The Walking Dead Season 10 Review: Fear and Trauma Rule A Great Start
Reaching a tenth season on television is a near impossible feat. For The Walking Dead Season 10, though, it’s a sign of a show still going strong, the series possessing a renewed sense of energy and purpose where inventiveness, character, and deep emotions make for a solid foundation to continue on.
Over the course of the three episodes reviewed, The Walking Dead finds itself in a state of fear and paranoia. The pain of the past, especially from events of The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 15, “The Calm Before,” has left an everlasting mark that creates a compelling thread for characters to head down.
The heartache of so many losses comes in many forms, the show examining them in novel ways that provide a clear look at character while tying it to exciting story threads. Gone are the days of soliloquy and saying exactly what they’re thinking; now, characters are masking how they feel, and pushing through. It’s through exhaustion and constant worry where some of the best moments come.
The balancing act of so many characters is handled through precision, placing them in situations where they are best suited and giving them their time to shine. The leads continue to stand out most, with Michonne, Daryl, and Carol being the best guides through these episodes.
Michonne continues to be a guiding force for the show, Danai Gurira a wonderful power continuing the legacy of the series. But with her impending departure, there is a sense of who will rise to fill a role that casts such a long shadow.
Perhaps the answer lies in the continuing steady role of Norman Reedus’ Daryl, or Melissa McBride’s scene-stealing Carol. Both carry immense weight during these opening hours, making their presence a hint at filling the hole Michonne leaving could cause.
The threat of the Whisperers remains the top priority, their mere existence a terrorizing factor for many scenes. Samantha Morton’s Alpha is still as fascinating as during season nine, her animal-like view of the world leading down some interesting paths for her group. Ryan Hurst, as well, finds some extra zeal, becoming a stronger part of the story beyond his massive stature.
The elements, a factor during The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 16, “The Storm,” also allow for new avenues to tell richer stories. Showrunner Angela Kang and the writing team take a larger view on these communities by introducing outside forces that are beyond their control, pitting them against things that they must band together to survive. It makes for an extra layer of excitement beyond fighting.
It becomes clear that The Walking Dead Season 10 is about protection at all costs, that saving what remains is paramount. The fear of losing everything remains in every character’s heart, making their every move more important and about doing what’s right not only for themselves, but for everyone.
These three episodes get inside character’s heads in ways previous seasons have at times struggled with; the excellent work done by the writing team helps in leaps and bounds as the show settles into the uncertainty of the future.
This tenth season looks to build on the goodwill season nine provided by continuing to show actions have consequences, and that the good guys don’t always win. But it’s in finding lessons and taking care of one another where these characters find their future may be on solid ground.
What did you think of this season of The Walking Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Walking Dead returns October 6th and 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.