(Jan. 14, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
After the third season’s letdown of a finale, “The Walking
Dead” returns for a fourth season, reminding viewers why it is a compelling
horror-drama series.
The previous season ended with two communities of survivors
merging, following the ruthless Governor’s (David Morrissey) botched attempt at
decimating former cop Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his tight-knit group.
Rick’s group converted a prison into their home, a “fortress” from zombie
attacks and, subsequently, from the Governor’s armed, if hesitant, henchmen.
Devotees of the seminal comic book knew that the prison
showdown was inevitable, as it was a pivotal, momentous point in the monthly
series. The TV show, however, smartly stretched the Governor’s “reign,”
defining and redefining him in Season Four. As usual, Morrissey is spectacular
as the charismatic leader who hides his unrepentant, murderous side.
There’s a reiteration of Rick’s taxing leadership duties, as
he struggles to keep his camp alive amid the zombie apocalypse. The new
season’s first pressing threat is a fast-spreading illness that sends the
prison community reeling, with some of them succumbing to it. A couple of
episodes are devoted to this somewhat grueling but character-enhancing story
line.
The Governor is given two episodes, which help re-establish
his dichotomy; he’s a genuinely caring family man one minute, and a horrific
executioner the next. He’s a different monster from the original comic book
character (which was equally reprehensible for its exceedingly brutal ways).
Rick, meanwhile, is still effectively and piercingly played
by Lincoln , whose unwavering
portrayal is deserving of acting awards and other tokens of acclaim. Rick has
recovered from his wife Lori’s (Sarah Wayne Callies) tragic death last season,
and is constantly provoked and challenged in new ways this time. Until the
mid-season finale, Rick is put through the proverbial wringer, and Lincoln
manages to consistently imbue the character with authenticity.
Change is constant as well. Among the most evolved mainstays
are Rick’s son Carl (Chandler Riggs), now a proven gunman; Carol (Melissa
McBride), now a no-nonsense survivalist; and Michonne (Danai Gurira), who has
become a generous team player.
Going back to the mid-season finale, it’s a powerfully acted
episode, a fitting climax to the Governor’s drawn-out arc. It should have
happened in the last season-ender, but the long-anticipated confrontation
between the two factions brings major changes and introduces new scenarios to
the perpetually embattled survivors.
It’s a grim cliffhanger—not surprisingly—that will keep
loyal viewers aptly perplexed until the show resumes in February.
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