Episode 2.01 “What Lies Ahead” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac

A Little Introduction

The Walking Dead is back after its first season break, and I don’t think I could be more excited. I’m going to be changing up the format just a bit this season, with less focus on recap and a bit more on analysis. After all, you’ve probably seen the episode, so you don’t really need me to tell you what went down. And boy, did a lot go down. So welcome back everyone, and let’s get this thing started.

What Lies Ahead

I do love a good Rick monologue, and Andrew Lincoln always delivers.  Once again Rick contacts Morgan, hoping to keep him on the right track and safely away from the hordes of Atlanta. This scene is important, because it eases us back into the feeling of hopelessness that this show so often makes us feel. It also reminds us of the state of things. Jacqui and Amy are dead, the group has lost Morales and his family and it’s time to move on. Atlanta is dead, who knows what lies ahead?

The fear of what lies ahead is both a blessing and a curse for Rick. It keeps him on edge, which the group needs, and it ultimately helps him make the tough decisions he has to as the de facto leader. However, this fear also cripples Rick and causes him to often times doubt himself and his capacity for leadership.

I also loved that the survivors take the same road out of season one that Rick rode into it. Nice touch.

Road Trip

The gang heads out caravan style with Daryl taking point on his hog. Probably not the best choice of vehicle, especially since we’ve determined that noise attracts the walkers, but Daryl does look pretty awesome.

The moments with Rick and his family, as well as Andrea and Shane definitely foreshadow some of this episode (and possibly this season’s) events. Rick makes a promise to not go without Carol and Sophia and Andrea will later decide she wants to leave with Shane. Where that relationship will go, it’s hard to say. Perhaps Andrea will be the person to break Shane of his Lori-loving ways?

There is a seriously perfect sense of unease during the survivors time on the highway, and the tension builds organically, instead of relying on jump scares and the usual cliche’ of horror films. It reminds of a John Carpenter film, the way he built that tension from the audiences’ own imagination and perception of what was coming next.

Return of the Herd

As the gang gets comfortable collecting water, gas and other supplies, the dreaded herd makes it’s appearance. Finally, the tension building pays off with what is arguably the most intense scene in the series thusfar. Rick and Shane once again take leadership, organizing the survivors as much as possible.

I honestly thought T-Dog was going to bite the dust, whether it be from a bite or bleeding out, he seemed like a dead man. Daryl saving his life speaks volumes of where this character has developed. He’s gone from an angry, pigheaded nuisance to the group to an angry, pigheaded benefit. Can’t wait to see how he further acclimates into the family unit.

The herd rears it's ugly head(s).

Over the Hills and Through the Woods

Sophia takes off, leading Rick on a wild goose chase through the woods, eventually finding her and leaving her in a safe place. After dispatching the two zombies that pursued her, he returns to find her missing. The group decides to search, with Rick making good on his previous promise to not leave without her.

It is obvious at this point that Rick is feeling even more self-doubt about his role in the group. He feels he has failed Carol and Sophia, and Carols anger probably isn’t helping him. He’s goin to need some serious reassurance if he is to remain a competent leader. Also, Carl’s scene with the knife collecting corpse made me very nervous.

Shane tells Lori he is leaving the group, setting her off. Am I the only one annoyed with Lori? Shane is definitely in the wrong about a lot of things, but Lori really needs to make up her mind.

Guts Redux

Daryl and Rick dig through another zombies guts to make sure there isn’t any Sophia in there. Greg Nicotero’s work is front and center here, looking as beautiful and grisly as ever. I also loved the look on Ricks face, it elevated the scene to an even higher gross out factor.

As a quick side note, this is what I love about The Walking Dead. It appeals to both gore hounds that revel in films like Dead Alive and The Evil Dead as well as those that enjoy more character driven films like Romero’s. It’s the perfect blend of zombie goodness.

The Right to Choose

I loved the scene between Dale and Andrea and the argument she made. Some actresses would come off as the bad guy here, advocating taking her life. Laurie Holden actually manages to make you pissed off at Dale for taking her choice away. These two characters certainly have a long and interesting road ahead of them.

