Title: The Walking Dead: “Sing me a Song”
Air Date: December 4th, 2016
Network: AMC
Genre: Serial Drama, Horror
The Walking Dead just aired it’s all new 90-minute episode titled “Sing me a Song” and… talk about a solid episode. Jeffery Dean Morgan and Chandler Riggs were phenomenal in this episode. They both had great chemistry together on screen. This episode makes me glad that Negan will remain around through season eight. Christian Serratos also had a strong episode as Rosita, even though she appeared in a smaller capacity compared to Negan and Carl. There was so much coming together and unfolding in this episode that it was almost hard to keep track. Rick and Aaron are out on a scavenging run, Michonne is wandering a lonesome road, Carl and Jesus head to the Sanctuary, Rosita and Eugene are off to make a bullet while Father Gabriel and Spencer head to look for supplies. See how long winded that was just to read? We certainly have a big build-up to next week’s mid-season finale.
Negan and Carl were definitely the highpoints of this Walking Dead episode. So many of their interactions were practically carbon copies from the comic books, which I didn’t mind. What stands out from these interactions is the emotion the actors bring forth. One of the scenes I really liked from this episode is when Negan really pulls back after making Carl cry. It was a real, genuine moment. I personally find it enjoyable to see these comic pages come to life, especially with such important events. When the camera pulled back and we saw the Sanctuary, I found myself scrambling to find my comic books because it looked so similar. I’m sure some will again complain about the slow pace and make a comment about being “done with the show” but I found it captivating.
I want to touch on something that has irked me recently. That is all the trolls bashing the show and all this talk about the show’s drop in ratings. One thing internet jabronis love is to see something fail. If The Walking Dead were canceled tomorrow, this cesspool of trolls would be front and center saying “I told you so. I hate to spoil it for you but The Walking Dead isn’t going anywhere. People were understandably upset about the season six cliffhanger, as was I. Still… it is what it is. The Walking Dead is still one of the highest-rated shows on cable. Hell, The Talking Dead itself on occasion has pulled in higher numbers than The Tonight Show. So no, the show isn’t going anywhere. If you don’t like it then don’t watch it. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but it’s something else entirely to act like an ass. I remember hearing somewhere that the best thing about the internet, is also the worst thing. The internet has given a voice to those who previously didn’t have one.
Keeping in line with the last two episodes, the women kept up their badassery with both Michonne and Rosita. Michonne making that road block of zombies was one of those “Damn!” moments. That’s the same manner in which the Saviors herded Rick’s group into a trap, with a bunch of road blocks. So now seeing that used against the Saviors was awesome. Rosita was absolutely determined to have that bullet made because she wants revenge. She tore Eugene down in a very harsh way but ultimately, I think this is where Eugene begins to make a difference. What has me wondering now is what will happen with Michonne? Is that woman for sure with the Saviors? And not to mention, Negan is currently in Alexandria.
Spencer again made an appearance in this Walking Dead episode and continued with his Rick hating. Part of me wants to like Spencer while the other half is ready to see his guts spilled in the street by Negan. Spencer’s conversation with Father Gabriel in the car was another high point in the episode for me. It very much plays off the dilemma that many people face of what has happened in their lives and what could’ve happened. Most people that find themselves in bad situations tend to believe if they had done something else, they would be that much better off. I personally have been there. Looking back, I can now say that I was in the place for a reason and because of that situation I have grown in certain ways as a person… ways that I probably would not have if I hadn’t faced it. The same applies here. Maybe some of Spencers family would still be alive but who else would be dead… or how much longer would they have lived?
Negan’s power over the residents of the Sanctuary is that much more apparent when he gives Carl the grand tour. A particularly brutal scene was when Negan gave the iron treatment that Dwight got to the former lover of one of his wives. Apparently, a redirect of a big walker herd was messed up because this individual skipped out on his job. I wonder if this big herd will come into play later… possibly used against the Sanctuary? I continue to find myself surprised at the constant degrading Dwight faces from Negan. It’s absolutely brutal “ball busting” torment. Whether it’s comments about his wife or punishment Dwight has received, Negan is always reminding Dwight of painful things.
So much is set to unfold next week that it’s hard not to mark out as a fan. Daryl gets a paper with a key that says “Go Now!” Is it a trick? Will he escape? Is Rosita going to get that shot off or will Spencer mess up the whole works? Is Michonne going to make it to the Sanctuary and what’s going on with Jesus who’s already there? Perhaps it was Jesus that slipped Daryl the note. Will Rick and Aaron find a stash of guns and ammo to fight back? So many exciting questions.
Needless to say, after this episode the mid-season finale is shaping up to be a real “Aim for the Head” shot… and yes, that is subtle promotion for our friends over at the Aim for the Head podcast. AMC has informed us here at The Nerd Stash that no early screeners will be sent out for the mid-season finale so I’ll have to watch it when it airs, just like everyone else. I am intrigued to see what Rick and Aaron find on that vessel in the water, assuming they can get there. How will Rick react to Negan being in Alexandria with Carl and… holding Judith? I have an idea but I can’t wait to see it unfold.
Did you like this episode of The Walking Dead? What are your predictions for the mid-season finale? Be sure to let us know in the comments below and check back for our all-new review next week. Also, if you’re a fan of Marvel, be sure to check out the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy teaser trailer.
[review]
