The Walking Dead takes things back in the second episode with a flashback episode that reveals the origins of Alpha and Beta. Alpha attempts to toughen up Lydia as they prepare to walk with the dead. The Whisperers also create their herds.

The second episode of The Walking Dead is interesting. You could also call it “When Alpha met Beta.” That initial meeting isn’t quite as interesting as expected but it’s what unfolds that becomes really interesting, that of Lydia.

Through various glimpses, we get a sense of the horrors the Whisperers have done to survive in this new world. Those horrors eventually cracks Lydia and we see her break down and the repercussions of that. It highlights the abusive road that some have gone down and the deep psychological scars inflicted.

While not touched upon, contrast all of this with how the children of the various towns have endured and lived.

There’s some impactful moments that as a father of a daughter just chilled me. Lydia’s struggles. Alpha’s rejection of being called mother. It creates a cold and chilling experience. Add in Alpha’s actions and what she says it’s an interesting episode.

But overall, the episode focuses on the loss of self in this new world. Names are eschewed. It’s a shedding of identity and connection and with it humanity. Again, compare this to the communities and what they’ve done, endured, and built.

But despite that, there’s still something understandable about it all. These are individuals who have chosen a different way to survive. They see the walkers as both protection and destiny. This is a new reality and with it, new rules and norms are needed. And, as presented there’s a quasi-religious aspect to it all. But, Alpha still has depth and that’s in the form of her feelings for her daughter.

The episode creates a complicated relationship between Alpha and Beta and Alpha’s outlook on the world. It’s all much more complicated than what’s expected and the episode adds depth to characters who otherwise could easily have none. The revelations toward the end, such as where some of their walker masks come from, create a group that has layers.

It’s a creepy episode that focuses on the big evil of the season giving them history that makes them both more understandable and scarier at the same time.

Overall Rating: 8.35

In the season 10 debut of The Walking Dead, the group in Oceanside continues to train in case the Whisperers return; tensions are high as the heroes struggle to hold onto their concept of civilization.

The Walking Dead returns with a packed episode that covers a lot of ground. It’s an interesting episode that attempts to explore the new normal and question who the heroes really are. With the threat of the Whisperers still looming, the civilization must focus on what reality is. Death looms over everyone as they reflect on those that passed and face new dangers.

The episode has some smart explorations, such as what happens to the infrastructure above. Satellites pose a risk and we see here what a challenge one presents when it crashes. It, as well as the opening, are reminders that this world doesn’t have the security that we take for granted. A fire in a forest is as much a threat as walkers or rival groups.

The episode’s highlights, like so much of the series, is the character and actor interactions. Norman Reedus’ Daryl and Melissa McBride’s Carol are the heart of the series still. Their friendship will be the emotional journey of this season and it does not bode well based on the finale.

While not an exciting start, the season 10 debut does a nice job of setting up the season to come. It’s not one of action but one of reflection and foreshadowing.

Overall Rating: 7.75