BACK IN JACKSON

Following on from last episode, the community in Jackson remains strong. Once again we get scenes of the community bonding, having meetings and working hard. It expands the already detailed Jackson from the game and the first episode of the season. Tommy holds a meeting warning the townsfolk of a possible horde attack, detailing the safety precautions needed in this kind of situation. It’s a heartwarming scene that reminds us that the show isn’t just about violence and infected, but rather humanity and love. This community is held together by strong leadership, but also by plain and simple humanity. It’s a contrast to the violent, inhumane infected that ravage the town later on.

We pick back up with Ellie, gearing up to go on patrol with Jesse. Their relationship is strong, one of comedic jokes and making fun of each other. They quickly realize however that because of an incoming snow storm that their isn’t going to be time to get back to Jackson, so they decide to wait it out in one of Eugene’s weed dens. It’s here we continue the story of Eugene and his death, something that wasn’t present in the game. Back in Jackson, eventually they spot the horde coming quickly to their town, so they strap in and prepare for battle.

THE HORDE

The absolute highlight of the episode is the horde attack that takes place in the second act of the episode. After a lot of buildup, nerves are high and the town is prepared for war. What follows is an incredible couple scene of fighting of the huge swarm of infected. There’s bombs, explosions, bullets, fighting, it’s everything you want from a show like this. The style in which Jackson fights reminds me a tad bit of old medieval styles, using barrels, rolling them down the hill and lighting it on fire, it’s a reminder of how far behind humanity and technology have digressed. The battle lasts for a long time, prompting Tommy to take to the main streets and fight a bloater. It’s a strong, scary scene that ends triumphantly for Tommy. The horde scene alone makes for breathtaking television, and it’s scale blows me away.

GOLFING

Is it a bit to soon to make the golfing jokes? Let’s get it out the way, Joel’s death is heartbreaking. It’s almost adapted one to one with the game, and it’s as visceral and violent. I have a hard time writing about how tense and heartbreaking it is because it’s something you really need to feel in the moment. You keep thinking that Joel’s somehow going to get up and win this fight, but nonetheless he stays down. When Ellie encourages him, we finally see him attempt it, moving, trying to get up an fight back, but then he’s put to rest in a way that’s way more violent than the game. Abby stabs him through the neck, and Joel dies in his own blood. It’s a sad, upsetting scene that is sure to get people talking. Ellie is left on the floor devastated, as she crawls over to his body, and cries in silence.

OUR VERDICT

Some absolutely stellar acting, production design, special effects and soundtrack enhance an already engaging and incredible episode of television. Joel’s death is actually improved upon in comparison to the game, and the horde scene is absolutely terrifying in every way possible. It’s been a while since I have been this engaged in a show, and it’s a huge improvement from last week’s somewhat slow episode.