The Walking Dead Season 5, Episode 1 - My Reaction

*SPOILER WARNINGS. DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED*

I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead. I've watched every season, and I can't tell you how thrilled I was with this season's premier. If episode one is any indication of what is in store this season, then we better buckle up because it's going to be an amazing ride. In saying that, this is not a show for the squeamish by any means. The gross factor was bumped up and heightened. Several times I caught myself grimacing and making "eewww" type noises.

The opening scene is a killer - literally!

Awful... but powerful. You didn't want to look, but you sure couldn't turn away either.

Now, I love this show, but lots of things fly by me without connecting dots. For instance, the guy who kept looking at Rick, I had no idea there was a connection. I think I was completely taken with this scene, sitting on the edge of my seat that I didn't realize that this guy:

Is the same as this guy in season 4:

I'm a huge fan, but I never said I was a very observing one. It wasn't until later that this little puzzle piece came together. I mean, they kept looking at one another, but for the life of me I couldn't figure it out.

Last season, had some amazing aspects to it - Carol having to kill Lizzie, for one - but this season sure looks promising. I'm thrilled.

Who would have thought this seemingly insignificant character from season one:

Would become this kick butt heroine in season 5? Not I.

Way to go Carol! I loved it.

Now, my husband, on the other hand, had some issues with the whole "chance" aspect of this first episode. His argument is that he hates when things are left to chance--Carol showing up at the right time. Her shooting the gas tank at approximately the same time Glen should've received a bat to the head--all of that. He would have rather seen Rick and the guys somehow save themselves. Without Carol coming to the rescue at that precise moment, they would've been toast.

Here's my take: the whole thing with Carol HAD to happen. If you remember, she killed two people last season for the "better good" of the group and because of that, Rick cut her loose. The only way she could have been accepted back into the fold was to do something big. This was her moment. I love this character. Yeah, maybe she hasn't always made the best choices, but honestly, all of the characters have their flaws (Tyreese is a horrible babysitter). BUT, her character shows how a perceptually weak person can become strong and amazing when circumstances demand it (there is hope for me yet). She is also the last female character from season one. That is an accomplishment. Yay, Carol!

And what about this reunion? That made me SOOOO happy. My two favorite characters in an embrace... I melted a little.

I loved this squeamish scene too (below), though I couldn't find the right picture to depict it, but if you've seen episode one, then you know what I'm referring to. A total "eewww" moment.

The last thing I want coming after me is a flaming zombie.

Then what about this little Easter Egg that got everyone talking:

Was the zombie Carol killed Andrea? Highly unlikely, but it sure was fun to think it could have been. There are are many reasons why this wasn't Andrea - Andrea had taken her shoes off to try and escape. This zombie had on boots. Andrea was taken back to be buried at the prison. Michonne was in the room when Andrea shot herself, so it's unlikely that Michonne would have allowed Andrea to turn. There's too many holes in this scenario, but it sure got everyone talking. Look at the pics and decide for yourself:  

AND....

Again, this was another one of those things that escaped me when I first watched it. It wasn't until someone mentioned the possibility in a Facebook post that I went back and took a look.

Anyhow, this first episode was awesome. I'm grateful they escaped Terminus that first episode instead of dragging it out for several of them. I'm stoked everyone made it out alive, though that leaves me wondering what the future holds for these folks. It's never good, but for the moment, I'm happy it turned out the way it did.

And what about this for an ending:

I can't wait until Sunday :)