The Walking Dead 3.4 Review, “Killer Within”

rating: 3.5

I don't know I guess I just expected so much more from the killer within storyline, but the ultimate resolution seemed to be intent on sealing off one storyline, while introducing a new one entirely. As for Andrea and Michonne's storyline, nothing is really progressing in this episode. It's just more of Michonne giving everyone the stink eye and Andrea falling under the wiles of The Governor, who we now learn is named Phillip Blake. It's more of the same thing from Andrea basically giving her life story to the Governor at every turn, and Michonne keeping a tight lip because she knows he's not to be trusted. We also get the implication that Andrea is more than willing to give away the location of her group because not only does she want to find them, but she feels abandoned. So either she really does want to be the new villain of the group, or she's just too dumb to know she's being tricked. I got the sense that she gave off this "Whatever happens when you find them, happens" vibe. Strictly speaking, the option for Michonne and Andrea is paper thin. They either live in blissful ignorance in Woodbury among the governor or go out in to the wasteland where they may suffer their deaths at the drop of a hat. Andrea did in fact just recuperate from a severe flu, after all. The real news is in the prison, and most of it isn't good.

For "The Killer Within," there's the distinct rumor that something Rick has done has affected and will affect the group. That comes back to prove itself when the dead begin inexplicably breaking in to the prison and storming the survivors. What begins as a serene day of Hershel trying out his new condition as an amputee dissolves in to horror and chaos as the dead begin seeping in through the prison.

This seemingly normal life style attempt becomes a harrowing fight for life, as the group must fend off the looming dead on the outside while trying to figure out who or whom is on the inside trying to ruin the safe haven they've procured. This is a real wake up call for many characters in the series as Rick finds his past errors coming back to haunt him while new prisoners Axel and his friend try to prove themselves to the group. Meanwhile young Carl is finding that he has to grow up immediately as Lori is stranded with him and in a corridor with the dead outside and the baby on its way.

"The Killer Within" is a strong and powerful episode, one filled with major loss, immense gain, and a new goal for the group to strive for. If they have to prove Dr. Jenner wrong about the futility of life in the land of the dead, now is the time.

Good night, Love.