The Walking Dead 8×03 Review: Monsters

monsters“Monsters” should have been an excellent reintroduction of Morales, should have answered lingering questions about the Sanctuary vs the Saviors shoot out, and given us Negan, DAMMIT. Instead, we received artsy cuts of boots moving through grass, moral compasses arguing, ninja forest fights, and Stop Walk n’ Roll walkers. Plot? What plot?

As much as I love(d) the show, I’m riding the struggle bus now. Certainly, once upon a time, it was a TV show I could binge watched repeatedly. I’ll admit, at first, even the walkers scared the tar out of me. I had nightmares. However, I really came to love to show. But if things continue the way they’re headed, I may be turning in my Walking Dead fan card. If something sucks, I try to stick it out. But I’m close to checking out of this Apocalypse. I have my favorite characters – Ezekiel and Daryl, for example, but a couple of characters isn’t enough to keep me around- and “Monsters” is no different.

This week’s episode was phenomenally disappointing to the point that I have very little snark to contribute except exasperated half-assed commentary. Most the notes I took in the show were just series of question marks: ??????? and expletives. It contained SO. MUCH. MONOLOGUING. I understand the showrunners want the other characters to rally and experience inspiration. Half of me thinks that the characters are just begging us to wait for another season because, ‘it’ll be the best one yet’.

“Monsters” picks up with Morales pointing a gun at Officer Friendly’s face. Honestly, I almost forgot about Morales and Farmer Rickle’s Pickle. That’s how much attention I was paying. PS, Rick has a new nickname. And it’s Peaches. I will say this – Morales is a prime example of a man who’s lost everything. He’s the poster child for this new war; he is someone who has had to do whatever it takes to survive. He’s abandoned previous alliances – he’s Negan. I was hopeful for Morales. But instead, Daryl ends the standoff with an arrow without bothering to assess the situation. At least Morales stopped talking.

A majority of the episode hopped back and forth between the three major groups but one moment stood out in particular: Jesus vs Morgan as the Deadliest Ninja Walker Warrior was entertaining. Jesus is now officially my least favorite character. Morgan’s bewilderment upon finding his staff aimed at Jesus’ throat makes the audience realize that Morgan has completely dissociated from his reality. Something as traumatic as what Morgan’s been through cannot possibly be cured after a few seasons of positive interaction. The man is haunted by monsters of his own.

 

Speaking of haunting, Eric’s death didn’t impact me. Even Ross’ emotional performance as Aaron didn’t move me. I feel like there was so little time spent on developing their relationship (much like Tara and any of her girlfriends) that I didn’t have a reason to grieve. But hey, guess what? Aaron gets a surprise baby as a consolation prize. Even with Eric staggering off into the zombie sunset to join his fellow walker brethren, it was STILL A BETTER SEND OFF THAN BETH GREENE. And no, I’ll never forgive Scott Gimple for that.

Gregory comes crawling back like the slimy snake he is, trying to slither back into Maggie’s good graces. Where are walkers when you need them to come out of left field and eat someone?

Again with the camera! I don’t understand its importance but it’s been in every episode. Worst. Vacation. Ever.

I have to say I like “Shoot First, Never Ask Questions” Daryl. Since Beth died, he’s been wishy-washy at best. Moping, getting kidnapped, eating spaghetti. But he didn’t hesitate to put a bullet in the surrendering Savior’s head. As Rick stares incredulously at his best friend, Morales’ words echoed in my head: “Look at us. We’re two assholes who will do whatever it takes to keep going.”

It leaves us with the lingering question: who are the real Monsters now?

The episode, though, ended on a COMPLETELY unexpected note: I actually gasped when bullets rained down on the Kingdom’s party from inside a garrison post. Until the smoke clears, we won’t know who’s been lost – but I bet I can guess what the opening scene will be next week.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Do you think it’s setting us up for heartbreak next Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: Bekah

Bekah has a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance from Anderson University and is the Executive Assistant at Saga Event Planning. She is a frequent convention attendee and cosplayer and co-hosts The Geekiary webcast “The Bitching Dead”.


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