I have a love for movies and shows. Even if I don't particularly watch them, we can still chat about them. We can talk about our favorite movies, movies we never get tired of watching, anticipated movies, and everything in between. I can get lost and escape the chaos of life while engulfed with the characters, plots, and landscapes. Come and join me, let's discuss the latest and favorite movies, along with the shows we can't live without! Whatever you want to talk about - I'm game!
Both James Stewart and Frank Capra have said that "It's a Wonderful Life" was their favorite film. Today it is easily a Holiday favorite, traditional to watch for some, and for other's is a top-mark contender for all-time favorite movie for fans of all ages. However, in it's 1940's release it was considered a "flop" (IMDb - Trivia). Of course in true Frank Capra tradition, and the "Capra Touch" tact, the movie pits the good morals of a rather small-town man against the greed and corruption of the institutional bank and the big-bad wolf, (Lionel Barrymore) Mr. Potter.
It's a Wonderful Life co-starred Donna Reedas Mary Hatch, George Bailey's (Stewart) love interest. One of my favorite aspects of the film is how clueless George is when it comes to Mary and her feelings for George. IMDb (Trivia) stated that the first-kiss scene between George and Mary (while she is on the phone) was almost too passionate and how Stewart was nervous about the scene. Another favorite scene of mine is the scene after the unexpected dip in the pool at the school function, when George is walking Mary home. It's just an adorable scene short-lived by the bad news of George's father's death. Through the movie George is troubled because he has exciting and hopeful plans of traveling and other things but, life gets in the way and he has to do the right thing time after time and it starts to eat away through his conscious as he starts to ask the proverbial question - what if?
When George is at his breaking point he takes off to blow off some steam and contemplates a drastic choice of suicide in an attempt for his life insurance policy, so that his loved ones do not have to go through loosing everything and suffering through the hardships. Enter Clarence, George's assigned angel who stops him from making a horrible mistake and helps him to see the light in a very dark time. In George's depressive state he comments how he wishes he was never born. Clarence grants the wish to show George just how his life has been beneficial to those around him. It is such a drastic and enigmatic experience to George. It was just the shock he needed, to shift his thought patterns, and to change for the better.
It's a Wonderful Life is filled with life altering epiphanies and it never fails, it leaves me teary-eyed and thankful for life and the many-many blessings. It brings all the warmth and joy of humanity and the deep-routed morals of what people strive through the foundations of our lives - that through hard work, dedication, and good-will we can continue to thrive and live. George is a man that will be the first one to help his neighbor out, to lend that helping hand, and to truly care. In return, his faith is returned ten-fold as the town comes together to help George after his half-wit Uncle has quite the debacle. Again, with that "Capra Touch", the movie resonates just as much today as it did back in 1940's when it was released. People are so stressed out that we quickly lose sight of the more important things in life. How often do we feel that we are too small to battle the big-greedy Mr. Potter's of the world. George is the David and the Goliath hero of the story. Not too long ago the big-bad-banks were crushing us under their power and greed - they still do as a matter of fact... Too bad we don't have more George's in the world! If you haven't seen the movie - where have you been!? Go immediately and watch it!
According to the IMDb Trivia, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, also starring Jean Arthur as the leading lady, was originally intended to be the sequel to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. However, Frank Capra made two independent movies that quickly became instant classics. You can definitely see the resemblances of the two films within each of the respective productions. Both leading men in each production tackle the small-town upbringing against the power-crazed entities that each film champions the leading men against. Providing plenty of heart, challenging societies roles against moral values, and everyone's favorite - pitting the underdog against a big conglomerate keeping us on our toes and batted breath for the outcome.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town stars Gary Cooper as Longfellow Deeds, a small-town man with a big-time heart. I adore Mr. Cooper's tall presence, strong demeanor, and his passionate eyes. He has quickly become my favorite "silver screen" male actor. What I love most about this movie was Capra's angles of catching the every-day within the movie. How Mr. Deed's talks on the phone with "Babe" (Jean Arthur) and how Babe passes time in the office with her editor practicing magic tricks; they nearly steal the scene and you forget all about what it really going on in the movie. I love Mr. Deed's character in the film because even though he is from a "small-town" he remains true to himself and his morals.
