The Walking Dead Review: The Storm (Season 9 Episode 16)
Winter has come on The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 16, “The Storm.”
Peril by the elements is a new factor on The Walking Dead, and the introduction of winter to the series is something that adds a heightened level of panic and nerves, knowing that the weather can potentially be as damaging to everyone as walkers or villains.
It also provides a nice palette change, creating a new look for the show along with the added horror of snow walkers bursting out of drifts.
The specter of Negan haunts the episode, with needing to let him out due to the blizzard, and stopping in to Sanctuary for shelter. He’s been largely absent from the season outside of key scenes, where a little of him goes a long way.
Negan coming to Judith and Dog’s rescue in the storm is a perfect way to redeem him, even if saving a child and a dog is emotional trickery. It’s the kind of emotional trickery I’m okay with, though.
Negan’s redemption has been a long time coming, but it does show there’s something in that cold, black heart of his. There’s been a gradual softening on the hatred thrown toward him, and his relationship with Judith has been the right way to go about it.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and the writers have shown that charm, charisma, and a steady sense of humor, when paired with remorse and kindness, goes a long way in bringing Negan back. It should provide a boost to the show, with the looming departure of Danai Gurira’s Michonne next season.
Lydia nearly allowing herself to be bitten is such a harrowing moment, so tense in how she leaves it to fate if it happens or not. Her death wish since Henry’s murder on The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 15, “The Calm Before,” leaves a lasting impression as she feels the guilt of being partially responsible.
Carol, in turn, coming to her aid is a great growth moment for the both of them. Lydia’s proclamations of being weak is a reminder of Carol once feeling the same so long ago, and how far the series has brought her. That she helps Lydia step from the proverbial edge is a strong moment on the episode.
Lydia brings an interesting new perspective to the show, and Cassady McClincy has been fantastic so far, playing the role with a lot of different ways to read certain things, while remaining immensely sympathetic and compelling to watch.
Closing the episode out on a whole other source on the radio is a great way to create a stir for what’s next. It certainly sounds friendly, maybe even rushed or panicked for some unknown reason. It’ll be interesting to see if another community will add to the threat list, or stand firm against the Whisperers.
The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 16, “The Storm,” is a lower-stakes finale where it focuses on the characters and helps settle the new world order for the series. It closes out on a message of hope and rebuilding, with a snowball fight and a shared radio message between Judith and Ezekiel.
By doing so, it’s a reminder that even through the toughest trials, these characters can continue to thrive, even if there are more conflicts to come. At least there’s these sorts of moments where happiness and togetherness can be shared, even if it is for just a moment.
It may not be an intense and flashy finale, but its great success is found in making the finale about survival, the driving force the show has always been about.
Some stray thoughts on the episode:
- Daryl’s icicle kill makes for the most fun kill of the episode.
- Jerry’s trying to make “Kingtop” happen now that Kingdom and Hilltop are joined together. I’m not sure if Kingtop will stick, Jerry.
- Multiple frozen, shattered walker kills is a really neat idea and great visual, and thankfully director Greg Nicotero takes advantage.
What did you think of this episode of The Walking Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.