User Reviews

I don't think Season 8 was as bad other people do, but none of those episodes were anywhere near as good as this one was. If you've stopped watching the show, you're missing out right now. It's been a long time since an episode of The Walking Dead has me this far on the edge of my seat.

The previous episode, the Season 9 opener "A New Beginning" vastly exceeded not particularly high expectations. It was a great return to 'The Walking Dead's' roots, felt like the show in its prime and was a great set up for a much needed new chapter. It also did a truly great job at correcting almost all the flaws that the previous two seasons had (the big disappointment had with Seasons 7 and 8 was the reason for expectations for Season 9 not being high).

As does this episode "The Bridge". It is another one of the best 'The Walking Dead' episodes in a long time, with the same numerous good things that "A New Beginning" had present here and even stronger. It does so well at following on from what was set up in that episode and building upon it and at being a character study. It is a slow burner but not in a bad way, some slow burners on the show didn't fare well but "The Bridge" worked because of the character development and the writing actually being good and more. In its own right as a 'The Walking Dead' episode and an episode for anything, it is wonderful.

Like "A New Beginning", there is the odd forced moment with Rick and Michonne's interaction being a little soapy. But again, absolutely nothing to the extent of badness and insulting as the worst of Seasons 7 and 8.

Everything else is wonderful. As said, the pacing takes its time but not in a way that's turgid or self-indulgent. To me though it did not feel dull at all, as there is a lot going on the character development, particularly for Justin and Aaron, and a good deal goes on without being bloated, all of it advancing without being filler. These past two episodes have honestly been the first time this viewer has connected properly to all the characters since the first half of Season 6 and rooted for them, and the new characters are showing a lot of potential. The action excites and is chillingly uncompromising, with actual suspense and no ridiculousness. As a foundation for future episodes, "The Bridge" triumphs, with everything intriguing and illuminating, also with plenty of emotional investment and tension. The ending is truly shocking as was the amputation.

Can't fault the acting, with Ross Marquand in particular giving a very powerful and emotional performance. It is a very stylishly and atmospherically made episode, with no signs of self indulgent gimmicks or showing off. The music is also full of atmosphere of the haunting and ominous kind, while also having emotion that is not spelled out.

Furthermore, the massive improvement in the writing obvious in "A New Beginning" carries over into "The Bridge". The previous two seasons had a lot of (too much) extraneous talk, long winded-ness and soap-opera, and none of that is here in a tight and thoughtful script that treats the viewer with respect. Shining particularly in the Rick and Negan conversation and the viewpoints of Maggie and Michonne, where both viewpoints were understandable. None of the characters frustrated me, with none of the intelligence insultingly ridiculous and vague decision makings and motivations that plagued too much of Season 7 and nearly all of Season 8. It feels fresh and like a new beginning, while also feeling like 'The Walking Dead' when in its prime, which felt like a distant memory for too long but had come back.

Overall, another excellent episode. 9/10.

After a long time. Twd is back. Its amzing to see the show is getting intersting

Angela Kang is already the star of season 9: The directing, the writing, the dialogue and the camera work are just awesome. Episode 2 unfolds some great character driven moments and good mystery elements - it all feels like the old TWD. Tammy Rose is a promising new character and her acting is amazing. I think Tammy's and Earl's storyline underlines Maggie's arc this season in a very decent and human way, I love it. Cute Enid is such a badass now. What she does in this episode is great character development for her; she's definitely growing as doctor and she's also growing on me. Siddiq does a good job by teaching her medical stuff. It's just so important in this dangerous world to pass on your knowledge. I like Tara as a lookout, it fits to her character. Her interactions with Rick always remind me of a sibling-relationship where Rick is the older brother and Tara the annoying but loveable little sister. Her jokes are always a delight! I think Arat and Regina are not to be trusted, not to mention Jed. Justin's development really surprised me as I thought his arc would go elsewhere. Kang is definitely not messing around. The writers finally recognized Aaron again and I think this is his season, even if he looses something this episode... something you actually need to build a new world. Exciting stuff!