The movie starts with Mr. Deed's inheriting a fortune from the unfortunate death of his wealthy uncle. However, there are other's trying to stake their claim for the money through out the movie as well. Not only other relatives but lawyers are involved too! Especially the lawyers that had been dealing with the fortune prior, seek-out Mr. Deed's to inform him of his inheritance and to help him with this new-found fortune. But, are they really out for his best interest? I did enjoy Lionel Stander'sportrayal of Mr. Cobb, an associate of the law firms to look after Mr. Deed's. Everyone quickly labels Mr. Deed's as a simple-minded man and nearly write him off, but Mr. Cobb sees his true-heart and strong-mind and respects the man he's now friends with.
Jean Arthur enters as Babe Bennett, much like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, she's a tough-as-nails newspaper reporter after her daily-bread story. In Mr. Deed's Goes to Town, the story has been hard to write because Longfellow Deed's is a quiet simple man that hasn't created too much of a stir in the big-bustling city of New York. So, with the promise of an entire month vacation - with pay - she sets out to get the story by directly placing her in Mr. Deed's life. He quickly falls for the vixen and chaos ensues when he proposes, learns of her true identity as the reporter who's been writing about him, he's left hurt and betrayed by the one person he truly trusted since entering the crazy big city lifestyle.
Understanding the severity of the fortune, Mr Deed's decides to help the less fortunate after an intrusion by a desperate man in his home. He decides to give away the majority of the money to those that have lost the most during those desperate times, the farmers. He has an elaborate, well-thought out plan that they start to implement but is short-lived as he's ordered to court, by the very lawyers that sought him out. Of course, the power-hunger and deceptive nature of the law firm is the driving force of their actions. They don't want to lose the money because of the ill dealings with their book keeping abilities. When Deed's wants to give away the money, they go ballistic and have him tested for insanity.
Mr. Deed's goes silent after the devastation he has experienced; first with the heart-break of Miss Bennett and then with the blow from the lawyers. What I liked most about this tact was a devotion I studied once (Proverbs 17:28) and quoted by President Abraham Lincoln "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Brainy Quote. What this refers to in the movie was how when Mr. Deed's was accused, he remained silent - letting everyone else speak and accuse him, letting them all look the fools. Then, when he spoke the levity of his wisdom and comparisons could not be argued, and he proved that he was not the proclaimed simpleton, he was in-fact an intelligent man who was no more insane than the most respective of the attendees there.
Overall, I can easily understand how this is revered as a classic film. It is also another Frank Capra films that are rich with depth, involving moral aptitudes and societal debacles. It is just as relevant today as it was in the 30's when it was released. As such, in 2002 the remake "Mr. Deeds" with actors Adam Sandler as Longfellow Deeds and Winona Ryder as Babe Bennett brought the story back to life. Much like Frank Capra, Adam Sandler also likes to reprise roles and use actors he has previously worked with in other films. I truly believe Mr. Capra was a visionary and a man way before his time. What he has created are deemed classics because they are as relevant today as they were decades ago. We see the media and how it twists and turns truths just to glorify their ratings all the time - media manipulation isn't anything new by far. It also displays how manipulative law can be, and how it can be persuaded easily to benefit their own greedy agendas; instead of protecting the innocent, the laws are manipulated grotesquely for the benefit of the wicked. Another aspect of the movie that I loved is that the law in-fact did prevail and Mr. Deed's did come out on top, truth prevailed! If you haven't seen this movie, definitely check it out.
I'm actually two months behind on My Year With Capra Challenge, however I think it's a great challenge and after the New Year I tend to get caught-up. We all get busy this time of year, let alone I released my second book and have been promoting it. So, Here is the first posting from the challenge, the next movies in the line up are Mr. Deeds Goes To Town and It's a Wonderful Life.
