The Walking Dead episodes with 100% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes
By Renee Hansen
AMC's The Walking Dead series concluded with 177 episodes across 11 seasons which aired for 12 years. The pilot episode, "Days Gone Bye," is one the best introductions to a series in television history. This episode drew viewers in and the first scene set the tone and alerted viewers that this series was no ordinary "zombie" show.
Bases on the comic story created by Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead series had many highs and lows, as does any long-running series. Throughout its run many characters met their demise, some of these divided the fandom due to the nature of the deaths and popularity of the characters. The brutal deaths of Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz) and Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) at the hands of Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) was so horrific, as they were bludgeoned to death with a barbed wire wrapped bat, Lucille, many fans stopped watching.
Across the 177 episodes, there were many episodes fans didn't like, but the good outweighs the bad. Below are the episodes from the entire series, which have a 100% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Walking Dead highest ranked episodes
"Days Gone Bye," season 1, episode 1
Written and directed by the series' first showrunner, Frank Darabont (The Mist), the pilot episode introduced hero Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who awakens from a coma to find the world altered beyond his comprehension. He immediately sets out to find out what has happened and to locate his family.
"Better Angels," season 2, episode 12
Written by Evan T. Reilly & Glen Mazzara and directed by Guy Ferland, this episode shows the group that nowhere is safe from the undead and reveals vital information about the spread of the virus. The death and reanimation of Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) proved to Rick that what Dr. Jenner (Noah Emmerich) of the CDC told him was accurate: we are all infected.
"Seed," season 3, episode 1
The season 3 premiere episode was written by Glen Mazzara and directed by Ernest Dickerson. This season marks the introduction of the prison, a place Rick's group sees as a haven after being on the run for many months.
"Walk With Me," season 3, episode 3
This episode, written by Evan T. Reilly and directed by Guy Ferland, introduces Michonne (Danai Gurira) and Andrea (Laurie Holden) to the community of Woodbury led by the Governor (David Morrissey). Andrea is reacquainted with a familiar face, Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker).
"Say the Word," season 3, episode 5
Greg Nicotero directed this episode written by future showrunner Angela Kang. Rick is inconsolable over the death of Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), while Michonne, still in Woodbury, begins to questions the Governors actions.
"When the Dead Come Knocking," season 3, episode 7
This episode sees Michonne arrive at the prison after fleeing Woodbury. Written by Frank Renzulli and directed by Daniel Sackheim, this episode also features Glenn and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) as captives of Merle and the Governor at Woodbury.
"Clear," season 3, episode 12
A familiar face reappears in this episode, written by Scott Gimple and directed by Tricia Brock. While on a mission to locate a baby bed for Judith, Rick, Michonne, and Carl (Chandler Riggs) encounter Rick's friend Morgan Jones (Lennie James).
"Infected," season 4, episode 2
Another episode by Angela Kang is directed by Guy Ferland and sees Rick and the group come against an illness that infects many people within the prison. Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) finds two infected residents burned to death in the courtyard.
"No Sanctuary," season 5, episode 1
Written by Scott Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero, the episode finally reveals the true nature of Terminus, a place that was thought to be a sanctuary. Carol (Melissa McBride) takes things into her own hands and saves the group.
"Strangers," season 5, episode 2
This episode introduces Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) who takes the group on a scavenge run which ends badly for Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) when he encounters the survivors of Terminus. Written by Robert Kirkman and directed by David Boyd.
"Self Help," season 5, episode 5
Written by Heather Bellson & Seth Hoffman and directed by Ernest Dickerson this episodes features flashbacks of Abraham's life and sees Eugene (Josh McDermitt) admit that he isn't a scientist.
"What Happened and What's Going On," season 5, episode 9
Written by Scott Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero this episode sees the group mourning Beth's (Emily Kinney) death and takes an artful turn in the death of Tyreese.
"Remember," season 5, episode 12
Written by future Tales of the Walking Dead showrunner Channing Powell, the episode is directed by Greg Nicotero. Rick and the group arrive at Alexandria. They are all on alert, as things appear to be too idyllic in the community that has been sheltered by walls.
"The Bridge," season 9, episode 2
Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and directed by Daisy Mayer this episode sees the communities join to repair a bridge that will facilitate trade between them. In an accident at the construction site, Aaron (Ross Marquand) looses his hand.
"Warning Signs," season 9, episode 3
A mysterious disappearance threatens Rick's plans for the future in this episode written by Corey Reed and directed by Dan Liu. Another key bit of information from this episode is that Jadis/Anne (Pollyanna McIntosh) admits to Gabriel she has been trading people for supplies.
"Stalker," season 10, episode 12
Written by Corey Reed and directed by Dan Liu, Hilltop is attacked by Alpha (Samantha Morton) and her Whisperers, aided by Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). By the end of the episode Negan kills Alpha, in a plan orchestrated by Carol.
"One More," season 10, episode 19
One of the season 10c bonus episodes written by Jim Barnes & Erik Mountain and directed by Laura Belsey, showcases Father Gabriel and Aaron on a supply run where they are put to the ultimate test by a stranger.
"On the Inside," season 11, episode 6
Written by Kevin Deiboldt and directed by Greg Nicotero, this episode features Connie (Lauren Ridloff) and Virgil (Kevin Carroll) as they become pawns in a game of cat and mouse with feral humans in a haunted house.
"No Other Way," season 11, episode 9
Maggie and a group battle the Reapers at Merdian for stores of food in this episode written by Corey Reed and directed by Jon Amiel. Back at Alexandria, Aaron and others fight a storm that rages through the community.
"The Rotten Core," season 11, episode 14
Written by Jim Barnes & Erik Mountain and directed by Marcus Stokes, this episode finds Maggie helping Aaron and Gabriel on a rescue mission. At the Commonwealth, Sebastian (Teo Rapp-Olson) forces Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Rosita (Christian Serratos) on a dangerous mission.
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