The Walking Dead Mid-Season Finale: 3 Ups & 2 Downs From 'Evolution'

Ups...

3. The Direction

While there are plenty of departments that The Walking Dead fails in, the direction is certainly not one of them. With a mid-season finale, the director's job is to add to the excitement already created by the writer, using a variety of unique filming techniques to do so. Michael E. Satrazemis does exactly that in Evolution, with his choice of shots complementing the script in some pretty big ways.

Whether it be the creepy reveal at the beginning of the episode, when it appears as though the walkers are aware of Jesus, Aaron and Daryl's presence, or the conflict-ridden conversations between Michonne and various members of The Hilltop, Satrazemis does a really great job at bringing this episode to life, but it's scenes like Evolution's final graveyard sequence that have earned him a reputation as one of The Walking Dead's greatest directors.

Although the episode is ultimately et down by the decision to kill Jesus off, the beloved character's last stand is truly something to behold, as he delivers some wonderfully-directed kicks and hits to the enemy. The up-close depth of field-style shots that Satrazemis opts for throughout the scene aid in creating the claustrophobic atmosphere, as our heroes are trapped in the middle of the graveyard. Similarly, the panning shots he employs as Jesus and Aaron carry Eugene through the woods intensify the sense of impending danger.