‘The Walking Dead: 5×01 – No Sanctuary’ Review

Stars: Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Melissa Suzanne McBride, Chad Coleman, Norman Reedus, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Christian Serratos, Michael Cudlitz, Alanna Masterson, Josh McDermitt, Andrew J. West | Created by Robert Kirkman

Everyone’s favourite zombie comic book based TV series is back and starts when we left off at season 4, with Rick and company locked inside a railcar. Before long they’re dragged out into a warehouse where two Terminus workers are butchering a body for meat, revealing the cannibalistic nature of the residents. As the workers begin executing the prisoners, Gareth, the leader, questions Rick about the bag he hid in the woods and threatens Bob until he gets what he wants. Soon after though, a huge explosion and some gunfire goes off, giving Rick the chance he needs to start his escape.

Meanwhile, Carol, Tyreese and Judith find a Terminus ally called Martin after hiding from some walkers. When Martin tells them that the others are locked up at Terminus, Carol heads off to save the others, leaving Tyreese in charge of Martin at his hut. When she gets there, Carol sees the hoard of walkers they hid from arrived at the ‘sanctuary’, and turns to drastic measures, while Tyreese deals with Martin’s mind games at the hut.

This is everything you’d expect from The Walking Dead five seasons in. Zombies, guns, hand to hand fight scenes, action, bad ass lines, all mixed with strong acting, a well-crafted story close to source material, and solid drama. So why is it I’m not jumping out of my seat in anticipation for episode 2? Why is it I’m perfectly content with the idea of going to bed and *gasp* reading?

The thing is, there’s not much too actually complain about. This was a great episode for Tyreese, his character being tested by Martin’s words, and we see the conflict in him as he snaps. Carol and Daryl are as badass as ever, and Gareth looks set to be a strong recurring bad guy, troubled past and all. The episode just ended so neatly, I think, and there’s nothing to make me go ‘I wonder how this will play out next episode’.

I don’t think it helped that I watched this after watching the new American Horror Story, because as good as this show it, it isn’t American Horror Story. If you’re still watching the show five seasons in, this isn’t the episode that’s going to derail you. If you’re a new watcher though, I’m not sure this is the episode that’s going to get you hooked. Strong start to the season, but I know they can do better.

**** 4/5