Forget

This week's episode of The Walking Dead was the first one in the "back half of the season" batch that I really felt was solid. There didn't seem to be any dead weight in this storytelling, just good character exploration in this new and very different setting for the show.

Of all the characters in the group, I'm not sure I would have pegged Sasha to be the one with the most lingering PTSD. Still, it's a development that makes plenty of sense, and it was great to follow the story of someone who just can't adjust to something even close to civilization again -- not for lack of trying, but for inability. Her perfect outburst at the party, shocked and disgusted at what merits "worry" for the Alexandrians, was a great climax in an intriguing thread through the episode.

Watching Michonne gradually decide to "hang it up" (literally, in the form of her sword) was another great thread. I'm increasingly expecting something tragic in her future, given how badly she (in particular, among the group) seems to want this. But if the writers are going to mine that tragedy for interesting beats along the way, rather than one cheap shock (the way they typically do), I'm all for it.

Daryl's story was compelling too. Hearing Aaron's invitation to become a recruiter, he seemed genuinely moved to be appreciated. It's nothing he ever would have gotten from his brother, of course. And though Rick and the group certainly watch each others' back and appreciate each others' skills, it's not the sort of thing they're ever saying to each other out loud. This may well be the first time Daryl has ever felt he might have a place, beyond mere survival. And needless to say, as one of the characters who hardly ever lets his guard down, it's interesting to see him in this position.

Last, but most certainly not least, there was Carol, continuing her brilliant and entertaining ruse as the sweetest little old lady in the world. Of course, all the talk among the fans will be about her cold threatening of that unfortunate little boy. (What my friend's friend has now dubbed the "look at the flour" speech.) Carol has long been the character who, more than anyone (even Rick) does What Has To Be Done. The question is, how far did she need to go? Did that truly have to be done? And what more will she do in the weeks ahead? Even more than Sasha, she feels like the time bomb threatening to destroy this in this whole Alexandria scenario.

I give the episode a B+. It's definitely the strongest yet in this second half of the season.