Episode Commentary: Vatos
People were bound to die, but it’s doubtful many new to “The Walking Dead” expected so many deaths by just the fourth episode. At any rate, this was a great way of keeping comic book fans happy and show viewers what this world is all about.
Things were too happy, for a second.
Someone had to die because of it.
In this world, it’s all about survival. There’s not enough time to share stories about the past and remember it. That life is dead. Because of that, it was great to see some of these elements hit the show.
While the majority of this episode’s plot deviated from the comic, it was something that could have easily be written in it. People are changing in this dire situation and as even more time elapses, you won’t even recognize them. Hell, they won’t even recognize themselves. To see this process underway and blossoming, is a credit to the creative staff behind the show.
However, at the same time, the pace of the show needs to be sped up a little bit more. At times, you’re waiting for something to happen and nothing does. With everything that has gone on with Merle the past few episodes, to leave the audience assuming he’s behind the gang’s car missing is silly. The fact that they met another group of people confirms that anything or anyone could have taken that car. Simply put, that’s just weak writing.
Of course, with all the foreshadowing going on, many of these scenes will connect a bit more and all the holes will be filled. Who knows, maybe all the build-up could be worth it.
Regardless of that and the show being a bit more toned-down than many fans of the source material would like, it’s still a show that harnesses the human drama that fuels the comic.
For the small flaws in this episode, you never forget how much trouble these people are in. You never think things are going to get better. That’s what eventually makes it a winner.
In the end, it’s a show doing many more things right than wrong and one that still has room to get better.
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