quite clever and is finally coming across the humbleness he took so long to bow finding himself halfway from the noble man he wants to become. The Saviors were barely shown and that part was also the representation of a "to do" list by the writers just to bring to the audience the fact that the Kingdom also provides for Negan and his Satanic group. Finally it is essential to mention the Ezekiel is, probably, the most balanced and philosophical leader on the show. He seems to be the point of encounter between Negan and Rick, or Morgan and Rick. He is courageous when he needs to be, he is wise when he needs to be and very defiant when he needs to be. He is a kind, courteous and noble man, choosing freedom over dictatorship, and wisdom over despair. He produces and teaches his people the most valuable virtues, morale and respect in a chaotic world. Let's see now if he is the one leader people are looking forward to having at the dawn of war that seems to be coming against Hilltop, the Kingdom and Alexandria in the future.

As someone who's read all of the comic books, it's great to see such an interesting character appear in the show. I am really impressed at how this episode currently has a perfect score of 10! While I can see it getting a lower score, I still love it for now. Hey, Breaking Bad's Ozymandias has a perfect 10! Anyway, this episode introduces us to Ezekiel, an eccentric fan favorite from the source material. It's hard to not like a guy who has a tiger with him. Rather than focusing on Rick and Negan, we get a look at what's going on with Morgan and Carol. Hey, I'm starting to remember all of their names.

This episode might not have had much action, but it makes up for that with great introductions. Ezekiel sees Carol's ambitions, something no other character has really done before. It's great to have time to flesh out all of the individual characters. I love his hair style and costumes. There's not much zombie (or should I say walker) action going on, but this doesn't need it. It's always great to see new characters interact and play off of each other. ****

This episode was very different from all the previous ones, and shifted focus from the events of the premiere!

While you could complain that it is slow and un-eventfull, i instead sees it a much needed feel-good episode after some dark and depressing episodes! I guess i just needed an episode that didnt break me or teared me apart!

The introduction to The Kingdom community was great and Ezekiels first scene was iconic! It really felt like this untouched paradise, and for sometime you believe it!

I enjoyed Ezekiels character and philosophy! About essentially being "Nobody" and wanting to live rather than just survive!

Couldn't love TWD more! I'm not even a fan of zombie movies nor gore generally, but this show was so well done, the characters so well written, consistent, well developed, the actors delivered an extraordinary performance. :) When Maggie breaks down sobbing gives me the chills!... Every time! I'm not even gonna mention the Atlanta 5 group, I just don't have the time to go into all the details that deserve praise. You know when shows make a 180 degrees turn and switch their target public?... Like "2 and a half men" turning from a men's favourite into a chick flick? That happens with The Walking Dead, too. You get 6 seasons of good regular people developing extraordinary camaraderie over extraordinary circumstances. This group survives through their devotion to each other, along the way died the people who: panicked too soon, were too quick to give up on their partners, too big an ego, too cocky, too aggressive... or had real, real bad luck! Overwhelmed, numbed from the surreal hell in which they landed, they draw desire to keep going from their love of each other. They do unthinkable things to save each other, exceeding their limits again and again. They all wanna just vanish, give up, stop struggling at times... then the group needs them to do their best and they up and go again... and again... and again. And I never could have enough of that. Come season 7 however, the show does a 180* turn and it becomes about something else. ALL of the people in the show that only wanted to stay alive, help each other, with some couples even taking on the great task of having children (in a world without doctors, medicines, internet, where humans are nearly extinct) become enslaved. Everybody, our main group and every other group newly introduced, is entrapped, victimized, randomly BRUTALLY killed by a big group of extorting parasites, led by a supreme psychopath. The whole show becomes about a group of violent a#€holes, a chain of frustrating little&big events. There's no dignity, no love, no hope, no meaning left. All of the characters that gave the group strength and structure are targeted and physically or mentally destroyed. Whoever hopes to be allowed to survive needs to unequivocally prove his cruelty and general lack of any basic human treats. It's an endless crawl through pig shite, but without the any bit of the hope and occasional joy of the first 6 seasons. If you watched it and loved it for 6 seasons, you're obviously gonna give a try to the 7th. Definitely not for me, my favourite show ended. Well... Kirkman giveth, Kirkman taketh. Outstanding work for 6 seasons! Going to miss them.

Well I stuck around to see if it got any worse. It did.

It seems fans are now divided into two groups. The first group who feel it's all getting very over-the-top and too corny and the other group who say, "It was in the comics so it should be in the series". I'm very much in the first group.

Every medium has its strengths and weaknesses and what works in one does not always translate to the other. There's a reason Peter Jackson did not have the characters in Lord of the Rings suddenly break into song mid-conversation. What is happening right now on The Walking Dead requires some adaptation from the comics to make it look less cornball. Unfortunately the current showrunner is rather lazy and just films the comic as close to the original frames as he can, using none of the strengths of the television medium to his advantage. Some things just don't translate.

And so here we are, with an over-the-top cheeseball villain who talks to a baseball bat, and a corny theater actor with an oversized tiger. The main problem is the villains and characters are now so black & white and one-dimensional that's its no longer compelling in any sort of way except for a morbid curiosity to see how far they run this show into the dust. It's currently like watching a tabloid channel - there is cringe-worthy entertainment to be had, but nothing of substance.

But for now I'm hooked. Just to see how much further this series can slide into the mire. So I'll be back for one more at least. The characters are now all broken or too poorly conceived to buy into anymore. So I will watch this show completely detached, with a pulpy sense of curiosity, just to see what happens next. At least until they finally put a bullet into what's left of its brain.

This episode summarizes why I can't get to like this show.

You know in Family Guy when Peter falls and keeps doing that thing where he holds on to his knee and sighs in pain for like 5 minutes, but it's funny cuz it's random and a persistent joke.

Well, TWD does that in this episode but trying to be serious and dramatic, like a 10 minutes long scene about a choir singing this awful and out of context song where nothing else happens. You just sit there like "I think the song ende- no. Another verse"

This entire episode could have been just a 10 minute long scene in another episode, but...