The Walking Dead Midseason Finale 3.8: “Made To Suffer” (And How)
Hosted by Fashion and Entertainment Editor Joseph Lamour
I would like to take the opportunity to express my dismay that more and more shows are doing this midseason finale thing. It really is just the worst thing for my emotions, especially for fanboys and fangirls like me who find the week-long lull between episodes torture enough. However, one good side-effect to the dreaded midseason finale is having two cliffhangers intensify a show’s season, and this hour of Walking Dead in particular was all the more riveting for it.
This week, we see what happens when Rick, Michonne, and the rest of the Lil’ Asskickers infiltrate Woodbury. Considering the title of the episode is “Made to Suffer”, one can imagine the rescue mission proves…unpleasant. Particularly if you’re a supporting character of color. Watch out, everyone but Merle in Woodbury patrol…but, part of what makes The Walking Dead so great–in spite of the pitfalls–is the tense drama elevates the story. And, in spite of how much (constructive!) criticism I and the rest of the tablers impart, the fact that is that we here at the roundtable all are huge fans of TWD. That fact gets lost in the critique sometimes, so it never hurts to put some love out there. Plus, how can an awesome show get any more awesome if no one points out how?
Before the roundtable hibernates for the winter, Kenneth Hwynn, Carly Mitchell, and newcomer Nikki Urban (welcome, Nikki!) join me, as we witness Glenn do things to a corpse that we will never unsee. Or unhear.
* Spoilers make us all so sad.
Just Once I’d Like To See A Really Dapper Zombie. They’re Always…So Casual.
Ken: I’m going to preempt this episode and just take a guess that Andrea ruins everything.
Joe: Ken, it seems likely, since she clearly can’t see the truth through all those cartoon hearts floating around her head. I hope her character wakes up and smells the coffee before she becomes the new Lori.
Carly: I think it may be a little late for that. Right at the start I exclaimed, “Why are the writers making us dislike her so much?!”
Carly: Thank goodness for some fresh blood with this new group because I’m sensing we’re going to have some sacrificed characters this episode.
Ken: Fresh blood might just be right–not sure how long these new guys are gonna last.
Joe: I wrote in my notes: “Who are these black actors with lines, and how many minutes will it be before they die?” Then, I noticed the very ballet-like way that burly man is moving, and I realised who he was. I won’t spoil it for those who remain unaware.
Carly: So, I turned to my husband and said, “Is there ever a point where, during this, you learn to sacrifice your own when they’re lost? Is it really possible that this far into the apocalypse people aren’t able to let go of someone that will kill them in the next few minutes?
Joe: Honestly. Can’t people learn to take precautions? You have to be near your wife in her last moments–totes understandable. But, why don’t we do the rest of the group a favor and put a mask on near the end or, taking a page from The Governor, make use of a breathable fabric bag or t-shirt. Be resourceful. Finish it off with some fitted gloves, and you have yourself a perfect zombie-safe outfit.
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