AMC’s Harsh Zombie Series Delivers Its Most Powerful Punches When It Delves Deep Into the Human Condition
With TV Club 10, we guide you to the 10 episodes that most effectively encapsulate a TV series, whether it’s a timeless classic or a contemporary gem. These episodes may not necessarily be the top ten in terms of quality, but they will give you a clear understanding of what the show is truly about.
In the realm of popular culture today, The Walking Dead series often evokes a sense of exhaustion rather than excitement. Following an extensive 11-season run, it branched out into various sequels starring familiar faces such as Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), Michonne (Danai Gurira), Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), and Maggie Rhee (Lauren Cohan). Not to forget its additional spin-offs like Fear The Walking Dead and World Beyond. This proliferation makes the original series’ farewell seem less definitive, and AMC shows no signs of putting an end to this profitable venture anytime soon.
Originally, the main series marked a significant breakthrough for the network. Broadcast during the same era as Breaking Bad and Mad Men in the 2010s, it solidified AMC’s reputation as a powerhouse. Interestingly, it often surpassed these other acclaimed series in viewer ratings, and TWD quickly became a crowd-pleaser. Rooted in the popular comics by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore, the show expanded their narrative while carving out its own unique and often terrifying path. Although it veered off this original track over time, its influence on the zombie genre is undeniable.
The show never shied away from harshness, often killing off major characters in shocking ways. It also explored the notion that humans, not zombies, are the true source of horror. Despite its focus on bloodshed, a variety of antagonists, and changing landscapes, the primary draw has always been its characters. In a manner similar to Lost, TWD managed to strike a crucial balance between character development and lore establishment. This depth was key to its emotional impact, whether it was during Rick’s reunions with his family and friends, or when new characters like Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), Noah (Tyler James Williams), or Jesus (Tom Payne) were integrated into the group. To commemorate two years since the series ended on November 20, 2022, The A.V. Club has highlighted episodes that focused more on character growth than on expansive world-building or violent confrontations.
“Days Gone By” (season 1, episode 1)
“I’m sorry this happened to you,” Rick Grimes compassionately says to a zombie in The Walking Dead‘s first episode before he ends its misery. Rick, a former sheriff’s deputy, is just beginning to comprehend the vast scale of loss around him. He misses the initial outbreak due to being in a coma, waking to a world that has drastically changed, much to his and the audience’s bewilderment.
“Days Gone By” serves as a gripping introduction to a disturbing new reality, one where trust is a luxury and the undead roam freely. The image of Rick, clad in a baggy hospital gown and slowly taking in the widespread devastation, is both eerie and distressing. Uncertain of his family’s fate or their whereabouts, he is driven solely by the need to find them. After allying with Morgan (Lennie James), he arms himself and sets out on a perilous journey to locate his wife and son, undeterred by the threats he faces, including a young zombie girl he must dispatch and a horde of undead in Atlanta.
At its core, The Walking Dead pulses with Rick’s profound desperation and peculiar optimism. The pilot’s director (and season-one showrunner) Frank Darabont frequently focuses on Rick’s changing expressions, which fluctuate between despair and resolve. The cinematic quality of the pilot and Lincoln’s heartfelt performance underscore that Rick’s actions are motivated by the safety of his loved ones.
“Cherokee Rose” (season 2, episode 4)
After seeing Daryl and Carol in France in Daryl Dixon season two this year, it is intriguing to revisit the origins of their unbreakable bond. While searching for her missing daughter in a Georgia farmland in “Cherokee Rose,” Daryl presents Carol with the eponymous flower as a token of hope during their ordeal, which deepens her trust in him. It becomes apparent why these two distinct individuals gravitate towards each other after losing their problematic family members.
Daryl and Carol develop a relationship that thrives on minimal verbal communication, a dynamic that continues to evolve through the series and the spin-off. Daryl’s growth in “Cherokee Rose” is crucial, showcasing his softer side and proving his capacity to be a hero akin to Rick. Despite criticisms of a slow pace during TWD‘s second season, a rewatch reveals that this tempo significantly enhances character development. This episode also sets the stage for pivotal moments, including Glenn and Maggie’s budding relationship and Lori’s pregnancy revelation.
“Killer Within” (season 3, episode 4)
“Killer Within” begins on a hopeful note with Hershel taking his first steps post-amputation, watched by a visibly pregnant Lori who radiates optimism. Tragically, she will pass away within hours after zombies breach the prison that has become their sanctuary. This episode marks a defining moment for both Carl and Rick.
As Lori goes into labor, she makes the ultimate sacrifice, urging Maggie to perform a C-section to save her daughter. Although her death is poignant, the episode primarily serves to strip Carl of any remnants of childhood innocence and harden his resolve (seeing your mother die in such a brutal manner can have that effect). He even takes on the grim task of shooting Lori before she can turn into a zombie. This episode features Chandler Riggs’ most powerful performance of the third season, depicted as he coldly exits the boiler room after the deed. Meanwhile, Rick’s emotional collapse—now a popular meme—remains one of the most unforgettable scenes in TWD history.
“Clear” (season 3, episode 9)
Since the pilot episode, the anticipation of Morgan’s return had been building. Lennie James left a lasting impression with his brief initial appearance, and he matches that performance in his season-three comeback. Moreover, “Clear” explores the mental toll of enduring constant grief and isolation in the apocalypse.
When Rick encounters Morgan again—this time accompanied by Carl and Michonne—Morgan has deteriorated into a nearly unrecognizable state. Not only has his wife turned into a walker, but she also caused the death of their young son, Duane. Struggling with his grief, Morgan has fortified his surroundings and shut everyone out. However, his old friend manages to slightly break through his defenses, which eventually encourages Morgan to leave his stronghold in search of a community.