I already enjoyed the heck out of the season 9, now episode 2 is even more enjoyable. The character interactions have improved as well as the dialogue (it feels so alive again). New showrunner Angela King also gives minor characters more spotlight and new faces are introduced well. The drama is tangible and I understand both sides of the argument between Maggie and Michonne. Some walker-action here and there spice up the storytelling and there is a shocking incident as well... Gosh this show can be so graphic. Loving it! I have a good feeling that The Walking Dead is heading to the right direction, I really enjoy season 9 so far!

I've got the TWD vibe again, the first time I've had it since Season 6. This episode builds on the strengths of the season premiere, expanding the conflicts to make for some great drama - drama that has been sorely missing for years. There are no obvious bad guys here (apart maybe from the guy who is kicked out), only different, conflicting ways of doing things. The character work is sublime. I don't think it's been so good since the excellent second season. I can see real conflicts coming to the fore between characters I love. Of course this wouldn't be the Walking Dead if it was flawless, and my main gripe thus far is that it's unsubtle in the exploration of its themes. Too much dialogue includes lines akin to "we're building something greater". Yes, we get it, we don't have to be spoon-fed.

There's a walker setpiece with great action, nice gore and real stakes. Best of all, it's not walker action for the sake of it, it actually ties in to the wider themes of the episode. It wouldn't have happened if not for one character's action (or lack of it), and Rick also admits that they were chasing the future so hastily that they got sloppy.

Negan's presence in the episode is actually welcome, which I would never have thought I'd say. Despite being in a cell, he still manages to find a way to turn the tables on Rick and hit him where it hurts - with a truth Rick probably wasn't aware of. The episode also ends on some good notes. The sight of something in the sky (won't say what for spoilers) produced goosebumps. I don't know when we'll find out exactly how this is possible but I can't wait. Also the scene this episode ends on is a brilliant wtf moment that hints at even more troubles to come. I did not like Gabriel and Garbage Woman's final scene though. Just ew.

8.4/10

I have to admit, I absolutely loved this episode. Whether it was the great 1 on 1 conversations with Rick, Daryl, Maggie, Michonne, and Jesus. Or the impressive practical effects and action. Or the horrific outcomes to that lumber fight. Or that final discussion between Negan and Rick. This was a very good episode that felt like a throwback to the season 3-4-5 days. The best part is, they didn't necessarily need a big death or event to make it an eventful episode. It was simply just a well written hour of television. It just feels different this season.

Surprisingly, I haven't been against the whole "Civil War" dynamic that has played out with all the major groups trying to work together. We've certainly seen enough of that in the comic tv/movie worlds these days, but it hasn't actually bothered me so far. Especially considering the payoff of seeing them all come together and fight the walker herd at the lumber scene was truly something special.

Maggie had another big week, which makes me slightly more upset about the fact that we're losing Lauren Cohan this season, at least temporarily. Whether she goes off to Georgie's group or she simply hides out at Hilltop, who knows, but I'm quite enjoying her return to being a prominent member of the group. Because if we're being honest, She has not exactly had great material to work with the past 2 seasons.

Overall, this was perhaps the best episode since sometime in Season 7, and that should get some attention. Whether or not this is a one-off or the rest of the season continues the trend is beyond me, but I sure hope so.

9.0/10

The masterstroke behind this season's premise is that, for the first time since the show began, there is a glimmer of hope for the human survivors.

And that raises the stakes even higher than ever, and makes you care. Now, it really feels like there is more to lose, and it's interesting to see how the original team are tested by the responsibilities of managing this new world.

The DNA of the earlier seasons is clearly still present, and if it can stick to this path, then we could be in for some kick-ass telly! For the first time in two years, I genuinely can't wait to find out what happens next!

So we begin with Grimes overseeing his growing empire.

They are working on building a bridge.

Carol is getting too old for her physicality to be believable in melee. -1 Star For that

Aaron's arm gets crushed. They have to cut it off.