First I would like to thank Stevie Nowinsky for the challenge of following the original writer, producer, and director Frank Capra for the year. Capra is best known for It's a Wonderful Life (1946)and today's spotlight Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). There is a list of Capra's movies in the sidebar that I will be reviewing throughout the following year. So check it out and let me know what you think by liking the posts, commenting and sharing. I'm looking forward tot his challenge and I hope that you are too!
Harvard Film Archive depicts Capra as the first director who perfected the "common touch" which is portraying the characteristics of spirited and the "pluck" of the underdog against great odds (The Capra Touch, 2014). This is obvious in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The great odds against Mr. Smith definitely defines him as the underdog against, what seems, insurmountable circumstances. I can definitely see how this is a timeless classic and is relevant today as much as it was in the late 30's when it was released.
Interestingly, Washington insiders were angry at the movie and Capra's allegations of such corruption of Government. Europe's fascist states banned the movie, some theaters played the movie repetitiously before the ban went into effect (IMDb, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia). Even during it's time, the movie showed people how real politics work and it is disheartening; especially if you have such belief in the system, as Mr. Smith did in the movie. We want to believe that government is "for the people" but what Capra, so cleverly showed us, was that it's not all what we're shown.
Within the first minutes of the movie, Capra molds the concept that those elected into their positions are manipulated there; certainly still evident today. Behind the manipulation, "the Taylor machine" which the movie refers to as one man with money (equaling power) who is dictating who and what is going on; and mainly for his own profitable gain. The corrupting and evil Mr. Taylor is portrayed by Edward Arnold, who is no stranger to Capra films having also been cast in Meet John Doe (1941)and You Can't Take It With You (1938); also starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. But, it's no surprise that once you find great talent, as a genius behind the lens, to recast like-minded brilliance; much like this day and age directors Kevin Smith and Adam Sandler, who probably took this from Capra's playbook.
James Stewart brings to life the American Hero Jefferson Smith. The All-American Ranger from an unspecified state, but one that you want to relate with, someone you want to believe in, and someone full of valued morals. Stewart did a marvelous job conveying this boy-next-door-all-grown-up character Mr. Smith, who led his local "Boy Rangers" organization and led his fight for the male youth of the country. Interestingly enough, "[according] to the New York Times, "the Boy Scouts of America objected to having any part in Mr. Capra's reform movement," and [Capra] therefore had to use the fictitious name of the Boy Rangers" (IMDb, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia).
What is great about Smith being Capra's underdog in this film, is that he's demanded by the people. With such demands, from the Governor's own children, he goes against The Taylor Machines demands and elects Smith for office. Once he is in office, a family friend Senator Paine also helps Smith to claim his title and "The Silver Knight" helps to welcome Smith to Washington. However, soon enough Smith finds out that not all friends have your best interest in mind. Senator Paine, trying to get Smith off his heels and to direct him toward his new role, instructs him to start his plans to introduce his bill into senate for the male youth.
Jean Arthur portrays the cynical Saunders who has been jaded by the corruption she has seen through her job. Arthur originally did not like Stewart for the role of Jefferson Smith, she wanted a previous co-star for the role, she felt Stewart wasn't masculine enough for the role (IMDb, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia); however this isn't evident when watching the movie. Saunders depiction of Smith starts to change when she realizes he's the rare exception to politics; he's the real thing. I love the scene when they are talking about the view coming out of the tunnel, you can see this is when the cynical Saunders picture completely starts to change. She is a key character to Smith's stand in the Senate. She helps him to form and write his bill that he submits to Senate and aides in his filibuster.
What's an underdog movie though without a little romance? It's evident in the movie, not only is Smith the underdog for Senate, he's also the underdog in love. He fumbles, looses speech, and seems to lose his brain functionality all together when in the presence of a beautiful woman. Capra's shot of Smith meeting Miss Paine (Senator Paine's daughter) for the first time, could be viewed as a directional mistake; the shot is of Stewart fighting with his hat while attempting to converse. However, quite the contrary. I believe this is a great depiction of demonstrating the ordinary within the extraordinary. During a time when Smith's character is experiencing, something he thinks is outstanding, Capra captures the everyday and the ordinary within the scene; his classic "common touch" as mentioned previously.
Smith is so enamored for the Miss Paine, who has been recruited by The Taylor Machine (including her father) to divert Smith's return to Senate after his bill was purposed. The key glitch within Smith's proposition is the land on which he wants to build. This land is already in another bill that has been going back and forth in Senate in the acquisition of a dam; the dam that Mr. Taylor will gain greatly from. Once Smith finds out the truth, he wants to stand up for what's right. Unfortunately, The Taylor Machine derails his attempts. Senator Paine himself, who Smith considered a family friend, purposes the unthinkable and attacks Smith's very character; politics at its truest form.
The battle in Senate goes from different bills to the diversion of Smith's dismissal. During his trial Smith, shocked by the lies and forgeries, leaves. During his downtrodden and disbelief, he flees to The Lincoln Memorial. Here he reconnects with Saunders who had left her position after the maneuver by Miss Paine to deflect Smith from his attendance in Senate. There's an endearing scene where Saunders is having a few with her good friend Diz Moore (Thomas Mitchell), where we see further how she's falling for Smith against her cynical beliefs. This is a pivotal scene though, she's able to rejuvenate Smith's plight and helps him to head into battle armed with her knowledge that she's acquired.
Something so disheartening to myself was the disconnect for myself as a woman. I'm sure it was acceptable for the time the movie was released and depicts our history. However, Senate was comprised of nothing but males. It was as if females were not even allowed on the floor. To the point that they even had squires, young boys who were more involved and more valued than a woman counterpart. But, this also gave me a more endearing connect with Capra, for his betrayal of the knowledgeable Saunders - who had to coach Senator Smith from the sidelines. To further demonstrate the old adage - behind every great man is a woman telling him what to do.
One of the seemingly minor characters that gives such an outstanding performance that takes notice, is President of the Senate (Harry Carrey). Who seems to enjoy Smith's zest and 'pluck' that he gives the floor to Smith, when the rest of the Senators are calling for his immediate termination. In this action Smith begins his filibuster to the great exhaust of himself and Senate. However, as Capra so ingeniously written, that Smith's passion was either driven by truth or mere craziness. It points out that someone wouldn't go to these extremes if he wasn't innocent. Another interesting factoid "During Smith's filibuster, he mostly sticks to improvisation and reading from historical documents (The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, etc). However, during one scene (immediately following the montage of the dueling newspapers), he reads from the King James Bible, specifically the "love passage" in 1 Corinthians 13" (IMDb, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia). This was another great adage from Capra, the presence of God within government. It also saddening that it seems this is all too absent from politics today (but that's just my belief, as Americans we have the right to our own opinions and beliefs - however, the country was founded on the principles found within the Bible - too bad they're not represented in government today).
Another great example of Capra's common touch and life lessons within the movie was how the guilty rarely make eye contact. There were a couple scenes where Smith is trying to get the eye contact of the man stabbing Smith in the back, Senator Paine, and Paine refuses to make eye contact. I've experienced this within my own life, in a court room and unable to get the eye contact of the person who wrongfully accusing me of something preposterous. Eventually Paine, through the tireless devotion and conviction of Smith, buckles and ends the filibuster by finally telling the truth on the Senate floor - after nearly 24 hours of Smith's determined pleas of the Senate. The only thing that I didn't like about the movie was the abrupt ending after the filibuster's end. Apparently there was more the ending as stated on IMDb "Originally, the ending was much, much longer. It included scenes such as [Smith] going back to his home state and given a parade (with Saunders); the Taylor machine being crushed; Smith on a motorcycle and stopping to see Senator Paine; forgiving him and everyone going to see Smith's mother. It was cut after a preview audience's response. Some of the footage can be seen in the theatrical trailer" (IMDb, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia).
