arts // no. 10 theotherpress.ca Convincing zombies and shallow storytelling » Season 10 finale of ‘The Walking Dead’ decays with disappointments Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist kek WX Ls many other shows this year, AMC’s zombie TV series The Walking Dead (TWD) saw its season 10 finale delayed due to COVID-19. Despite this bizarre trend, Halloween won't be deprived of the living dead this year with TWD’s new episode that finally premiered on October 4. The story follows the show’s heroes during the end of their war with new antagonists, the Whisperers—people who talk only in whispers while disguised as zombies. Visually, the show excels with its action sequences where tension is executed the best. The grimy locations, eerie soundtrack, along with the main heroes fighting together like a military unit keep you on edge. The episode never fails to at least entertain viewers as their favorite characters fight and outwit the undead. Elevating the visuals, of course, are the ravenous zombies that are brought to life with incomparable realism by make- up artists Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger. Their compelling prosthetics are delightfully grotesque and will continue to please fans of the show. Series regular Norman Reedus as the crossbow-wielding Daryl continues portraying his character as a dependable leader of his people. His perfect chemistry with Melissa McBride as Carol is one of the best takeaways from the finale and the entire show. Their bond provides a heartfelt friendship that has grown significantly since season one. Among the talented ensemble Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne cast, a welcome return is fellow main stay Lauren Cohan as Maggie who adds some sentimental energy to the story. Additionally, Josh McDermitt’s Eugene provides hilarious comic relief with his introverted awkwardness and matter-of- fact attitude. What really weakens the episode is how subversive and underwhelming the climax is for the story arc of main villain and leader of the Whisperers, Beta (Sons of Anarchy’s Ryan Hurst). The climax ended so abruptly, achieving minimal tension and not raising the stakes enough for the protagonists. The show could’ve explored more of Beta’s past and his damaged psychology for stronger character development. However, the finale opts to focus too much time on fan favorite characters. Another misstep of the finale is that the script, due to perils and close calls being easily resolved, leaves no lasting impression. The dialogue sometimes feels thematically repetitive due to characters constantly encouraging each other to persevere. This is an overdone story choice since most of these individuals already survived worse situations and should have stronger convictions by now. It’s strangely enjoyable to see the show’s heroes bond in cliché ways, but this may be irksome for those that want something new from the plot. Overall, The Walking Dead’s season 10 finale has massive letdowns yet somehow manages to stay afloat with its characters and production design. The show decently sets up new questions for the next overarching narrative, only to remain undermined by its flaws. A coming-of-age zombie show that rises with a refreshing story > ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ transcends the dreadful traditions from previous series Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist kek KK he Walking Dead: World Beyond saw a share of setbacks when it experienced rescheduling due to the pandemic (similar to The Walking Dead). The season premiere of AMC’s third zombie series after The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead has the most uplifting story of its universe through reassuring vibrancy and a stellar cast of young characters. The first episode is about teenage sisters Iris (Aliyah Royale) and Hope (Alexa Mansour) as they start a perilous journey to help their father in New York. Accompanying them on this trek are the timid introvert Silas (Hal Cumpston) and nerdy philosopher Elton (Nicolas Cantu). The premiere is refreshingly different, since it explores what the zombie apocalypse is like for children. Each dialogue scene employs radiant colours and peaceful lighting in every camera shot to relay a heartwarming tone for the story. These elements evoke an endearing humanity behind each character and their resonating relationships. Royale and Mansour have undeniably rich chemistry in playing Iris and Hope as siblings that have tense differences but still care about each other deeply. They further portray these characters as confident kids that bravely face the world together despite coping with past loss. Their story arc explores sisterhood beautifully and what it means for youth to be independent of their parents when making life choices. Silas and Elton are not as developed, yet their courage to venture out with the sisters to the outside world provides a moving portrayal of how important it is to be there for other people. As for Julia Ormond, she personifies the story's looming uncertainties as the seemingly benevolent Elizabeth Kublek—a lieutenant colonel of a mysterious organization called the Civic Republic. What could pose a problem for some viewers eager to see characters kill a bunch of zombies is that the premiere, for the most part, simply lacks substantial action sequences like those already seen in the show’s predecessors. However, there are some thrills that will keep long-time fans keen on the roles the story’s twists and secrets will play in future entries. There are also very few zombies in the episode, so viewers who just want to see hordes of the undead occupy each frame may be disappointed. Still, this restraint is asmart choice from the script to set up the main characters and foreground their plights more properly. If you're looking to settle into a October 4 (3) i ra [e] ae) i is 5 ca ie] fe] Re) fe] = Ca worthwhile show for the Halloween season, then check out AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond. The season premiere injects a much-needed energy into its bleak zombie universe with its refreshing characters. Its hopeful messages about youth and human goodness make this recent addition to The Walking Dead franchise a satisfying series so far. The show has excellent promise by reassuring viewers that the world isn’t always gloomy.