Kristina’s view
I started watching “The Walking Dead” for the makeup. Plain and simple, I just wanted to see how they did it. I don’t like scary things, and while I can stomach some gore, “The Walking Dead” did not seem like my cup of tea. What got me addicted at first was the plot – I just wanted to know what would happen. What kept me around was the refreshing superior quality and thoughtfulness that goes into filming every scene. The season premiere returned to those cinematic roots and showcased the gritty, macabre yet beautiful elements of this apocalyptic tale.
The first scene has no words. It is literally just action. And it doesn’t need a script, because in true “Walking Dead” form, we know where this group now stands, which is complete survival mode. The well fed, showered cast of survivors from last season is nowhere to be found. Even formerly innocent little Carl has hardened, to the point of not even thinking twice about eating a can of dog food. Rick still has enough hope for normalcy to snatch the can away from his son and throw it in the fireplace, while confirming his role as leader. Last season, he announced that the group was no longer a democracy, prompting the meme “Ricktatorship” and this episode proves it.
Maggie and Glen, who make up one of my new favorite TV couples, still have that adorable honeymoon feeling to their relationship. At one point she shows off her zombie killing skills to him and later they settle into the prison cell like it’s their first apartment. It’s grimy and gross, but it’s theirs and for now it’s safe. That relationship gives just enough light-hearted love to the show to keep it from being simply depressing.
There is no doubt that this season is going to be much tougher than the last, partially because Laurie might have a zombie baby inside of her (Laurie haters, rejoice) and partially because Michonne and her katana have entered the picture.
I’m wary about speaking too soon based on the premiere because last season started strong, puttered out midway through and was only saved by an amazing finale. With that said, as far as the visual effects and current character line up go, I can see this being the best season yet.
Bahnt‘s Perspective
Three seasons in and “The Walking Dead” shows no sign of dying. The show has hooked television audiences since the beginning, but season two’s direction left me thinking the series was starting to decay. Thankfully, season three’s premiere episode “Seed” provides plenty of genuine scares and character beats to set the show back on track.
We find Officer Rick Grimes and his band of survivors several months after the end of the last season, as they stumble upon an abandoned prison. The group begins clearing the prison of zombies as they contemplate the hope it represents for them.
After an entire season of filler revolving around Rick and Shane’s conflict, this season begins with a smaller group now hardened by their time together. The events of the first two seasons have changed them, and the month-long time gap helps to sell this development.
What really sold me on this premiere was how every member of the group now trusts Rick as their leader. After two seasons of doubting every decision he made, they have finally come together to support him now that Shane’s out of the way. They have emerged as an unlikely family that trusts each other, and their unique dynamic keeps the show alive.
And then there are the zombies, here by the boatload as they overrun the prison. Plenty of scares and heaping amounts of gore are found here, and seeing the group mow down hoards of the undead to clean out their new home made for quality entertainment.
Combining first rate characterization with exciting zombie killing, the season three premiere of “The Walking Dead” has restored my faith in the series. I was afraid the show had become a literal zombie, but obviously this series still has plenty of life left over.
