Ranking the Best Episodes of The Walking Dead
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- DirectorErnest R. DickersonStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunRick and the group face imminent danger as The Governor tries to take the prison.Rating: 9.8
Plot
Rick and the group face imminent danger as The Governor and his army arrive to take the prison.
Review
The death of a main character in the most chilling way is the focal point here...but it's the onslaught that ensues afterwards that cements it's place in TV history. You'll feel their pain. - DirectorFrank DarabontStarsAndrew LincolnJon BernthalSarah Wayne CalliesDeputy Sheriff Rick Grimes awakens from a coma, and searches for his family in a world ravaged by the undead.Rating: 9.7
Plot
After being shot, Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes awakes to find the world overrun by the undead.
Review
Perhaps the greatest TV pilot ever. - DirectorGuy FerlandStarsAndrew LincolnJon BernthalSarah Wayne CalliesShane's antagonistic behaviour reaches new heights, while Carl suffers the consequences of his actions.Rating: 9.7
Plot
Shane's antagonistic behaviour reaches new heights, while Carl suffers the consequences of his actions.
Review
It had been coming, and it happened. One of my favourite characters reached their end and it proved to take the show to its next stage. That scene with Carl and Rick brings tears to the eye, the realism of the situation and the world they now live in really came to light. - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanRick is forced to face the past as he struggles to maintain the safety of the communities and protect the future he and Carl envisioned.Rating: 9.7
Plot
Rick is forced to face the past as he struggles to maintain the safety of the communities and protect the future he and Carl envisioned.
Review - 2010–202246mTV-MA9.2 (45K)TV EpisodeDirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunHaving been brutally overpowered by Negan and his Saviors, Rick and the group kneel helplessly as they suffer heavy losses that will haunt them forever.Rating: 9.6
Plot
Having been brutally overpowered by Negan and his gang of Saviors, Rick and his group kneel helplessly as they suffer a heavy loss, leaving everyone traumatised.
Review
Everything that happens here totally changes the dimension of the show. Not just the introduction of Negan, not just the death of a main character...but the desolation of Rick's being and confidence. - DirectorErnest R. DickersonStarsAndrew LincolnJon BernthalSarah Wayne CalliesAs the farm is overrun by walkers, the group fights to escape.Rating: 9.6
Plot
As the farm is overrun by walkers, the group fights to escape.
Review
Very eventful and exciting season finale, at that point the best. - DirectorMichelle MacLarenStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunRick, Carl and Michonne cross paths with the Claimers once again on the way to Terminus, as the so-called sanctuary begins to reveal its true face.Rating: 9.6
Plot
Rick, Carl and Michonne cross paths with the Claimers once again on the way to Terminus, as the so-called sanctuary begins to reveal its true face.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunCarol takes drastic action to rescue Rick and the group from the cannibals of Terminus as she and Tyreese reach the compound. A familiar face makes a return.Rating: 9.6
Plot
Carol takes drastic action to rescue Rick and the group from the cannibals of Terminus as she and Tyreese reach the compound. Meanwhile, a familiar face makes a return.
Review - DirectorLaura BelseyStarsNorman ReedusDanai GuriraMelissa McBrideThe four communities come together in celebration at the Kingdom's fair, but while some pacts are renewed, others come at a much steeper price.Rating: 9.6
Plot
The fair at the Kingdom is underway, with all four communities coming together in celebration for the first time in years, while some pacts are renewed, other deals will come at a much steeper price.
Review
An unexpectedly mind-blowing, world altering episode. Full of haunting visuals, a spot-on score and topped with an excellent juxtaposition between where the 'piked' characters were, and where they should've been. - DirectorLaura BelseyStarsNorman ReedusMelissa McBrideLauren CohanCarol takes Negan on a journey, hoping to minimize the increasing tension. Negan reflects on the events that led him to this point and comes to a conclusion about his future.Rating: 9.5
Plot
Carol takes Negan on a journey, hoping to minimize the increasing tension. Negan reflects on the events that led him to this point and comes to a conclusion about his future.
Review
Negan's story is handled beautifully, only adding to the complexity of his mentality and arc - providing glorious context to what made him the baseball bat swinging Negan we were first introduced to. It is, in essence, a love story, that transcends the worst of life before the apocalypse to build a stronger bond during it - adding some much needed humanity to TWD's most engrossing character. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's performance is one of heartfelt grief - authentic in its delivery, while the episode itself is powerful in its handling of his break-from-reality. - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunDaryl, Abraham and Sasha face-off against the Saviors. Back at Alexandria, Rick and his group make their way through the herd.Rating: 9.5
Plot
Daryl, Abraham and Sasha face-off against the Saviors. Back at Alexandria, Rick and his group make their way through the herd.
