Season 4 Episode 12 - Still [AMC] [SPOILERS]

NUTZZ

Season 4 Episode 12

'Still'

Airdate March 2nd on AMC, March 3rd on FOX (UK)

Faced with the day-to-day survival of life outside shelter, a simple request by someone in the group leads to a bizarre but enlightening mission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6u8hIa3AIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMTvNw0ehc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOzTVhUBnPw

Cork boy 55

Here at link is a non-spoilery review by SpoilerTV:
review is pretty positive.

http://www.spoilertv.com/2014/03/the-walking-dead-412-still-preview-boy.html

Hank Scorpio

Liked this abit more than the previous episodes, voted a 7

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Beautifully written episode. Best episode of The Walking Dead to date, and probably one of the best episodes of television - somewhere in the top 20 in my opinion.

I'm sure I'll be in the minority, but f**k it, I've never given a monkeys about having a popular opinion anyway. 10/10 for me, quality viewing.

gungun

Think my biggest annoyance with this episode was just how easy Beth was drinking that moonshine, I mean surely that has a fair slap off it, but a pretty decent episode if that was one of the main things wrong with it. Her wrecklessness kinda annoyed me at the start too but I guess it wouldn't be entertaining if everyone was too careful :pac:

Also Starring LeVar Burton

gungun wrote: »

Think my biggest annoyance with this episode was just how easy Beth was drinking that moonshine, I mean surely that has a fair slap off it, but a pretty decent episode if that was one of the main things wrong with it. Her wrecklessness kinda annoyed me at the start too but I guess it wouldn't be entertaining if everyone was too careful :pac:

Ha, yeah I agree with you on that bit. I've had Poitín on many occasion and it has a mighty kick off it... She should've made this face after her first swig - :eek:

expectationlost

they could have played 'im having the _time of my life_' when they were sloshing that moonshine around, sounded a bit like it

wandatowell

Quick question.

At this stage how long ago was the outbreak?

Would I be right in guessing a year and a half or there abouts

StaticAge11

wandatowell wrote: »

Quick question.

At this stage how long ago was the outbreak?

Would I be right in guessing a year and a half or there abouts

http://www.wetpaint.com/walking-dead/articles/2014-01-06-timeline-how-long-zombie-apocalypse

bigneacy

I didn't enjoy that episode at all. Thought it started well and ended well but the middle part was just typical 'Walking Dead filler'. Next weeks doesn't look all that good either tbh.

degrassinoel

10/10 here too, brilliant episode.

That outburst needed to happen since sophia in the barn. Finally we found out what Daryll did before the apocalypse!

ricero

7 out of 10. im surprised he didnt lob the lad into her when in the cabin. Beths as good as dead soon enough

LandoCalrissian

Too late Daryl you're in the "friend zone" now

Good episode though really enjoyed it

thegreengoblin

This episode just didn't work for me. I appreciate the quieter, more reflective moments as much as anyone but this was so hit and miss. Okay we got to find out more about Daryl and his revelatory scene was genuinely moving and brilliant. When he said he felt responsible for Herschel's death, the writers really found their mark. But Beth simply isn't a strong enough character for Daryl to bounce off properly. I know the Daryl/Beth thing has been hinted at but it would have had far more impact for me if he was talking to Rick or Carol maybe. It would just lend it more weight.

I don't think it was anywhere near the quality of writing we saw in the episode 'Clear' from last season where Rick came across Morgan again. And I can't help thinking that this was basically a little gift for the legion of Daryl fanboys out there.

There's only four more episodes left this season, I think the show needs to get the group back together as soon as possible.

Liamalone

A steaming pile of pish that was. Filler, filler, progression of storyline was minimal. O dear, the end of season finale is going to be what? The group coming back together? Finding Sanctuary? Series getting the chop?

expectationlost

thegreengoblin wrote: »

This episode just didn't work for me. I appreciate the quieter, more reflective moments as much as anyone but this was so hit and miss. Okay we got to find out more about Daryl and his revelatory scene was genuinely moving and brilliant. When he said he felt responsible for Herschel's death, the writers really found their mark. But Beth simply isn't a strong enough character for Daryl to bounce off properly. I know the Daryl/Beth thing has been hinted at but it would have had far more impact for me if he was talking to Rick or Carol maybe. It would just lend it more weight.

the mismatch wasthe point, beth trying to fight against her lightweightness was the point, daryl sharing with a lightweight like beth was the point

thegreengoblin

expectationlost wrote: »

the mismatch wasthe point, beth trying to fight against her lightweightness was the point, daryl sharing with a lightweight like beth was the point

And my point was that it didn't work.

