TV Review: The Walking Dead - "Beside the Dying Fire" - Page 3

The stage is set for a Walking Dead reunion, though. Another big reveal in "Beside the Dying Fire" is a well fortified prison only a short ways away from the on-the-run survivors. It will play a large part in season three, which the cast and crew claims will be even better than season two, by quite a large amount. Because of this hub, which will surely bring people back together, it seems like Andrea should have no problem getting her reunion, whether she welcomes it or not.

This also sets the stage for another familiar face, as surely people from miles around will be drawn to the base. Specifically, Merle (Michael Rooker) has been confirmed to be returning to The Walking Dead. Will he be an illusion, like earlier in season two, or will he be flesh and blood this time? Signs point to the latter, but we'll see.

Oh, and the Governor, the most well-known villain of the comics, will also be in season three. So there is plenty to get excited about.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group, sans Andrea, spends the last part of "Beside the Dying Fire" spilling every secret left. Or, at least, Rick does, and since he's the one the fans have seen keeping big secrets, it's cathartic to see him tell the others, even as they feel betrayed. Rick not only admits to killing Shane, which they should be thanking him for, but also tells them the secret that Jenner (Noah Emmerich) entrusted to Rick in the finale of season one: they've all been infected.

What does this mean? Well, it means that if one is killed but the body is not destroyed, that person will rise back up as a walker. This has already been shown to happen to Shane. Rick stabs Shane, but Shane comes after him as an undead walker. Luckily, Carl puts walker Shane down for a final time.

Rick tells Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) the tale first, and she is shocked, in a bad way. She won't even let Rick touch her. Lori has much to do with the showdown of Rick and Shane, her words sparking much of their conflict, and both men wanting her causing a lot of the strife. But she just can't believe how ends up unfolding. Perhaps she is feeling guilty for her part in Shane's death, thinking that she could force a showdown that didn't end with a killing. Perhaps she didn't anticipate the change it would cause in Rick to murder his best friend. Maybe she's just mad that Carl, her 'innocent' child, gets involved. Whatever the reason, she seems to be at least as upset with herself as she is with her husband.

Continued on the next page Page 1Page 2 — Page 3 — Page 4
Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for jeromewetzeltv

Article Author: JeromeWetzelTV

Jerome Wetzel has hosted two entertainment based podcasts, "Geek Out With Jimmy" and "The Good, The Bad, & The Geeky". He is also the author of the An Actor's Nightmare book series. He currently writes television reviews for examiner.com and blogcritics.org. …

Visit JeromeWetzelTV's author pageJeromeWetzelTV's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own

Article comments

  • 1 - J

    Mar 19, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    What about the helicopter? THE HELICOPTER????

  • 2 - Jerome Wetzel

    Mar 20, 2012 at 4:29 am

    My guess is the helicopter has something to do with the people at the prison. But without any information, I can't be sure.

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 22, 2013

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs