Producer: AMC
Writers: Scott M. Gimple, Matthew Negrete
Director: Greg Nicotero
Featuring: Lauren Cohen, Michael Cudlitz, Ethan Embry, Tovah Feldshuh, Danai Guirra, Corey Hawkins, Lennie James, Andrew Lincoln, Sonequa Martin-Green, Melissa McBride, Norman Reedus, Michael Traynor, Steven Yeun and thousands of zombies……
Release date: OUT NOW!

Who is Rick Grimes? That’s the central question swirling around the season six premiere episode of The Walking Dead, “First Time Again.” Is Rick (Andrew Lincoln), leader of a post-apocalyptic survival group, a soulless killing machine, or a father doting on his baby? It’s no surprise that what Rick is, is complicated.

Rick’s group is ensconced in Alexandria and they find out why the area has avoided walker incursions: thousands of the undead are trapped in a quarry. For fans who tune in just to see gross makeup, the episode is a smorgasbord, especially the zombie parade led by Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus). Rick plans to move them out of the area, but is resisted by town member Carter. There’s also a side story involving Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun), a now-repentant Nicholas (Michael Traynor) who attacked Glenn last season and newcomer Heath (Corey Hawkins), all going to kill some walkers that could threaten Rick’s plan.

Interestingly, on a table and next to Rick’s battle map is a copy of The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido. One of its themes is the real warriors strive to prevent slaughter. Or as Rick puts it, “This is an insane world. We have to come for them before they come for us.”

Acting as Rick’s conscience are Daryl and Morgan Jones (Lennie James), the first survivor Rick encountered in episode 1. “We got to get to know each other again,” says Morgan. He reminds Rick of what they’ve become. “I’m a killer. And you are too.” But ultimately after seeing Rick eschew executing Carter for plotting to assassinate Rick, Morgan says, “You’re still the same man I met in King County.”

The episode moves steadily and director Greg Nicotero uses black and white to distinguish between the present and flashbacks so there’s no confusion. The initial shot of the undead-filled quarry is terrifying. And the dialogue by writers Scott M. Gimple and Matthew Negrete is tight and full of meaning and subtle metaphors. “That’s how it is, isn’t it?” says badass Michonne (Danai Guirra). “You always think there’s one more peanut butter left.”

The Walking Dead formula seems to be, come for the zombies, stay for the story. And even after six seasons it’s alive and running and very, very undead.

And all this from one long-running, expertly written and drawn comic book of the same title…..

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker