On Sunday’s “The Walking Dead,” the hit series ended in a massive bloodbath forcing the remaining survivors to abandon their safe farmhouse into the unknown and creating a satisfying season finale.
The finale picked up from last week where hundreds of zombies descended onto the farmhouse, killing prominent characters Jimmy and Patricia. With their numbers diminished, the group ends the season fractured when Rick reveals several secrets, including murdering his best friend Shane and withholding the fact that the entire group is infected with the virus that turns people into the walking dead.
Writers Robert Kirkman and Glen Mazzara scripted a brilliant episode that tied up old plot threads from season one, such as the reveal of the infection, and set up new plot points including the introduction of fan-favorite character Michonne, a katana wielding young woman. The highlight of the hour long episode were all the character moments that Kirkman and Mazzara were able to pack in, such as actor Scott Wilson’s heartbreaking reactions as his character Hershel is forced to abandon his home as the barn in the background burns, surrounded by zombies.
Overall, the entire second season featured some of the best writing and acting on television since “Battlestar Galactica” and “Lost.” Similar to the formerly mentioned series, “The Walking Dead” took massive risks killing off six major characters, including 10 year-old Sophia and father-figure Dale. Only during the finale season of a television show are the writers bold enough to whittle down the cast to a small number. This series redefines the way stories are told on television, which is partially due to AMC’s ability not to micromanage the series, allowing the writers to tell the stories.
The finale dropped hints for next season that will have fans foaming at the mouth for new episodes: the prison glimpsed in the closing moments as a possible safe haven, the inevitable confrontation with series villain the Governor and Michonne joining the survivors. Despite the grim situation the survivors find themselves in the finale, the series’ future is bright with endless possibilities for season three.
“The Walking Dead” returns this fall.