Review
What a way to make up for that under-par mid-season finale. One of the most brutal episodes produced. - DirectorJennifer LynchStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunWhile Rick and his group lure the herd away, Carol and Morgan lead a line of defense against the Wolves when Alexandria comes under attack.Rating: 9.4
Plot
While Rick and his group lure the herd away, Carol and Morgan lead a line of defense against the Wolves when Alexandria comes under attack.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunRick leads a surprise attack against the Saviors with the joint forces of Alexandria and the Hilltop. As two group members end up captured, Tara and Heath leave on a two-week supply run.Rating: 9.4
Plot
Rick leads a surprise attack against the Saviors with the joint forces of Alexandria and the Hilltop, as two group members end up captured.
Review - DirectorJeffrey F. JanuaryStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunWith Bob's life hanging in the balance, the group prepares to fight back against Gareth and his group of cannibals.Rating: 9.4
Plot
With Bob's life hanging in the balance, the group prepares to fight back against Gareth and his group of cannibals.
Review - DirectorLarysa KondrackiStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunRecovering from a devastating storm, Rick and the group find themselves mistrustful of a new survivor who promises them safety in a walled-off community.Rating: 9.4
Plot
Recovering from a devastating storm, Rick and the group find themselves mistrustful of a new survivor who promises them safety in a walled-off community.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnSarah Wayne CalliesLaurie HoldenWhile Rick decides the fate of Michonne, Merle takes matters into his own hand.Rating: 9.4
Plot
While Rick decides the fate of Michonne, Merle takes matters into his own hand.
Review - DirectorBilly GierhartStarsAndrew LincolnSarah Wayne CalliesLaurie HoldenRick, Daryl, Michonne and Oscar enter Woodbury in search of Glenn and Maggie. Meanwhile, a new group of survivors encounter the prison.Rating: 9.4
Plot
Rick, Daryl, Michonne and Oscar enter Woodbury in search of Glenn and Maggie. Meanwhile, a new group of survivors encounter the prison.
Review - DirectorGuy FerlandStarsAndrew LincolnSarah Wayne CalliesLaurie HoldenLori goes into labour when the prison comes under attack. Michonne tries to convince Andrea to leave Woodbury.Rating: 9.4
Plot
Lori goes into labour when the prison comes under attack. Michonne tries to convince Andrea to leave Woodbury.
Review - DirectorMichael E. SatrazemisStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunCarol has to cope with old secrets and Lizzie's psychotic behavior when she, Tyreese and the girls take refuge in a vacant house on the way to Terminus.Rating: 9.3
Plot
Carol has to cope with old secrets and Lizzie's psychotic behavior when she, Tyreese and the girls take refuge in a vacant house on the way to Terminus.
Review - DirectorMichelle MacLarenStarsAndrew LincolnJon BernthalSarah Wayne CalliesGlenn tells the rest of the group about the walkers in the barn, dividing them on what to do. Meanwhile, Hershel sets a deadline for the group to leave, unless Rick does a difficult task.Rating: 9.3
Plot
Glenn tells the rest of the group about the walkers in the barn, dividing them on what to do. Meanwhile, Hershel sets a deadline for the group to leave, unless Rick does a difficult task.
Review - DirectorBilly GierhartStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunCarol and Maggie must fight for their lives after being taken by a group of Saviors.Rating: 9.2
Plot
Carol and Maggie must fight for their lives after being taken by a group of Saviors.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanHilltop's leadership faces a difficult dilemma after the arrival of unexpected visitors; Rick comes face to face with an adversary.Rating: 9.2
Plot
Hilltop's leadership faces a difficult dilemma after the arrival of unexpected visitors; Rick comes face to face with an adversary.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunMorgan continues his search for Carol. Meanwhile, Rick and the group travel to the Hilltop with an ailing Maggie, leading to a daunting and life-changing confrontation.Rating: 9.2
Plot
Morgan crosses paths with a new group of survivors while searching for Carol. Meanwhile, Rick and the group travel to the Hilltop with an ailing Maggie, leading to a daunting confrontation with the man himself.
