We here at WDF are once again going to try to keep up with episode reviews as Season Five progresses, though we're going to do them in a slightly different format. Instead of a play by play that we're sure can be a tedious read after you've already watched, we'll give you a more standard review format. This way, it's less spoilery (although not completely devoid of spoilers) for those who haven't had the chance to watch yet.
Season 5 Episode 1: No Sanctuary
As promised, the episode opens with our friends still stuck in that train car they were imprisoned in at the end of Season 4. Straight away, we're treated to a flashback of the current Terminus leadership locked in train cars themselves, talking about how they led baddies there. Oops, looks like they previously lured in a few nasty bears with their "Sanctuary for All" signs. While the flashbacks were very welcomed (we desperately needed to know the back story on the Termites) and YAY TEAM for not leaving us in the dark there, one can't help but wonder if there could've been a more graceful way to go about it than "Then" and "Now" titles. Regardless, just a small gripe about otherwise spot-on segments.
Everyone knows by now there wouldn't be a Season 5 (much less 6, congrats team on being renewed) if the group didn't make it out of Terminus alive, so it's not so much of a spoiler to say they do, and without a single casualty as was predicted (a major death right out of the gate would have spoiled the long awaited reunion, particularly since it's just been a few "tv days" since Hershel died). Carol finally gets her day as the hero which did a lot to rehab her character after last season's Stabby Carol. It's funny how fans can predict things so well even if they seem unlikely; many were predicting she would ride in on her white horse to save the group at the last minute of the prison conflict... she didn't do that but she did eventually come to the rescue in a big, booming way. Rick's question to her afterward ("Did you do that") was amusingly slightly reminiscent of Steve Urkel while underlining the fact that even in this ZA world, one person can still make a surprisingly huge impact. The chaos she caused was impressive to say the least, yet worked in a believable way.
The emotional reunions were expertly played; this coming from a pack of people who don't like to overly praise actors. The sense of relief and joy emanated from Reedus' face and body language, mirrored again by Lincoln in the reuniting of the Grimes family and briefly by Sasha and Tyreese. By the end of the episode, we not only understood what had just happened and why, but felt an overwhelming satisfaction. One could almost walk away imagining our heroes linking arms and trotting off into the sunset together, and be happy with that conclusion to the series... but then we're baited into what's soon to come by the reappearance of a character who is incredibly beloved for the short amount of screen time he's had. MORGAN! His long rumored return is here! We are confident in saying we were not the only ones gleefully cheering (and loudly, to the chagrin of our neighbors) at his dramatic unmasking.
This episode was very well paced, with what wasn't jam packed full of action being more than intriguing enough to hold just as much attention as the scenes that were. You might worry that they can keep up to this standard, but we have the faith. It was overall a very fulfilling premiere, worthy of it's conclusion to a cliffhanger yet providing of sufficient nuggets to chew on for next week. We can't wait to see what's in store for our band of survivors next!
A note to any powers that be that stumble upon this: The complete synopsis of this episode was leaked prior to the airing. It was taken with a grain of salt since those are so often faked, but it was none-the-less a completely accurate play by play. Time to take out the branch trimmers and take off some fingers!
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