The Walking Dead 1009, 1010 preview: Classic horror, surprises galore

What Fans Can Expect

Here’s my honest opinion: 1009 and 1010 are brilliant episodes featuring top-rate performances from beloved characters. There is drama. There is tension. There are tears. And there is blood.

If you’re a casual fan, you’ll enjoy the episode.

If you watch the show because you enjoy horror, you’ll be elated.

If you’re like me and you watch the show as an escape from the dull monotony of every day life, you’ll love it.

If you’re a shipper or if you’re devoted to certain characters, I think you’re going to struggle with these episodes and the writing will almost feel like a betrayal. I don’t think you’ll like these episodes. That’s my honest opinion. I respect shippers because your passion is admirable. I love the energy you have for your ships. The performances are brilliant, but these will be divisive episodes for a large swath of fans, particularly shippers and character devotees. (Case in point, as many of you know, I’m not a shipper but there were some decisions with certain characters that left me scratching my head. I’m hoping for clarity in future episodes of 10B)

For the first time ever, I spent a lot of time thinking about how certain moments are going to impact the TWD Family and it makes me feel a bit uneasy when it comes to what these episodes set up for the rest of the season.

That said, from an entertainment perspective I absolutely loved these two episodes and I’m excited to see what’s coming. The stage is set for the Whisperer War and beyond, and as much as I want to see what’s about to happen next it’s the “beyond” that I’m really eager to see.

The Walking Dead returns February 23 at 9pm on AMC.