Welcome back Walking Dead

For starters, I'm saying good showing. The series may just pick back up. The writing shined and finally we get some Michone depth. However, a buddy of mine had been steadily convincing me of his dislike of Carl, and there were plenty of moments that upheld that view.

Most of Carl's rant at Rick felt off and awkward. I tend to throw more sympathy to him in his quiet human moments. The way he took time to wipe his eyes and compose himself before standing did more for his characterization than all of that yelling combined, save for the ultimate line, and clearly the point of the speech, "I'd be fine if you died." It feels like the actor can't quite sell the role when it's switched into an animated presence instead of a reactionary one. He's got some room to grow, though. There was enough he carried in this episode to warrant reserving final judgement. I'm on board through most of his interactions with a conscious Rick.

The direction, especially Michone's seamless dream/memory, was spot on. Glad they took the risk on devoting so much screen time to a more artistic moment in the first episode back. Hope that portends more to follow.

Carl's overly long, backwards walk, to  lure the two zombies "attacking" the house away, and his baffling reticence to using the lawn lamp to spike the zombie attacking him in the house, stretch the new credibilty that's attempting to be cast on him. It's a writing/direction flaw that overall lessens my view of the character. Tighten up Walking Dead, and you just might survive the season. Keep up at this pace and I might kill you off in favor of something more appetizing. Up to you.