MagicMarker

Decent enough episode.

Also Starring LeVar Burton wrote: »

Beautifully written episode. Best episode of The Walking Dead to date, and probably one of the best episodes of television - somewhere in the top 20 in my opinion.

thegreengoblin

Also Starring LeVar Burton wrote: »

Beautifully written episode. Best episode of The Walking Dead to date, and probably one of the best episodes of television - somewhere in the top 20 in my opinion.

I'm sure I'll be in the minority, but f**k it, I've never given a monkeys about having a popular opinion anyway. 10/10 for me, quality viewing.

Each to their own but I find that an amazing statement :eek:

leggo

Liamalone wrote: »

A steaming pile of pish that was. Filler, filler, progression of storyline was minimal. O dear, the end of season finale is going to be what? The group coming back together? Finding Sanctuary? Series getting the chop?

People either cry out that the characters aren't developed enough or that it's filler. They literally can't win. The only way his show could get unanimous rave reviews was if it wasn't popular and people thought they looked nuanced and enlightened by telling people that they watched it...

Also Starring LeVar Burton

thegreengoblin wrote: »

Each to their own but I find that an amazing statement :eek:

I know what I like and that's the sort of episode I like.

pixelburp

Did that episode advance the season arc? No, it didn't. Did it shed some light on two hitherto paper-thin characters, giving them much needed depth and richness? Absolutely, and for that alone the episode must be considered a winner because various scenes felt emotionally legitimate, heartfelt & touching. Beth was a non-entity for most of her time on the show and she sorely needed some personality. What I liked was that ultimately her motivation was pretty simple: she just wanted a drink, damnit. All things considered, I can respect that. Her tearful admission of a wish to see her Dad grow old, surrounded by grandkids, was perfectly acted and a dozen times more tragic than any sacrificial death or dramatic cliffhanger could ever manage. Equally, her stony-faced statement that she simply wasn't equipped for this new world & would likely die soon was a terrible thing to hear her admit.

As for Daryl, well for all the fandom that has grown around him, there has been little actual characterisation that could be called substantial, and like Beth this was a chance to get under his skin a little. Too often he's the aloof badass, and while that's all very exciting from an action point of view, it gets very dull after a while. Show me a human being. His drunken rage that turned into tears and remorse that he couldn't save the prison or Hershel was a welcome development.

That said, my patented 'TV Trope Alarm' went haywire when Beth commented that Daryl was "going to be the last man standing". Jeez, she might as well have said "nothing can possibly go wrong" for equal effect. I hope I'm wrong but it felt like a horrible piece of foreshadowing to me...

And as I've said many times before, props to the show for the little details and stories that linger in the background: what was going on in that golf club before Daryl & Beth turned up? It looked to have turned absolutely nasty. Few shows can boast such rich world-building in its own set dressing.

ardinn

When are they gonna screw?

Wake_Up_Donnie

8/10. I really enjoyed this episode. It was nice to have more depth added to Daryl and Beth. I thought the bit at the end where they put up their middle fingers to the burning house was a bit juvenile though.

thegreengoblin wrote: »

There's only four more episodes left this season, I think the show needs to get the group back together as soon as possible.

100% agree. The show's not the same with everybody separated.

Wanderer2010

A very weak episode which is a shame because it started off so well but Beth is a really poor character and I have no empathy for her whatsoever, she just cant act as well as some of the other main characters and thus I dont really care what happens to her. Herself and Daryl just look clunky and awkward together which diluted Daryl's much needed release of his pent up emotional trauma and anger- the scene where Beth hugs him as he is crying is cringe-inducing instead of moving, the scene where Beth storms off looking for drink (wtf kind of stupid reason is that to risk your life), just comes across as her being a spoilt brat throwing a tantrum.

But the biggest flaw in this episode is the series of nonsensical and downright stupid decisions Beth and Daryl make- firstly, any golf club would have its bar on the ground floor therefore a few seconds looking in the windows to see which room it was would have saved them a tonne of time (and effort) but no, they had to go in the long way, clearing rooms of walkers, upturning old grandfather clocks and generally doing all the dumb a** horror movie cliches like backing into an unfamiliar room or presuming a walker is fully dead when stepping over them- surely by now its not too much to expect our survivors to have a modicum of common sense- they had ample time to check out the perimeter before the walkers descended. And they just walked out the door when they finally got to the bar so it wasnt even that hard to find, Jesus what a pair of idiots. :rolleyes:

And as an add on to that point, what did they even leave the club? After all that effort to clear the rooms, they could have holed up there another few days and found some food and water after making a barricade- to just flee like that after Beth had a moment over the drinking seems stupid. And what exactly were they expecting to find in that shack- bar the drinking, the place wasnt exactly secure and a few walkers would have torn down the doors. These little things combine to irritate me and takes away from the genuinely atmospheric location of the golf club (which should have been used more).

I think by now they are dragging out the second half of the season until everyone somehow convenes on Terminus which will no doubt harbor a deep dark secret about the virus/world/survivors etc and leave us hanging until October. Come on TWD, you can be great when you want to be, enough with the very slow fillers...

pixelburp

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

[...]the scene where Beth storms off looking for drink (wtf kind of stupid reason is that to risk your life), just comes across as her being a spoilt brat throwing a tantrum.

What else are yo going to do though? Look at it from her point of view: what she had thought was a bastion and somewhere safe to live was utterly destroyed; she watched her father get beheaded; as far as she knows her sister is dead, along with the rest of what she'd come to call a family.

I'm guessing they've been on the run ever since the attack on the prison and tbh if that were me I'd damn well want a drink myself - and god help any walker between me & that bottle. Her sudden outburst felt genuine & pretty human to me, real 'end of your tether' stuff. Walking Dead's characters have been known to make stupid decisions, but at least this one felt like it was born from pure exhaustion & exasperation, rather than scriptwriting idiocy.

pookiesboo

Just another episode of Beth being hopeless (you'd think she's be able to protect herself at this stage) and Darryl is still scowling,(well he is stuck with Beth.) I know they're building a 'will-they won't they ' but there's zero chemistry between them. The sticking up the fingers at the end was pretty cringe. What happened to this show?!
Note to writers : GET ON WITH IT

Washington Irving

Ending was a bit corny for my tastes, but overall a good episode. I won't argue with people's criticisms as they are mostly fair. I don't mind letting it slide this time due to the character development of Beth, which was much needed if she is to stay alive for the long run (or to be sacrificed at the finale for an emotional punch), and Daryl, the fan favourite. Just so long as it doesn't become a regular thing I'm happy.

Slattsy

Was that the worst episode ever??
Awful stuff. Show is a zombie.

youngblood

As a long time fan of the Walking dead this was the first time I was compelled to comment on this thread about how awful that episode was.

Fingers crossed for drastic improvement

MagicMarker

TBH the only redeeming factor for the episode was Daryl showing some emotion, without that it would have been a complete turd.

Flippyfloppy

Gave a five, nice episode in itself but when you consider there's only four left in the season. Last being the usual tense cliffhanger

Nolars

3/10 they are dragging it out wayyyy to much they could of got Daryl emotions out in half an episode.

Trebor Gluck

Steaming pile o shoite. Gave it 3

gavmcg92

An all right episode. Nice to get a glimpse in to Darryl's past. However, preferred last week's episode to this one, which I gave a 7... so for this it was 6/10 for me.

NufcNavan

That was utter sh*te.


And LOL @ some of the fanboys' attempts to try to somehow describe that as a decent episode. It was awful.

Sudden Valley

The characters actually seem more boring now in their small groups then they did together. I think I'd be more a Beth than a Darryl in an apocalyptic scenario- looking for a drink rather than skinning and eating snakes.

Mr.Prodston

I really enjoyed that episode and think that Beth has really grown this season....maybe I've lost the plot considering a few of the opinions here.

I get people want to see where the overall story is going and that its all a little bloated but that was a beautiful stand alone story that I'm glad was told.

I'm probably in the minority for enjoying these little side stories before they meet up again. I thought last weeks episode was great too. In saying that it'd be nice to see the overall arc picking up soon.

Grimebox

Also Starring LeVar Burton wrote: »

Beautifully written episode. Best episode of The Walking Dead to date, and probably one of the best episodes of television - somewhere in the top 20 in my opinion.

I'm sure I'll be in the minority, but f**k it, I've never given a monkeys about having a popular opinion anyway. 10/10 for me, quality viewing.

I'd love to know what else is in that top 20!

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Grimebox wrote: »

I'd love to know what else is in that top 20!

West Wing - Two Cathedrals
Lost - The Constant
Angel - Hero
Doctor Who - Blink
Various episodes of Stargate, Star Trek, The Wire, The Sopranos, Oz, Battlestar Galactica, Breaking Bad. To name but a few. I've never actually done out a list.

I can imagine our tastes vary vastly Grimebox, as your opinions are always the polar opposite to my own, but as I've said before...

I'm sure I'll be in the minority, but f**k it, I've never given a monkeys about having a popular opinion anyway.

Nolars

Wait someone has an episode of lost in there top 20...

darrenw5094

Worst episode so far, but tbh, season 4 has been pretty boring all round. I can see viewers turning off, maybe not in their droves like with 'Lost', but surely some people will be moving on.

pixelburp

Wait, so the few of us who enjoyed that are fanboys? Haha that's rich; I wouldn't assume my posts here are in any way memorable, but anyone who has read my thoughts would hardly call me a fanboy. You can't win around here: criticise the show and people shout at you to stop watching if you don't like it; praise it when you think it's due and someone calls you a fanboy. Lol @ the internet

Walking Dead needs character development, it's crying out for some. Beth and Daryl had zero personality up until this point. The fanboys are the ones who have cooed over Daryls bad-assery or 'bad boy' good looks while ignoring the fact he's been a fairly dull enigma. Thank god for these interlude episodes that put some meat on the table. You can have all the nihilistic zombie carnage you like, but it doesn't mean squat if the characters trapped amongst it aren't rounded off. Otherwise it's just as I say, pointless nihilism.

maximoose

Well, I really enjoyed that episode.

It was different, and I was hoping that this would be the one where the separated groups meet up again - but I thought this ep was a breath of fresh air into two fairly stale characters.

tommy2bad

Didn't think it was that bad. It could have been done in a quarter of an episode and was padded to fill time but the contrast between Carl and Beth was nicely played. Carl's over confidence and Beth learning her strengths worked. As did Daryl's slow development towards respecting Beth rather than seeing her as a dead weight.
I would love to know the background to the golf club, I'm guessing it was depicted that way to emphasise that it's the living we need to fear not the dead walkers.
The big problem is the show has slipped into the pace of a walker, stumbling and shuffling along, then a spurt of speed and next thing you know it all over.

maximoose

Also, lastnight was the first time I noticed the name of the production designer in the credits

Grace Walker :pac:

whereto now

I enjoy reading these posts every week, I would have liked to know more about what had happened in the golf club too..... I think Washington will feature in the near future, it was talked about last week and Beth found that spoon which had Washington DC on it..... I don't read the comics so have no idea where the series is headed..... Some weeks are better than others but I'll stick with it... in for the long run now !!!

Leftist

well that was disappointing.

kind of getting a bit annoyed of the recent habit of zombies slowing down to a half arsed attempt when pouncing main characters.

there was a bit in it last night when a zombie basically tried to dance with the blonde bird in the golf club.

The show is about zombies, they shouldn't be some secondary burden.

5starpool

That episode was to Daryl what Episode 9 was to Carl essentially. They had both resolved to do things a certain way (Carl was sure he could do things on his own, Daryl was sure he just needed to do whatever to survive) but both came to the realisation that they need others to survive in a meaningful way.

It was far too stretched out for me, and they could have fit in a bit of the Maggie group in this episode as well rather than making next week mostly about them. I reckon Beth will die either before they get back to the group, or just afterwards. I was willing them not to do what it looked like they were shaping up to do (get jiggy), and I'm glad they didn't, yet at least.

I noticed Beth gave a long hard look at the spoon that said Washington DC on it. I wonder will they be separate for a while, and try to get to Washington, and then meet up with the others on the road to Washington, well after the others go to the sanctuary place and then leave to go to Washington with the scientist dude or something?

Yakuza

Leftist wrote: »

The show is about zombies, they shouldn't be some secondary burden.

I think you're missing the point of the show. It is about the survivors in a post-apocalyptic world that happens to be filled with zombies. There is a strong body of opinion that "The Walking Dead" refers to the survivors, not the walkers/biters/geeks/insert another TWD-universe word here.

This ep. wasn't bad, but just featuring two of the main characters was a bit annoying. They could have done what they did in half the time and shown what some of the other groups had gotten up to.

bogmanfan

I thought it was ok, but I don't think Darryl and Beth warrant a full episode to themselves. Better to have combined them with a look at what Glen/Maggie/Tyreese are up to. It seems clear they're building Beth up for her death pretty soon. She's had very little dialogue up to now, and all of a sudden they're trying to make us care for her. My money's on Beth dying before the season is out.