Pros:
Noah, in it for the long haul: I still think Noah is the reason Tyreese died, but he redeemed himself as a human being a lot this episode. He was a pretty good shot, saving the group many times. He joked about wanting to practice shooting on Aiden, which is pretty relateable. He asked about learning to be an architect. In general, he did pretty good things. His death was unnecessary, unless you count the fact the actor, Tyler Jesse Williams, got another acting gig. His notebook with the line, “This is the beginning” just added to how Noah was just about to make a break through and is gone too soon.
Abraham the Builder: Abraham was a BAMF this time around. He has had a rocky past, but this episode, and his new job, put him back in his element. He saved Francine (new lover alert!) when Tobin was a total puss, he got the rest of the group to follow him, and now he is in charge of building the wall. Bonus points for proclaiming “Mother Dick” before his major carnage scene, which may I add, included a mace. Ah, yeah.
Eugene the Coward: Eugene may be a total idiot, but he was an endearing one in “Spend.” He admitted he was a coward, but got some balls and got an ailing Tara out of danger, shot walkers on the way out, and basically saved Glenn (and Nick by default). He also refuses to leave without his group, despite the threat of death from Nick. Fuckin’ Nick. Eugene, you are an ok guy.
Sam the Sage: Sam, the little boy who has quite the sweet tooth, is pretty smart. When he keeps trying to talk to Carol and she won’t have it, he says “We don’t have to be friends; it just doesn’t have to be quiet.” I like that. I like it a lot.
Glenn: Glenn was a great leader. He tried. He is my favorite in the show right now, so maybe I’m biased. Noah’s death will surely have an effect on him. Poor Glenn.
Cons:
Too Much Gore: I’m sorry, but this episode was too bloody. I have never complained before, but I just thought it was cheesy this time. Ok, I’m not really sorry.
The whole run scenario, really: The run to get the Micro Inverters in general pissed me off. Why not try to kill the walkers while they were behind the gate? In the comics, stabbing walkers through a chain link fence is employed more often than not. If they had done that from the beginning, they may not have lost so many people in the warehouse. Aiden was a dumbass who got instant karma for continuing to shoot the Army walker. And Nicholas is a little selfish bitch baby. Boo.
Rick Grimes, defender of owl statues: So Rick’s patrol includes him finding Jessie cleaning up the remnants of the broken owl statue. His first question is if she has any enemies. He may have been flirting, but it sure didn’t sound like it. It is so obvs he likes her, which seems like a bad move being the new guy in town and all. When her husband, Pete, comes to pay Rick a visit and pretty much says “I know about you and my wife” without actually saying it, Rick toys with taking his wedding ring off. Later he does, and it feels a little soon to fall that quickly for this woman. All she did was cut his hair and hold his baby. I guess it is slim pickins in the apocalypse.
Kill ‘Em All!: Ok, maybe not all, but Carol’s first suggestion about Pete beating up Jessie is to kill him. Um? That is the first option? Not divorce? Couple’s counseling? A makeshift jail for domestic violence. Nope. Kill him.
Carol in general: Carol was a total b-word this episode. And for kind of no reason other than she is still salty for getting caught. Sam is just a little boy who wants cookies. Her attitude toward him was uncalled for.
Father Gabriel: Eat your strawberries, Judas. I cannot get over this guy. Does he not realize he would be dead without our group? Ugh. Maybe I’m bitter because he doesn’t turn on everyone in the comics.
Easter Eggs:
Abraham at the Wall: Abraham really does save a lady at the wall building that Tobin leaves behind. Her name was Holly. Then they banged and Rosita was sad. Bound to happen here, too.
Predictions:
Deanna doesn’t believe Gabriel: I’m sorry, but if someone knocked on my door and started telling me that Satan disguises himself as the Angel of Light out of the blue, I would tell them to take a hike. Deanna is nicer than I am, but she didn’t seem to really believe what he was saying. Let’s hope that is case. What she will do about it, I don’t know.
Carol: I think Carol might die. She is getting a little out of hand. She is the bad guy. I’m surprised Daryl hasn’t said anything yet. When he gets back, he might have to take matters into his own hands. I’m not saying he’ll kill her, but maybe a stern look.
Pete: Yeah, Pete will die though.
Other Things and Stuffs:
-Did we need a 3 second shot of Daryl and Aaron leaving to recruit? Can’t decide.
-In the song playing in the van, the woman says “You’re going to die” as the shot cuts to Noah shrugging. Yeah, I shoulda seen that coming.
-If you can’t shoot a walker in the head, shoot them Eugene style! First in the crotch, then in the head.
-What was that weird yelling when Father Gabriel leaves Deanna’s house? That was strange.
-I can’t tell if Deanna is mad that our group is better than hers, or if she regrets letting them in.
Music from the Episode:
The terrible dub-step song that Aiden played in the van on the way to the run is called “Internet Friends” by Knife Party.
Hush Comics gives “Spend” a C+ for too much gore, making “us” the bad guys a little too much, but for still making me care about people the second before they die.
All images belong to AMC and are credited to Gene Page.
Hush Comics 