TELEVISION REVIEW: The Walking Dead 4.8, "Too Far Gone"

It’s a testimony to the emotional intensity of AMC’s The Walking Dead that as I'm writing this, my hands are literally shaking. Often there have been occasions that I've found myself on the edge of my seat, my hands over my mouth or even in the rarest of circumstances, tears forming at the corners of my eyes. Never before however, have I been custom to all of these visible signs of distress, anguish and heartbreak.

“Too Far Gone”, the Season 4, mid-season finale serves as the culmination point of everything that has happened over the past seven episodes. Rick Grimes’ (Andrew Lincoln) ragtag group of weary survivors, having recently recovered from the aftermath of a fatal disease, are finally reunited with The Governor (David Morrissey) and subsequently the members of Woodbury 2.0.

The first half of the mid-season finale gets off to a slow start. In the bowels of the prison, Daryl learns of Carol’s banishment whilst Tyreese still demands justice for Karen’s murder. At Woodbury 2.0, somewhere on the other side of the fence, The Governor is giving a rousing speech attempting to persuade the group into attacking and taking over the prison.

Just as Rick and Daryl are about to inform Tyreese of the truth regarding Karen’s demise, they’re soon interrupted by an explosion from above ground. Once outside, they’re confronted by The Governor, who inconveniently for the prison group, happens to be in possession of a tank. Despite a glistening speech from Rick that offers an alternative to The Governor’s propositions, our hopes and dreams are soon thrown to the ground to be crushed beneath the weight of the Chekhov Tank.

What follows is a plethora of bloodshed, fire fights and multiple character deaths -- one or two that will sit uncomfortably with you for a long time to come. Individual fights break out all over the prison courtyard as we see the various members of the prison group hold their own against the onslaught of The Governor. Daryl (Norman Reedus) is in usual fashion here, single-handedly taking on multiple would-be soldiers in one fell swoop.

However, it’s only when the action begins to let up and we’re finally given some room to breathe, that “Too Far Gone” cements itself as perhaps the single greatest episode of The Walking Dead to ever air. Once again, Lincoln offers an award worthy performance in his portrayal of Rick Grimes. Additionally, multiple character and story dynamics are thrown into disarray as we finally get the finale we deserved at the end of the last season.

Regardless, all is forgiven in light of the events in this week’s episode. Once February rolls back around with the second half of Season 4 in tow, all past discrepancies will be forgotten as we get ready to submit ourselves to another eight weeks of emotional trauma.

I hope to see you there.

5/5