What I’m Watching: The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead: Season 7, Episode 4 “Service” (B+)

This was inarguably a strong and magnetic episode – one that ran eighty-five minutes, for some reason – but I can’t help wondering what the upside of watching this show. It’s truly miserable and disturbing, and there’s pretty much no sign of hope except the eternal optimism expressed by Father Gabriel. From the moment that his shadow appeared with the bat in his hand knocking at the gate, Negan made very clear that he can do and take whatever he wants because he’ll eagerly kill someone just to make a point if his demands are not followed. He used much more vulgar language in his parting words to Rick than we tend to hear on this show, and he made the best point of this episode, which was that no one died, an incredible feat given his penchant for violence. But he did have all of his people take beds, guns, and medicine, leaving them with pretty much nothing but food. There’s clearly discord among the residents of Alexandria, and Rick’s acceptance of the situation and his admission that there is no way out is depressing to say the least. The one hope for resistance lies with Rosita, who kept a gun and had the smart idea to ask Eugene to make her bullets. I do hope that she propels the group to some sort of organized and efficient resistance soon, since it’s hard to keep watching this show with no glimmer of hope. When Rick has to reference Shane to demonstrate his nostalgia for better times, you know things are bad.

What I’m Watching: Wilfred

Wilfred: Season 2, Episode 9 “Service” (B+)

This episode got off to a bit of an odd start after Jeremy proclaimed the unfortunate demise of their product due to their competitor being the first out of the gate and then gave a rousing, inspirational speech before committing suicide in his office. Only on this show would such an event be almost entirely dismissed, relegated to a quick comment from Ryan and the first of several shots of Wilfred with a bloody mouth and a story about nibbling on his corpse. Traveling to see Ryan’s mother with Kristen was a breath of fresh air for Ryan since they really are kindred spirits, but the death of Mittens clearly sent Catherine spiraling further into jolly madness. Wilfred was much better behaved than usual, exuding less harshness in his constant complaints about needing to get back in order to do his daily routines in the neighborhood. It was obvious that Ryan’s vacation from real life would be short-lived, and that Kristen and her meds would catch up with them eventually. Ryan’s initial panic at the notion of delivering Kristen’s baby was expected, and it’s great that he managed to work up the courage to help out and make a crucial connection that may benefit him in the future, though it’s not likely given how Kristen has managed to twist every positive in Ryan’s life in the past. With Amanda avoiding coming to work, Ryan can use all of the human friends and all of the human contact he can get at this point.

What I’m Watching: Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy: Season 2, Episode 11 “Service” (A-)

It seemed like all the tension that had been building had finally exploded a few weeks ago when Clay and Jax fought physically, but this is where things finally boil over. It’s fascinating how the revelation of Gemma’s secret results in another member going over the edge and confessing his sins to the one man he really shouldn’t be talking to about it. This episode provided an incredible look at so many characters that don’t usually get such special treatment, like Tig, Chibs, and Piney. Tig’s meltdown in front of Opie was powerful, and seeing Piney come in guns blazing to take down Tig was pretty awe-inspiring too. The strongest and most shocking moment of this episode was Opie’s confrontation with Agent Stahl, where he managed to make the hard-as-nails fed break down in tears. That woman certainly gets what she deserves, as only moments before she tried to pull the same kind of life-endangering stunt she did with Opie on Chibs, and this isn’t the first time that she’s been punished for her extortionist behavior, like when Otto slammed her head down on the table in prison, but this is the first time that she actually starts to crack. Bravo to Ally Walker for playing well with the boys and delivering a stunning performance. Opie truly is a three-dimensional character, and seeing him not only decide to stay at the club knowing that Clay and Tig killed his wife but also tell them that he saw Chibs coming out of a meeting with Stahl to ensure that the club goes about investigating through the proper channels was stellar. It’s good that Clay and Jax have buried the hatchet and that the heir to the throne isn’t going anywhere, since, as the two SAMCRO leaders put it, they have to take down Zobelle and Weston the same way the white supremacists have been undermining them: slowly, steadily, and, above all, smartly.