The Walking Dead Season 6, Episode 13 Review: The Same Boat

Steak. Some people like it rare, some like it well done. You'll probably enjoy it either way to an extent, regardless of your preference, though you wouldn't go for the weaker choice again next time. The Walking Dead drifts from rapid-paced action to slow-burning tension, and while it's important to have some variety, Episode 13 feels like a roadblock for the momentum Season 6 had built up. It was an okay one-off episode, but the show needs to get back into the flow when the next installment rolls along. Carol was omitted from a couple of post-mid-season episodes, a strange move considering she's one of the show's finest characters, but 'The Same Boat' was arguably her greatest outing to date. Episode 13 dwelled on her capture alongside Maggie, and spun off in a completely different direction to what was anticipated. She displayed every side of Carol, showing glimpses of her old self blended with her new persona, though now her guilt is notching up a level with every kill. The culmination of Episode 12's thrilling raid resulted in Rick's group being told about the captured pair, and that seemed like it would be the gateway to Negan's main compound, as well as the big man himself. Instead, we were offered an episode that was cool to watch, but ultimately proved to be a damp squib as far as the story went. The new characters, the action, the location, everything was contained in a little bubble, and the events may never be mentioned again. They just add to the body count. That's disappointing. It was fascinating to see the Saviours on the back foot. We're told they're a formidable group yet they're seemingly rattled by Rick's marauding gang and that was interesting to watch, but quite simply, they were all dead inside 45 minutes. Paula was a great, twisted character, and her small group each demonstrated they had something to offer, but one by one they fell. What was the point? What relevance do they now have on the immense storyline that was simmering along in the last few episodes? The show had approached boiling point, but Episode 13 turned down the heat. Don't get me wrong, it was intense. Carol and Maggie's escape was lathered in blood, Paula's death was yet another horrifying brainchild of a disturbed writer (good job, gold star), and the calculated 'fire trap' went a long towards proving the survivors have become incredibly efficient throughout their time in the wilderness. But yet again the show is running the very real risk of over-extending its buildup to an event. Huge comic book storylines are coming, and while we heard snippets about how the Saviours "are all Negan," he's still out there, and he needs to come into the fold soon. This was above average for a filler episode, but ultimately it was just that. Episode 14 must regain the momentum and flow into the final episodes of Season 6 with the overarching story as the firm focus. For the weekly roundup of major talking points, we've pulled the episode apart like Paula on a stick with 10 Questions We're Asking After 'The Same Boat'. Episode Rating:C+

The Walking Dead, Mondays at 9pm on FOX (UK).