on talking dead Scott Gimple said the bite gon kill Carl as expected so no cop out coming, they're just saving it for the premier because there's more to the story that will impact a lot of the characters. I'm guessing Carl got some parting words for everyone.I am really torn on this episode (also, hi everybody, first time posting in TWD OT between the old place and Era). I've never read the comics but I know some bits and pieces of info thanks to my girlfriend being far more invested in the comics and TV show than me, albeit I've been following this show day one and mostly enjoyed it. The past few seasons have been hit and miss, last season should have been godlike but besides a few good episodes they kinda butchered it. It was written on the wall that they'd drag the actual war into next season, what I didn't expect is that they'd still waste so much time - granted, I have no idea how long the war in the comic is, so maybe there's far from enough material for 16 episodes to begin with.
This episode was... odd. A lot of character choices and cuts made little sense, feels like they had a hard time explaining things. I don't follow the series much besides watching it on TV so I had no idea there "had to be" a shocking moment or a death, was likewise totally unaware of the rumors about Carl, so it truly shocked me, and I think it was a pretty well made moment. It might be "weak" from a character standpoint that he got bit by a random zombie in a pointless scene, but at least it gives us a healthy reminder that zombies are, in fact, dangerous: for the past few seasons it seemed like anyone could outrun or kill hordes of zombies barehanded or with lame weapons. We kinda took for granted that zombies aren't the main danger anymore but it's the people - well, there it is, zombies can kill.
Rick got kinda weak and dumb lately, so having him get a wake-up call is not a bad call per se, especially considering his relationship with Michonne always seemed kinda thrown in there. What bums me is how they killed all the character development for Carl, and while it's a shocking thing (even more so as this will likely mean a giant departure from the comic) and to me it was done in an effective way, the implications could go either way. They have to follow up with a really strong vengeance story of Rick going fucking Rambo on Negan, make him the strong ballsy leader again who's capable of rough decisions and sacrifices - this is the only way I can see this death playing out well.
And I sure hope they don't cop out on the bite. Had he just been bitten I could understand finding a way, but the dude's been bitten for a day, he's getting a fever and can barely walk. He truly is The Walking Dead™. Glenn's fake death was obvious, this would be too much, akin to what Dallas pulled off back in the day; "oh you know this ENTIRE FUCKING SEASON? it was actually a dream". Both people who were there when the bite happened are aware it came from a zombie, so they can't do shit like "it was actually a human bite lulz". No doctor or superblood should cure this thing this late. They pulled this shit, they have to commit to it, copping out would do more harm than good. I am legit curious to see where the show will go after such a dramatic moment. As far as I care they could even ignore the comic completely, what I'm interested in is solid storylines and good character development, and lately that was not consistent.
Especially that trash people crap. Why are they dancing around these people, they add absolutely nothing to the storyline and their background, so far, is as good as non-existent. They better have something big planned for them, because I currently roll my eyes every time I see them. I see someone hinted at some spoilers from later in the show which I don't want to know of course, but at least something will happen I suppose.
