All out war turns boring in the second episode of The Walking Dead season 8.
Our review of “The Damned” is here…
ThisWalking Deadreview contains spoilers.
The Damned brings us back to the present, where nothing really matters.
Its a soulless hour of television thats indicative that this zombie drama might finally be out of tricks.
It seemed too sudden, too convenient, too easy.
And it was, because Morgan was back to shooting bad guys ten minutes later.
If Morgan had been shot in the midseason finale, I probably would have at least been intrigued.
But in the second episode of the season?
No character onThe Walking Deadis going to die in episode two of a season.
Those days are long gone.
Without casualties on the side of the heroes, this war might as well be a rehearsed drill.
Of course, that last bit wont happen until the midseason finale.
When Morgan was shot, I didnt even flinch.
Even Morgan didnt seem to take the risk of death seriously.
I dont die, he told a fellow soldier before charging into the Savior outpost.
It comes off as self-parody as this point.
But theres nothing fresh about The Damned.
Its just another assault on another enemy.
Maybe thats the point?
The most evolved character in the episode is undoubtedly Tara, who I really started to like last season.
Shes got more of an edge to her in this episode than weve seen from her in the past.
The effects of war show on her character.
Maybe thats the conflict in this episode?
These characters are struggling to keep their humanity in war.
But again, weve seen these characters wrestle with their demons in times of conflict before.
I mean, what more do you need than season 5 Rick?
That bearded maniac was about one shaving nick away from wasting all of Deannas people and taking over Alexandria.
Jesus issues in comparison seem miniscule.
This time last year, I was BEGGING for something to happen on this show.
Now that the action is here, droves of it in fact, Im almost as bored.
If the action doesnt serve to tell an interesting story, whats the point?
And if there arent any stakes, the action might as well not be there in the first place.
I dont pretend to know what this show needs to improve, because I dont.
I was just as annoyed at Ezekiels can-do attitude as Carol was.
What did Rick do about the baby he orphaned this week?
Seriously, who even remembers this guy?
I assume the Vatos are also allied with Negan now.
Rating:
2 out of 5
