Review of The Walking Dead season 9 episode 1: A New Beginning

Overall impression of TWD 901

This episode wasn’t quite what I expected it to be. I anticipated there would be a time of peace and prosperity, showing off everything the survivors fought for and focusing on the positive things following the conclusion of All-Out War.

Instead, the season 9 premiere went an entirely different route. It bypassed the happy times with rebuilding and working out how the communities will help either and instead jumped to show some of the things that will likely fall apart during the season.

I was not looking forward to a conflict between Maggie and Rick this season, but watching it unfold during this episode changed my mind. The tension is already huge, with Maggie sending a big message by hanging Gregory instead of imprisoning him as Rick did to Negan. Plus, the scene with her saying it’s time for him to follow her was a great and powerful callback.

For as flat as All-Out War was for me, this premiere gives hope that season 9 will be more dynamic and involved despite all the negative attention surrounding the exit of Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan. It should be able to overcome those losses and still be strong thanks to an amazing cast.

As a whole, this wasn’t what I thought I wanted from the premiere, but I enjoyed it immensely anyway.

EPISODE GRADE: 9.1/10

What did you think of the season 9 premiere of The Walking Dead? Was it what you expected it to be? Did you enjoy it or did it fall a bit flat for your liking? Let us know what you thought of “A New Beginning” in the comments section below!