I finally recognized the rhythm to the Walking Dead. If you watch the half-seasons back to back you can spot a cadence all the way down to the music. The show comes at you in waves. One season is punched drunk with action and happenings while the next focuses on the internal actions and emotional suffering of the people involved. The first half of the new season was all about action and mystery and now we are in that pregnant pause where the characters have a chance to recognize their actions and losses. I do wonder if life models art in that sense. It can be hard for us all to take time from our busy lives in to reflect and consider the impact of our actions. However, while it is important, it makes for bad TV.
The Walking Dead has not lost its luster. It is the kind of show that rewards you for waiting through the slow parts, and if the last preview is any indication, this slow season is building towards something quite a bit more epic than finding out the little girl you were hunting all season is—I’m going to let those who haven’t started figure that stuff out on their own.