And then Rick goes to talk to NEGAN. NEGAN NEGAN NEGAN!! +1 STAR FOR NEGAN!!!

OH AND GARBAGE LADY AND what....seriously ? ONE EYED GABRIEL GETTING IT ON???

And +1 Star for the end.

I love this "new world" kinda vibe going on. It's a refreshing change and I feel the show should have been at this point seasons ago. Hoping it stays this way.

I found this episode to be quite boring! Focusing on lame and boring dialogues, making couples out of everyone. I thought I was watching a dating tv show, it wasn't already enough that Rick and Michonne's relation feels so fake (there is no chemistry between them) now we have Carol with King Ezekiel, Anne and the Priest, Jerry and Nabila, the two lesbian ladies (sorry, I don't know their names), and I'm probably forgetting someone.. Who's next? Maggie and Jesus? Eugene and Rosita? I really don't understand why some people are comparing this two episodes to the first seasons of the show. I think it is going in a different direction but I truly hope that I'm wrong.

The story was very solid throughout keeping you invested in a very realistic take on the day to day life of these characters that have gotten so far. Norman Reedus blows it out of the park and have a great cliffhanger to make you have to watch the next episode!

The discussion between Rick and Negan summarizes the perfect new writing of the show. It reminds us of the old days of the Walking Dead. The show is getting better and better.

OMG, please continue making episodes like this, it was so good, interesting

This episode is more proof that TWD is returning to it's old routes and has the potential on becoming a great show again. This episode was a joyride with the epic walker sequence that brought suspense back and as well with actual well written dialogue. I fell off season 7 and somewhat enjoyed season 8 but this season I can tell will be one of the best.

Maggie sentence Gregory to the gallows and Earl to be imprisoned. Meanwhile the four communities work to restore the bridge to facilitate trade. The Sanctuary is a former factory and is facing difficulties to plant seed since the soil is very poor and there is a beginning of rebellion. Some former Saviors are going missing and the group is scary since they do not have weapons for self-protection.

"The Bridge" is a good episode of ""The Walking Dead", but it is hard to see Gregory hanged while Rick keeps Negan alive eating and not producing in a period of shortage. The fate of Aaron is sad and where is Morgan? Still in the landfill? My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil):"The Bridge"

A month after Gregory's death, the communities attempt to rebuild a bridge for better and faster passage to each other. Saviors who are on the construction crew begin to go missing and tension begins to grow. Things hit a boiling point when Aaron loses his arm in an accident due to Justin, a Savior causing trouble, failing to sound an alarm. Justin is removed off the project but is abducted by an unknown group while on his way to the Sanctuary.

Meanwhile, Michonne tries to convince Maggie to help the Sanctuary, but Maggie still refuses. After talking with Earl, who is imprisoned for his crime, she is enlightened to help the crippling community.

Rick talks to Negan about the bridge's progress but the former Savior leader continues to taunt Rick over his decisions and that his vision for the future is going to fail.

"The Bridge" delves deeper into the challenges of rebuilding society post-apocalypse, focusing on the construction of the bridge as a symbol of unity among the communities. However, tensions simmer beneath the surface, particularly between the Saviors and the other groups. The episode explores themes of trust and cooperation, as well as the complexities of forging alliances in a world where survival is paramount. One of the standout scenes is when Carol confronts Jed, a Savior who threatens the peace, showcasing her strength and resolve. "The Bridge" highlights the fragility of civilization in this new world, setting the stage for the conflicts to come.

The episode also examines the theme of trust, as the survivors must learn to trust one another in order to rebuild society. This theme is exemplified in the relationship between Carol and Jed, as Carol must decide whether to trust Jed's claims of innocence or to take action to protect her community. Ultimately, Carol's decision to confront Jed demonstrates her commitment to maintaining the fragile peace among the communities, even in the face of potential danger.

Another well written episode. This season is a joyride so far and redeeming itself from the previous two seasons.

The writing is the same boring stuff from season 6. Boring story, it is full of filling. This is an empty storyline. This series went to a fastforward or skip it version.