Overall, this is a movie I think everyone should see. Capra shared real characters with his timeless ability and shares their experience in a way that we are cheering along with everyone else by the end of the movie for beating the odds. Especially in our time when most people would not stand up against the odds as Smith did. You want to believe in the time when good triumphed over evil, when righteousness triumphed over the government and you want to believe in the relationship and development of Smith and Saunders - although, it would have been nice to see a bit more of it. But, Capra did a fabulous job of hitting the highlights and giving us a true gem to cherish and for future generations to come to watch and experience as well.
In Capra's Own words
"I left the Lincoln Memorial with this growing conviction about our film: The more uncertain are the people of the world, the more their hard-won freedoms are scattered nd lost in the winds of chance, the more they need a ringing statement of America's democratic ideals. The sould of our film would be anchored in Lincoln. Our Jefferson Smith would be a young Abe Lincoln, tailored to the rail-splitter's simplicity, compassion, ideals, humor, and unswerving moral courage under pressure. And back we went to Hollywood to get to work on Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The panic was over. It is never untimely to yank the rope of freedom's bell." (The Capra Touch, 2014)
Well, what have we learned? If you are going on a season-long rescue mission for a particular character... when the troupe went on the mission to find Sophia, what happened? Yeah, well now they've reached Beth and for a millisecond you think "Yay, everyone's back together" and before you know it Beth wanted to go balls-to-the-wall; which I'll go more into detail later. I'd also like to say, for the mid-season finale it was slow. There were definitely some great scenes but, I felt like most of this episode could have or should have been in the episode before the mid-season finale. Either way, for me this was an extremely sad episode and it was even maddening that the Story Sync wasn't functioning for the first half-hour. But, what-eves... Now we have to wait until February 8th of NEXT YEAR - boo!
This episode starts off with Rick chasing after the escaped cop and literally running him down. However, Rick did give him fair warning. Do I think he did anything wrong, absolutely not. As usual, the group doesn't listen to Rick and then he has to clean up the mess. Why can't the group just listen to Rick? It was a shocking scene when Rick actually hits the cop. I agree with The Talking Dead when they say how "Rick's done". Rick has it right though, he gave him the warning, he gave the cop plenty of times to stop and he didn't - it was a great scene especially when Rick says "Shut up".
There are a couple characters that I'm done with! Father Gabriel; He was stupid to leave the the church, he was even more stupid to lead the school herd back to the church, and he was the biggest douche for endangering Judith. Abraham; after the last episode where he went catatonic he was irritating and his alpha BS attitude really gets under my skin. Tyreese; I've mentioned this through out this season how much Tyreese has changed (not for the better) and how much I fracking hate him now! He's the reason that they didn't listen to Rick and just do a stealth mission, and he's the reason that Sasha let her guard down and the cop escaped. He even said as much to Sasha this episode when he was talking about how he could have killed Martin (when he was alone with him and Judith) but, he didn't (he made another bad decision). I would have gladly have rather one of these a'holes to have died rather then Beth!
When the walkers are at the church and it's just Michonne and Carl to fight off this herd, seeing her grab her weapon again was sweet! They were able to escape and then end up trapping the walkers back in the church. They're waiting outside like "now what" when the walkers start breaking their way out and Carl's like "where do we go?" and then a great scene is when the Firetruck from Glenn's group arrives to block the doors. Michonne informs Maggie that they've found Beth and then they all go to Grady to join the rescue mission.
There was a lot of Beth and Dawn in this episode. I felt that Dawn sincerely liked Beth, she thought she was weak but when she learned that she wasn't Dawn sort of cared for her more. While Beth never let her guard down with Dawn, and rightfully so. There was an intense fight between Dawn and another douche-cop where Beth helps and ultimately saves Dawn. After this, Beth is in the room with Carol (who's still asleep) and Dawn tries to talk to Beth to let her know she's on her side. Right at the end of that scene Carol's waking up.