“Clear” also plays a vital role in developing Michonne’s character, who until then had mainly been a close ally to Andrea (Laurie Holden). By choosing to join Rick and Carl, she begins to open up, and in return, Carl starts to process his mother’s death by forming a bond with Michonne.
“The Grove” (season 4, episode 14)
Here’s a bold statement: “The Grove” might just be one of the finest episodes of The Walking Dead. The unsettling opening scene of Lizzie laughing as she plays catch with a walker she names Griselda sets the tone. Separated from their group, Carol and Tyrese journey towards Terminus with Lizzie, Mika, and Judith, taking refuge in a cottage along the way. They marvel at the comfort of having a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in, contemplating whether this could be their new home.
Through Lizzie, the episode delves into the psychological effects of growing up in such a harrowing environment. She sees walkers as friends rather than mindless zombies, a view shaped by her lack of proper companionship, aside from her younger sister. Unlike Carl, Lizzie lacks strong role models, and by the time Carol steps into her life, it’s already too late. “The Grove” harshly juxtaposes nature versus nurture.
In a horrifying demonstration that walkers are just “people,” Lizzie kills Mika, expecting her to turn. Carol and Tyrese are faced with the heartbreaking decision to end Lizzie’s life for the safety of all. Carol does the deed while instructing the child to “keep looking at the flowers,” and when Melissa McBride cries, the audience weeps with her. But the episode doesn’t end there; it concludes with even more depth as Carol confesses to Tyrese that she killed his girlfriend back at the prison, offering him her gun in case he seeks vengeance. Instead, Tyrese opts for forgiveness, underscoring a crucial survival tactic in their cruel new world.
“Us” (season 4, episode 15)
The reunion between Glenn and Maggie in “Us” is a moment worth celebrating. The anticipation leading up to this scene and what it signifies—unwavering hope and endless possibilities—highlights why they are among the show’s most iconic couples. (Their story echoes the long-awaited reunion of Jin and Sun in Lost’s final season.) Lauren Cohan and Steven Yeun are exceptional, with Yeun particularly shining in his portrayal of a devoted lover.
The couple had been separated since the assault on the prison, but each remained convinced of the other’s survival, despite skepticism from their companions. Maggie leaves behind clues to her whereabouts, which Glenn fervently follows. Their emotional embrace upon reuniting in “Us,” after she rescues him from a zombie attack, brings a glimmer of light following the dark and somber events of “The Grove.”
“Self Help” (season 5, episode 5)
“Self Help” offers a much-needed, albeit belated, insight into the characters of Eugene (Josh McDermitt) and particularly Abraham (Michael Cudlitz). Up to this point, Abraham’s brusque demeanor might make him hard to like. His sole mission has been to escort Eugene, who falsely claims to be a scientist with a cure for the zombie plague, to Washington, D.C., in hopes of ending their nightmarish existence. “Self Help” reveals why through its flashbacks.
When the outbreak began, Abraham managed to escape with his family—but not without dire consequences. After his family suffers at the hands of others, he retaliates violently, which leads his wife to flee with their children. They do not survive long, and Abraham finds their bodies shortly afterward. On the brink of suicide, he is interrupted by Eugene, who becomes his new reason to live—or so he believes.
In a pivotal moment in “Self Help,” Eugene confesses that he does not actually have a cure, only a web of lies. This revelation devastates Abraham, leaving him to collapse in despair once more. Fortunately, thanks to Eugene’s deceptive tales, Abraham has found a new surrogate family among Rosita, Glenn, Maggie, and Tara, who now anchor him in this tumultuous world.
“What Happened And What’s Going On” (season 5, episode 9)
With its ever-changing cast, The Walking Dead often had to say farewell to its main characters. It would have been straightforward to select episodes featuring the deaths of other significant figures like Beth, Hershel, or even Shane and Andrea. However, TWD breaks from its usual narrative with “What Happened And What’s Going On,” which delves deep into the inner turmoil of Tyrese (Chad Coleman), who realizes his end is near after being bitten.
What does it feel like to have a brief moment to reflect on life and death during an apocalypse? Tyrese gradually succumbs to his hallucinations, engaging in conversations with his “visitors” (Bob, Lizzie, Mika, and The Governor) as he comes to terms with his past actions. For him, this is his path to forgiveness and perhaps a chance to find peace beyond the harsh reality he’s known. All he has to do is let go.
This episode is masterfully constructed by TWD veterans Scott Gimple and Greg Nicotero. They craft the narrative to surprise us, initially leading us to believe the group is mourning Beth, when in fact, they are gathered for Tyrese’s funeral. At least he receives a memorable farewell.
“JSS” (season 6, episode 2)
“JSS” is a fast-paced episode compared to others on this list. The Wolves invade Alexandria (just a few episodes after Rick and his group arrive), Carol adopts her fierce warrior persona, and even residents like Jessie step up to defend themselves despite their lack of combat skills. This episode wastes no time in establishing the central conflict of the season.
What makes “JSS” particularly effective is the unexpected backstory of a minor character, which enhances the themes of this episode. Enid (Katelyn Nicon), known primarily for her friendship with Carl, has a mysterious past. The opening scene reveals some details: after the death of her parents, Enid survives alone in the woods, learning to fend off walkers by herself. She frequently writes “JSS” everywhere—on a dusty window, in the dirt, and even on a note she leaves for Carl.
By the episode’s end, we learn that “JSS” stands for “Just Survive Somehow.” This motto, adopted after witnessing her family’s demise, has been Enid’s guiding principle. Despite the option to surrender to despair, she single-handedly finds her way to a community where she can flourish.
“The Next World” (season 6, episode 10)
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