The Walking Dead 3.2 Review, “Sick”

rating: 4

One of the major high points of "Sick" is that suddenly the characters of the farm seem to be understanding that deep down, Lori is a despicable individual. During the second episode of the season, the writers simply don't miss a beat and seem insistent on calling Lori on her nonsense. After Lori pulled off many inexplicable and morally questionable actions during season two, Rick and Carl seem to have had time to think about how much wrong she's committed. Even in the midst of the walking dead banging down their doors. Starting immediately after the final scene of "Seed," Rick, T-Dog, and Daryl find themselves trapped by the dead, and faced with new survivors. A group of prisoners have held up in the cafeteria for almost a year, and none of the group are excited about allowing them to follow them in to the corridors of the prison for freedom. Faced with the dilemma on whether to execute the prisoners or allow them freedom, Lori insists Rick do what he has to. And Rick throws back in her face the shocking situation where she reacted horribly to Rick's news of the murder of Shane. Lori seems to know people are just putting up with her at this point, and Rick isn't making any bones about it. The final scene is indicative of how these people are stuck with one another as Lori indirectly asks for forgiveness and mercy, and Rick simply gives her a courteous thank you for helping Hershel and leaves her in the cold to ponder on her mistakes yet again. Many people have agreed that Lori is a very despicable character on the show, and she's very much following suit to Lori in the comic books. I still fondly recall many a readers posting "Can Lori just die already?" in the message boards, and for better or for worse Sarah Wayne Callies is pulling it off with flying colors. Callies is a wonderful actress and she is portraying Lori with strength despite the hatred. "Sick" explores some interesting ideas in Robert Kirkman's zombie universe. Will the cutting of Hershel's limbs really prevent infection? Or are we just seeing a delay in the effects? Carol is preparing for the death of Hershel by trapping and downing a female corpse and practicing a Cesarian section, and Rick presents shades of gray in his decision making that is absolutely jarring. When confronted with the new group of survivors, Rick experiences a stand off with the group leader who seems intent on proving to Rick that he's dangerous. As is typical with a prisoner, he wants to bring down the big dog to take the throne, and much of "Sick" involves the group banding with the prisoners and Rick narrowly avoiding many attempts at his life from the prisoners. There are some excellent moments to be had including Carl's outburst at Lori, Hershel's comatose state, Rick's actions to ensure his own safety in the prison that may or may not come back to bite him in the end, and who or what was watching Carol dissect the walker in the yard? As usual there's a real sense of urgency in the episodes, and every installment this season seems to be moving at a breakneck pace with plot development, wonderful performances, and many zombie attacks. Andrew Lincoln takes the prize for the stand out performance of "Sick." The man embodies Rick Grimes. Next week Michonne and Andrea come across the Governor! And an "old pal" from Atlanta, perhaps?
Contributor
Contributor

Felix Vasquez Jr. has written for over fifteen years, and is an author and movie critic who has written for various online outlets and can be seen on Rotten Tomatoes. He resides in New York, where he writes for his own online movie review website Cinema Crazed and works on his novels. He has a passion for classic rock, horror movies, and pop culture.