Perspective
Meanwhile, across town Rick is in negotiations with two cops to exchange the two they have prisoner for the two in their hospital; Carol and Beth. The next thing you know they're being led into the hospital by the two officers and the negotiations between Dawn's group and Rick's begin. They first exchange Carol and one of the other cops and then Beth. Like I said, when Beth reached the other side I let out a breath of relief, I really had been holding my breath because there were so many theories out there that Beth was going to die and I was really hoping that she wouldn't because I really grew to love her character.
Then, when Dawn wanted Noah back, I knew something was going to go down. Even more so when Beth went face-to-face with Dawn I knew it was coming and was yelling "NO!" After, I thought maybe Beth was thinking that Dawn wasn't going to let her go either. You could tell by Dawn's face too that she truly didn't mean her slip-trigger reaction to being stabbed. I have to say though, seeing Daryl cry and carry Beth's body out made the tears run - so sad. And FINALLY, Maggie shows emotion for her sister! How horrible though for Maggie; I think now she wasn't really considering her sister because she still has to deal with her father's death and she really didn't know if Beth was alive or not. Then, to get the news that she's alive only then to go to reunite with her and was too late. I think everything hit Maggie just then as she broke-down - so, so sad.
R.I.P Beth Green
Remaining Questions:
It was asked on Talking Dead how the group will deal with this and will they leave Atlanta now? Kirkman said that if you read the comics then you'll know where they're heading (basically). So, we know they're going still going to head north. I think, from what I've read, watched, and have heard that they'll try to rebuild and they'll come across a community where they'll try. In the comic though it was full of Walkers and they decide to leave (if I remember correctly). Also, the group comes across a new character (which Kirkman also hinted toward) who will lead them to a safer zone (sort-of). I'm dreading this because it's when Negan is introduced... Kirkman was also asked about Daryl and if he'll ever find love (saying it nicely), he just commented that Daryl's A-sexual and introverted. He did discuss the hype around Daryl being gay and it seemed that's what Kirkman originally wanted (perhaps like Jesus in the Comics?) but, since the internet blew-up about it it seems that they diverted and they'll just leave it as a mystery (because he didn't directly answer the question either) - Thanks Robert!!
This is the last "build-up" episode before the mid-season finale next week, we get to see all of our favorite characters, especially Rick - I know a lot of people will be thrilled that he's back on the screen. While I absolutely love this season, I think this episode had the most scenes that I didn't prefer. Not that they weren't great in their own right, I was more pissed I think at certain characters or developments. I don't know if I'm the only one that feels this way but, this season Tyreese has really gotten on my nerves. I use to think he was this power-house kick-ass vital ally, now I just think he's a whole huge pile of psychological mess.
Carol's still unconscious...
When Rick was going through the plans to rescue Beth and Carol, it sounded great and it was getting pumped up. Then, Tyreese had to open his big mouth of spouting stupidity! What surprised me even more was that Daryl agreed with Tyreese. Maybe they're tired of killing people - but, I would have thought after their dealings with the Termites, they wouldn't be so trusting of the Grady Hospital cops. I'm just saying - if Noah told them everything, then why are they messing around with these people? THEN - because Tyreese unleashed his un-apocalyptic word spasms and now he has endangered his sister. Why would she trust this guy, because his name is Bob? I thought Sasha was wiser and stronger tan that. But, it just shows us that no matter how mad-ass we think the characters are, they're still fallible...
Eugene comes-to at the end of the episode...
What I loved about this episode, of course the return of Rick - but, not the Ricktatorship that we all love. He did a great job of voicing his ideas while letting the rest of the group voice their opinions as well. However, I think the only reason he went with Tyreese's plan was because Daryl pussed out. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Daryl fan!! I was surprised Daryl was so pro-life this episode but it could be too because he's thinking more of Carol and Beth - and the anti-hero babble of if I save these lives, then maybe Carol's and Beth's can be saved as well. But, I MUST say - the scene with Daryl in the very gross skin-melting walker yard was very intense - let's put it this way, I'm hoarse from screaming!