Andrea is very interesting. She thinks she wants to die, but I think in truth she just want a new start. As mad as she is at Dale, I couldn’t help but think that she somehow thanks him for what he did. It has given her the chance to possibly start over with Shane when he leaves the group. 

One thing I didn’t love was how quickly T-Dog recovered from his wound. It felt rushed and quite frankly, unrealistic. If you had lost that much blood the day before, you would not be walking around with a little bandage feeling brand new the next day.

Dale is such a bad ass. He may not look the part, but he knows how to survive. His plan with keeping the fixed hose a secret proves just how smart and unappreciated he may be. If Rick does wind up losing the strength to lead, perhaps Dale will step up.

Sunday Mass(acre)

The church fight scene was awesome. That tall walker with the grin genuinely gave me the chills. With “hey JC, taking requests?”, I continue to love how quotable Daryl is. He is still my favorite character on the show, which is even more impressive given he didn’t originate from the comics.

Carol gives a heartfelt prayer at the church. marking the first time these characters have really had to deal with faith. Carol seems religious, whereas Rick seems to blindly hope somebody is listening. Its the small moments like this that offer you a small peek into these characters lives. My only complaint is that I hope the writers don’t go overboard with Rick monologues. I know I said before that I love them, but they could get old and lose their punch quickly if overused.

Shane may put on the “lone wolf” act when Andrea asks to join him, but I think the idea of company might actually relieve him somewhat. He doesn’t want to leave the group, he feels that he has to. Having a companion is something that anyone a=in that circumstance would appreciate.

I really appreciated Lori standing up for Rick in front of the group. He needs the support of his wife now more than ever and hopefully Lori continues to inspire him in his role.

Carl, Shane and Rick continue to search for the missing Sophia, coming across a deer. Shane prepares to shoot it, but Rick waves him off, allowing Carl to get up close and get a good look.

Everything about this scene was beautiful. The slow pace, the lack of music and the smile on Carls face showed a brief moment of joy in this boys life. Sadly, he probably won’t have many living in the orld he does. Rick realizes this, and instinctively stops Shane from firing. Shane understands almost instantly why Rick does this, proving that they have the kind of friendship where words aren’t even necessary.   

As Carl approaches, a shot rings out, sending him and the deer to the ground. This is easily the most shocking moment of the show up to this point, and I’m sure many viewers jaws hit the floor. Next week should certainly bring some interesting developments, including some new characters. Just wait until you meet Herschel.

Despite some very small gripes, “What Lies Ahead” was a fantastic episode that delivers on all fronts. Anybody not excited for this season after seeing the episode should probably have their heads checked.

Related posts:

1. Episode 2.03 “Save the Last One” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac A Little Introduction Wow, what an episode. Definitely a slow...
2. Episode 2.04 “Cherokee Rose” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac A Little Introduction After a long week, The Walking Dead...
3. Episode 1.05 “Wildfire” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac A Little Introduction After a brutal conclusion to the last...
4. Episode 1.06 “TS-19″ Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac A Little Introduction We’ve finally made it to our first...
5. Episode 1.03 “Tell It To The Frogs” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac A Little Introduction Yet another long week, yet another new...

One Responseto “Episode 2.01 “What Lies Ahead” Recap and Analysis by hemoWILLIEac”

1. tony says:

   October 20, 2011 at 3:28 pm

   I agree, with alot of this, problems

   1) The kid find sharp objectives, the guy who died in the pickup must of figured something out, Stealth (noise kills).
   2) The kids are not taught anything on defense, stay hidden, keep noise down, give even a knife to defend themselves.
   3)Everyone the deputy is a take charge smart guy,but he’s more concerned about why said woman turned him down, then finding safty, then he wants to spit off alone. (ok Tarzan in a world of zombies)
   4)It drives me crazy they ride around making so much noise, (Loud Harley, Beatup RV, NO offroad Truck or Army/national guard SUV’s that were at the CDC. Better weapons from the CDC, I’m sure there were M16′s more powerful weapons to take out more then 1 zombie at a time, probably even a flame thrower.
   You going to tell me these guys couldn’t figure out how to make Molotov cocktails? no dead soldiers with gernades?
   But they sure can cut open a man and look inside..

   Mopic

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

CAPTCHA Code *