The Walking Dead 4.11 - "Claimed" Review

rating: 4

With episode 11,"Claimed", fans are now three episodes deep since coming back from the mid-season break of Season 4 of the Walking Dead. At the beginning of the episode, the survivors continue to find themselves in a position they haven't been in for quite some time as much of the core group is still split up from one another. Individual storylines are beginning to take shape for those that have found one another and those that are still searching for others they have lost. Last week's episode ended with the highly anticipated introduction of Abraham, Eugene and Rosita - A group of characters that long time fans of the comic book have anxiously been awaiting to see since it was announced they would be on this season. What makes the show so much different, and in many cases better than the comic book adaptation, are the liberties it takes from the original source material. With the production and creation of the show, Robert Kirkman has ultimately been able to strike gold twice by changing or altering ideas and situations he may have had from when he did work on the comic book. With that being said, when "Claimed" kicked off fans were curious over this new group of survivors that stumbled across Glenn and Tara. Would they be like the individuals from the comic book or have a different type of characterization than what had previously been established? The episode starts off with Glenn and Tara joining up with Abraham and company. Audiences are treated to their first glimpse of Abraham as the ass kicking, crowbar wielding, zombie killing machine fans of the comic book should expect. It's instantly refreshing and entertaining to see the first interactions of Abraham and that he appears to be in line with the character that comic book fans know.
The show then picks up with Rick, Carl and Michonne who appear to be coping well in the house where they last left off two episodes ago. Things appear to be better than ever as both Carl and Michonne banter with one another before Judith is brought up in conversation and the reality of the situation finally hits home once again as both are under the impression that she didn't survive the events at the prison. Although Rick and company appear to be in a good spot at the moment, they know that a plan has to be made. It's refreshing to see a lighter side of the show for a change but to also notice the underlying tones of the zombie threat that is still out there and how crucial finding supplies to survive still is. What the show has done so well thus far is build on the relationship between Carl and Michonne. The two continue to interact very well together and it always seems that when they're together, they both grow as characters. Michonne continues to confide in Carl and tells him things about her that no one else knows while they're on a supply run. After the flashbacks from two weeks episodes ago, the show continues to move forward in building Michonne's back story even further as more details about her past are revealed to Carl. Where the episode really generates some excitement is when Rick is recovering further at the house he and Carl found when a group of scavengers comes traipsing through. It's one of the more suspenseful scenes that the show hasn't had in a while with an outside threat that isn't linked to the Governor or involving a horde of walkers. Watching Rick hide out underneath the bed and then sneak around the house hiding from this group is a nail biting experience that every fan of the show loves. Although the real meat of the episode is about Carl, Michonne and Abraham's group, the suspense of Rick underneath the bed is extremely nerve racking.
While Rick and company are undoubtedly the best part of show right now, the introduction of Abraham and his group is the most puzzling as audiences learn about who they are and where they're going. When Abraham and Glenn interact with one another, it's revealed that his group is heading North to Washington D.C. as one of his comrades, Eugene, is a scientist who might have the answer to what's happening and the ability to save the world. Not since season one and Dr. Jenner has the group encountered anyone that claims to have an idea about what happened. Is it possible that Eugene and Jenner have a past together? Although Claimed had a lot to do with delving deeper into Michonne's character and introducing audiences to Abraham and his mission, there was a ton of suspense and action. As the show moves forward this season and beyond, it has to be assumed that the survivors will realize just how safe they were in the prison and how dangerous the world is beyond just the hordes of zombies that now populate the world as it's easy to assume that those that have survived this long are the harshest and meanest human kind has left. Claimed is easily the best episode thus far since the mid season break and only amplifies what fans can expect moving forward. Fans of the comic book might have an idea where the show is going but for those that only follow the show, fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride. Things to notice: The tonal difference of Michonne - Up to this point she has always worn dark clothing. This episode she wheres a white shirt that Carl even pokes fun at her about. This small piece of symbolism with a wardrobe change could represent her character turning a page. Eugene - Not only is he a terrible shot but boy does he seem crazy. Watch out for him and his ability to manipulate Abraham with his promise of knowledge. Train Tracks - Last episode, Carol and Tyreese followed train tracks to an apparent sanctuary and Claimed ended with Rick and his group also following train tracks to what is assumed to be the same sanctuary. What did you think of this heart pounding episode of the Walking Dead? Leave you comments below on what you thought about Claimed. Follow @BrentDiNunzio on Twitter.
Contributor
Contributor

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw