The Walking Dead 9B preview: 909, 910 offer a bold new path

Adaptation and Omega

The best way to describe the Greg Nicotero-directed “Adaptation” without revealing anything is to say that it’s like the first day of a college class with a very enthusiastic professor who goes over everything in the syllabus and offers a little peek at what’s to come. By the second day of class, the professor takes a deep dive into the first lesson, and that’s what you get in director David Boyd’s “Omega.”

The tone in “Adaptation” (written by Corey Reed) is one of heightened awareness. We see the first moments after the attack in the foggy cemetery. Jesus is dead and there are people wearing walker skins out there. There is grief. There is disbelief. And there is confusion.

On the other hand, “Omega” (written by Channing Powell) has a wholly different feeling. The tension in 910 is palpable. While the immediate threat is still present, there’s time to seek answers and that means more of a narrative-driven story. Rest assured that “Omega” is far from a bottle episode, with several stories moving forward at the same time. (Side note, if we can forego the bottle episodes of yore and replace them with these kinds of episodes, I’d be all for it)

The Walking Dead cast elevates these episodes into something very special. Danai Gurira delivers an amazing performance as Michonne tries to balance being present for the Hilltop while also trying to figure out this new threat and how it might impact Alexandria. For fans who thought Norman Reedus’ Daryl had one of his strongest showings in 9A, be prepared for 9B to blow your mind. And Jeffrey Dean Morgan continues to show new and intriguing sides of Negan that will keep everyone guessing.

In addition to powerful performances from the cast, 909 and 910 offer several memorable moments from many of our beloved characters, including some really exciting pairings that will be fun to explore in future episodes.

Up next: Angela Kang delivers for fans in 9B