Now, Sasha's knocked unconscious...
The other scenes included Glenn heading off with Tara and Rosita, they found more water and creatively went fishing. Maggie stayed behind with the unconscious Eugene and the ridiculous Abraham. I loved her in this episode, just wish she'd care about where her sister was but, she was a hard-ass and I love that side of Maggie. While Beth fought for Carol's life at Grady. There was a touching scene that was full of feels when Beth just wanted to let Carol know she was there - I felt like it's setting us up for Beth's end though. My question is, Dawn gave Beth the key for the medicine cabinet and told her that she didn't even trust the doctor with it. Then, when she was asking the doctor what medicine to give Carol, he figured out she had the key and warned Beth about Dawn... so, does Dawn want Beth as an ally (which is what I'm leaning toward) OR is she setting Beth up? Not to mention Father Gabriel and his 'escape', he's another one that's having too many psychological problems.
I've read and heard on a couple different sites where people are complaining that there isn't enough RICK GRIMES in the episodes. So, those people should be happy that they got a little eye candy with a flashback scene (very brief) in the beginning of the episode when Rick send Carol away. There were a lot of flashbacks in the episode too of Carol, what she did before the prison attack, her and Tyreese burying the girls bodies, and Carol after she destroyed Terminus. There was also a lot of reflections between Daryl and Carol, life before the zombie apocalypse and life now, how different they are - great scenes. I really loved their interactions this episode!
Carol & Daryl following Hospital car reflecting ~
Everyone was also trying to say that in the previews, the body Daryl puts into the fire was Beth - wrong. When their car runs out of gas Carol says she knows a place about three blocks away. When they get there it is a temporary housing place that her and Sophia had stayed in very briefly when they were trying to escape her abusive husband. However, pre-apocalypse Carol couldn't feel she could survive on her own and went running back to her husband. While they are there they hear a noise and go to investigate, this is when they come across a mother and child Walker (in a room). Carol goes to take care of them but Daryl stops her saying "You don't have to." It was evident in this episode how much he cares for her. When it's his watch, he takes care of the Walkers and burns their body, putting the body in the fire.
It was great seeing Carol and Daryl working together, they have a relationship that I enjoy watching, they don't have to talk to communicate and work well together. Although, they did talk a lot, which I loved. When they're making their way through a building again, there were two little scenes when you see someone is following and watching them - "Hunt or be hunted" Yikes! When they make their way into a place where they take a little rest to restock and talk more, they keep mentioning and comparing their lives from before to after and Daryl is all about starting over. I can't say how much I just love their relationship and I LOVED Daryl's take on the "Rich Prick's Painting" in the room, Carol comments "You don't know me" to which Daryl replies "Yup, you keep tellin' your self that" LOVE IT! When they're exiting the room they are greeted by a disgruntle Noah, who takes their weapons and leaves them to fend off some Walkers. Carol was going to shoot him and Daryl stops her.
While Daryl and Carol had been looking at the Atlanta landscape (in complete destruction) Daryl spotted the van hanging off of a bridge with the white hospital crosses on it and he believes it's a lead. For me, knowing that the van was going to fall off the bridge I was dreading it and when it was happening I was literally screaming "are you bleeping crazy!" They survived and some of the walkers even fell on top of the van after it crashed below. They're pretty beaten up though but, they're the definition of survivors, so they keep pushing forward. When they're making their way through another building (Carol mentions they're only a few blocks away from Grady Memorial Hospital) they run back into Noah. He messes up big time and a book shelf lands on him, trapping him there while a walker is pressing to get through the door it had been blocking. There is a fantastic and tense scene between Daryl and Carol. She wants them to save Noah and Daryl says no because he already saved him once and he stole their weapons... He lights his cigarette he found and starts to walk away. When the Walker gets through the door and lands on top of the shelf - you think it's going to rip into Noah, Carol is there and goes to help him when Daryl's bow zings into the walker's head. One of the guests on Talking Dead had a better perspective, Daryl was helping Carol to believe that there is more to this life, that it's worth living because before they had talked and she had mentioned and seemed disapointed that they weren't saving people anymore - he wants her to believe that they have something to live for.
