TWD 10x02 "We Are the End of the World" episode discussion... **SPOILERS**

[MinionZombie]

Please keep all talk of episode 10x02 "We Are the End of the World" specifically inside this thread.

If you have a theory for a following episode, please use the "spoiler tags" (visit the HPOTD FAQ to find out how to use them if you don't already know).

Similarly, if you're going to discuss plot points from the comic book, please use "spoiler tags" - not everyone is up-to-date on them, and some people don't read them at all.

Enjoy!

Directed by: Greg Nicotero
Written by: Nicole Mirante-Matthews


A flashback reveals the origins of Alpha and Beta. Alpha attempts to toughen up Lydia as they prepare to walk with the dead. Meanwhile, the Whisperers create their herds.

[MinionZombie]

Another excellent episode. Thoroughly enjoyed that - and a 'standalone' episode that doesn't feel 'disconnected', either. Having the present vs 7 years prior with Alpha and Beta getting to know each other really helped thread an interesting line throughout the episode and across the two timelines (particularly nearer the end with Alpha discovering Beta's secret place in the past and vice versa in the present).

Great to see more depth from Alpha, too. She has weakness and secrets, the loss of Lydia does mean something, and Beta's got a crumb of doubt about Alpha now and yet he too relies on her.

There was some pretty cool music in this episode as well, like when Gamma's sister is brought to the quiet place and Alpha shows mercy instead of killing her. Very creepy music to match the visuals. The Whisperers is all like a cult that feeds on damaged minds (interesting that the coming together of Alpha and Beta takes place in a mental hospital) and minds that can be bent according to the will of the group/leader.

Also - lots of gruesome gore in this one: the survivor in the beginning (nose bitten off, jaw yanked!), the walkers later on getting all smashed and splatted against walls. Good to see that the bloodletting appears to have ramped up again on the show after getting softened in 7 and 8 after the death of Glenn pushing things too far for some people (which led to a slight rowing back on the bloody bits).

[facestabber]

The devour scene in the beginning was bloody fantastic, pun intended. Its fascinating and horrifying at the same time. That has to be one of the most brutal and painful ways to die.

[MinionZombie]

The devour scene in the beginning was bloody fantastic, pun intended. Its fascinating and horrifying at the same time. That has to be one of the most brutal and painful ways to die.

It felt like old school TWD, like the first six seasons. A big, spectacular gore moment - and, naturally, KNB's effects continue to rule. :cool:

Samantha Morton is killing it as Alpha, as well. She's a zealot, in many ways, but it was good to see some weakness as well - oh, and to see that 'Whisperer & A Baby' thing come back around again. A nice little call back - I love those little details, they're small, but they really add weight and context and history to the show's overall story that stretches beyond each individual episode's plot. :)

[Moon Knight]

Good to see the gore come back.

Really enjoyed this episode and glad we got it out the way early.

[facestabber]

Seems we 3 are all that's left. I guess that represents the state of the show as far as its general popularity. To my surprise I still enjoy it. But it has lost its peak power. The first 5 seasons I moved life out of TWD's schedule. Went to comic cons and walker stalkers yearly. IMO Kang has recovered it to a certain level but the audience numbers are coming back. Is it simply too late to regain their interest and reignite the fever? Does Rick's movie have a chance to revitalize it? If it ties into the show could that be the event?

[MinionZombie]

I wouldn't take conversation here on HPOTD as a huge indicator, we're a small community these days. While the show's peak has certainly passed, I have seen numerous posts from people speaking of TWD's return to form since Kang took over. So while long-run audience numbers are down (the full figures are, naturally, better than simply the first live showing figure).

It's also natural for shows that have been around for so long to see their ratings drop. That's tried and true.

[UndeadHippo]

i'm still here and lurking too, just haven't had a lot to say about the season so far. it's an interesting detail that the only people who have seen beta's real face (and know his secrets) are Alpha and Lydia. wonder if that will come into play later?

I assumed that Beta was lurking around in the sanitarium because he was a former patient there. someone has been writing on the walls, which must have happened after the outbreak. might be worth going back over the episode and seeing if theres any breadcrumbs hidden away, like in Morgan's lair way back when.

[Harleydude666]

I’m a diehard and still here. Always lurking

[MinionZombie]

I assumed that Beta was lurking around in the sanitarium because he was a former patient there. someone has been writing on the walls, which must have happened after the outbreak. might be worth going back over the episode and seeing if theres any breadcrumbs hidden away, like in Morgan's lair way back when.

I imagine that the scrawled messages were Beta. Whether he was a patient or a visitor, I don't know - it was his best mate whose face he cut off and now wears, so it could be that the best friend was a patient (or maybe the other way around).

I loved the interplay between Alpha and Beta. The 'dark affection' of it all was quite fascinating.


I’m a diehard and still here. Always lurking

Indeed, we have many lurkers lurking about ... it's kinda like our own little horror movie, these mysterious figures roaming about on the edge of the shadows. :D

[Neil]

The devour scene in the beginning was bloody fantastic, pun intended. Its fascinating and horrifying at the same time. That has to be one of the most brutal and painful ways to die.
It was insanely brutal!

[Moon Knight]

You guys see the actual uncut BTS filming of that gore effect? FREAKING CRAZY! Day of the Dead type violence.

[MinionZombie]

You guys see the actual uncut BTS filming of that gore effect? FREAKING CRAZY! Day of the Dead type violence.

Just saw it yesterday. In the show they cut away just as the jaw is getting ripped off, but it all comes away in the BTS video. I figure they had to cut as it would just be going on a bit too long. Had the jaw come off quicker it would have been seen more. It's fun to see (or hear, rather) Nicotero still get so animated when conducting a gore effect. :thumbsup:

[Neil]

You guys see the actual uncut BTS filming of that gore effect? FREAKING CRAZY! Day of the Dead type violence.

BTS filming?

[Moon Knight]

BTS filming

Yessir!

[Neil]

Yessir!

Sorry I missed a question mark (now added). What is it?

[MinionZombie]

Sorry I missed a question mark (now added). What is it?

Check out Nicotero's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3r4OofHIzr/

:)

[Moon Knight]

Sorry I missed a question mark (now added). What is it?

Oh sorry! MZ already posted it. I should have been more specific.

[UndeadHippo]

Check out Nicotero's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3r4OofHIzr/

:)

that is absolutely disgusting. and beautiful. Greg really is the master of his game.