Review - DirectorMichael E. SatrazemisStarsNorman ReedusDanai GuriraMelissa McBrideA small rescue mission braves a dangerous herd in their hunt for a missing comrade, only to discover a surprising threat that could doom them all.Rating: 9.2
Plot
A small rescue mission braves a dangerous herd in their hunt for a missing comrade, only to discover a surprising threat that could doom them all.
Review
A well executed plot heightens the action and emotions and scares making for a tense episode, somewhat reminiscent of 'The Distance' and the introduction of Negan. - DirectorMichael SlovisStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunWith half of the herd out of control, Glenn and Michonne lead Nicholas and their group back to Alexandria, as Rick crosses paths with the surviving members of the Wolves.Rating: 9.2
Plot
Daryl, Abraham and Sasha continue to lure half of the herd away. Meanwhile, Glenn and Michonne lead the Alexandrians back to the safe-zone, as Rick crosses paths with the remainder of the Wolves' forces.
Review - DirectorRosemary RodriguezStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanRick's vision of a civilized future is threatened by a sudden reckoning with past sins that remain unavenged and unforgiven.Rating: 9.2
Plot
Rick's vision of a civilized future is threatened by a sudden reckoning with past sins that remain unavenged and unforgiven.
Review - DirectorMichael E. SatrazemisStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunWhile out recruiting, Daryl and Aaron find troubling signs of human activity. Back at Alexandria, Carl bonds with Enid, and the tension between Rick and Pete comes to a head.Rating: 9.2
Plot
While out recruiting, Daryl and Aaron find troubling signs of human activity. Back at Alexandria, Carl bonds with Enid, and the tension between Rick and Pete comes to a head.
Review
One of the greatest Rick moments of the entire show. - DirectorDan LiuStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanA new weapon in the Savior arsenal proves to be a giant hurdle as fighting continues between Rick's forces and those of the Saviors.Rating: 9.2
Plot
A new weapon in the Savior arsenal proves to be a giant hurdle as fighting continues between Rick's forces and those of the Saviors.
Review
Everything was getting too easy for Rick's crew and lets be honest, Ezekial's King act was beginning to get infuriating...he's finally been broken, and without Shiva he's finally just 'Some Guy'. - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunDaryl and Aaron cross paths with Morgan. Back at the safe-zone, the people of Alexandria decide what to do with Rick, as a new danger emerges.Rating: 9.1
Plot
Daryl and Aaron cross paths with Morgan. Back at the safe-zone, the people of Alexandria decide what to do with Rick, as a new danger emerges.
Review - DirectorDavid BoydStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunHershel struggles to care for the sick as the situation in the cell block escalates. Meanwhile, Rick and Carl defend the prison as the fences give way.Rating: 9.1
Plot
Hershel struggles to care for the sick as the situation in the cell block escalates. Meanwhile, Rick and Carl defend the prison as the fences give way.
Review - DirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunRick and the group come up with a plan to lure a massive herd of walkers away from Alexandria, while flashbacks show the events following Pete's death, including Rick's reunion with Morgan.Rating: 9.0
Plot
Rick and the group come up with a plan to lure a massive herd of walkers away from Alexandria, while flashbacks show the events following Pete's death, including Rick's reunion with Morgan.
Review - 2010–20221hTV-MA7.8 (16K)TV EpisodeDirectorGreg NicoteroStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanThe stakes continue to grow higher as paths cross; The group enacts an intricate plan as the saviors arrive in Alexandria.Rating: 9.0
Plot
The stakes continue to grow higher as paths cross; The group enacts an intricate plan.
Review
Exciting and elaborate, we finally receive some retribution for the dragged out season - and some sentiment too for those lost along the way. - DirectorJennifer LynchStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusSteven YeunEugene is forced to step up when a run led by Glenn goes awry. Back at Alexandria, Carol uncovers a secret.Rating: 9.0
Plot
Eugene is forced to step up when a run led by Glenn goes awry. Back at Alexandria, Carol uncovers a secret.
Review - DirectorMichael E. SatrazemisStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusLauren CohanNegan's unwelcome visit to Alexandria continues as other members scavenge for supplies; things quickly spin out of control.Rating: 9.0
Plot
Negan's unwelcome visit to Alexandria continues as other members scavenge for supplies; things quickly spin out of control.
Review
The Walking Dead reminded us of its brilliance after a long season. The shocking brutality of Negan built up tension like that only ever felt in some of the greatest episodes ever. With some straight from the comics material, this episode provided gore, excitement and anticipation for what comes next.