Once they help Noah, he's flipping out how the people from the hospital are going to find them. This is when Daryl asks and Noah reveals that Beth helped him escape. Carol see's a car pull up and they go to escape when Carol is hit by the car and taken. Daryl goes to run after Carol and Noah stops him, Daryl asks "What's it going to take" and Noah explains how they have a lot of people and weapons. Daryl says so do they. Daryl and Noah make their way back through the city and trucks out of there. The last scene of Noah and Daryl driving, you can just see how much this is killing Daryl... Beth was taken and now Carol too!
Say It Isn't So - Only 2 Episodes Left!!
Overall, this was another great episode. I think I've mentioned a couple times how much I love Daryl and Carol. It actually hurt to see her get hit and to see how upset it made Daryl. This has all been leading up to the mid-season finale. A lot of people have been harping on AMC, the writers, producers and whomever else, about the timelines of this season so far. But, I think they've been doing a phenomenal job. They are the best with story development. I think it they went the route that most people were expecting - once, it would be expected and therefore boring and second, if you've been a fan of the show then you know it's not their style. They are way above any other program out there with their delivery and mastering their crafts. We're all spellbound and continue to be with this series.
If you read the comics, this episode wasn't a big shocker. Nonetheless, AMC still does an excellent job integrating their unique script with the comics making it greatly enjoyable for our viewing pleasures. It was a slower episode but, it's one of those episodes that's needed to keep the story progression moving forward with the timelines and so forth. We get to see Abraham's back story, this side adventure of their group, and for those of you that haven't read the comics (you might have already guessed it before) but, there was a stinger at the end of the episode.
Glenn & Maggie getting a clue about Eugene...
What I liked about this episode was watching the group dynamics. I never really liked Abraham in the comics and while I think the actor portraying him does a fabulous job and nothing against him, I still don't particularly care for Abraham. I think tactfully, he's a great guy to have in your group (if he can get his head together). I think one of my problems with him is that he's so incredibly alpha, he has way too much testosterone or something. I get it, he thinks he's fighting for what's right blah blah blah - but, I think the worst decision he's made was to split from Rick and the group and I've hated him ever since.
So much for their wheels...
The bits from the comics to the screen, Abraham and Rosita's dynamics finally show and how Eugene likes to watch. There was a great scene where Tara totally busts Eugene and they have a nice chat, I like that they're becoming friends. I'm also glad that Eugene finally let the cat-out-of-the-bag too! I hope now they'll return to Rick and regroup! I really liked Tara in this episode, she's growing on me. I liked how they showed how to boil water (that was pretty cool). I also liked seeing Maggie & Glenn's intimate moment. It still frustrates the hell out of me that Maggie doesn't think or talk about her sister more.
When Abraham first meets Eugene...
Great scenes this week included a traumatic bus crash and the group fighting their way out of the surrounding walkers. When they find the Fire Truck and Eugene actually kills the most Walkers in this episode utilizing the trucks hose. What I don't understand, in the comics Abraham's family were raped by the group they were with and Abraham kills them - so, why does his family run away from him and are scared of him? Because he brutally beat them to death? I just don't get it, I do get that everyone's different. I just know if I knew the men in my group not only raped me but my young children, I would have brutally beaten them too! Whatever.
What will Abraham do without a mission...
My number one question after watching this episode: is Eugene alive!??! The other questions we are left with are who's with Daryl and I'm really looking forward to seeing next weeks episode with Daryl and Carol (which I'm pretty sure it's Noah with Daryl). I'm really looking forward to seeing Carol and Beth whoop some ass at this Hell Hospital that they're in too. What I hate - is that the mid-season finale will be here before we know it - boo!
