Season 6 of 'The Walking Dead' was not a consistent one, better certainly though than what came after, but the season's first three episodes "First Time Again", "JSS" and "Thank You" started it off on a brilliant note. Making one truly excited for what was to come with their uncompromising tension, edge of the seat excitement and emotion, the action and tension of all three and the ending of "Thank You" left me reeling a long time after.
With it being a comparitively unconventional episode, it would be easy to dismiss "Here's Not Here". If so that would be a shame, actually think it a wonderful episode in its own way and up to the previous three episodes' high standards again in its own way. "Here's Not Here" may not be a story advancing episode as such, it has been described by a few as filler but personally wouldn't go as far as that, and can see why some may feel it was a mistake to place the episode immediately after a big, shocking one with an indefinite major event (would have placed it an episode or two later myself but this is just me writing out loud). It is still superb in quality and it does do different brilliantly, unconventional should not be considered a bad thing. It does a lot right and even if it didn't work for me it would definitely not be given less than a 5/10.
"Here's Not Here" is slower in pace compared to the previous three episodes, something of a slow burn. Personally didn't think it was ever dull at all and the acting and character interaction especially were what kept it alive. It's a quieter episode, being light on action and blazing intensity and going for being retrospective. Actually found this change of pace compared to what came before refreshing and necessary, one has got to have some kind of break after the amount of tension from before. It is also more intimate, focusing on less characters and providing development for one in particular, a character compelling enough to warrant it. Thought that was a welcome choice as well, and for me "Here's Not Here" is proof that it can do slow-burns, intimacy and quieter atmosphere equally as well as the more suspenseful, tense, immersive and action-packed episodes so long as it focuses on a character interesting and likeable enough to carry it.
That is the case with Morgan, he is developed vastly here (even if "Here's Not Here" is not necessarily story-advancing, it's certainly character-advancing) and it's handled poignantly and thoughtfully. It adds a lot to him and makes one feel differently about him. Equally intriguing is the character of Eastman and their relationship drives the episode, the thing that was essential for it to work, and is done in a way that intrigues and has depth. Lennie James and John Carroll Lynch, in one of the show's best guest star turns, give tremendously powerful performances as well.
Visually, the grit and audaciousness is still there with some beautifully and cleverly composed photography too. Have no issues with the writing or direction either.
Overall, unconventional but powerful. 10/10
With it being a comparitively unconventional episode, it would be easy to dismiss "Here's Not Here". If so that would be a shame, actually think it a wonderful episode in its own way and up to the previous three episodes' high standards again in its own way. "Here's Not Here" may not be a story advancing episode as such, it has been described by a few as filler but personally wouldn't go as far as that, and can see why some may feel it was a mistake to place the episode immediately after a big, shocking one with an indefinite major event (would have placed it an episode or two later myself but this is just me writing out loud). It is still superb in quality and it does do different brilliantly, unconventional should not be considered a bad thing. It does a lot right and even if it didn't work for me it would definitely not be given less than a 5/10.
"Here's Not Here" is slower in pace compared to the previous three episodes, something of a slow burn. Personally didn't think it was ever dull at all and the acting and character interaction especially were what kept it alive. It's a quieter episode, being light on action and blazing intensity and going for being retrospective. Actually found this change of pace compared to what came before refreshing and necessary, one has got to have some kind of break after the amount of tension from before. It is also more intimate, focusing on less characters and providing development for one in particular, a character compelling enough to warrant it. Thought that was a welcome choice as well, and for me "Here's Not Here" is proof that it can do slow-burns, intimacy and quieter atmosphere equally as well as the more suspenseful, tense, immersive and action-packed episodes so long as it focuses on a character interesting and likeable enough to carry it.
That is the case with Morgan, he is developed vastly here (even if "Here's Not Here" is not necessarily story-advancing, it's certainly character-advancing) and it's handled poignantly and thoughtfully. It adds a lot to him and makes one feel differently about him. Equally intriguing is the character of Eastman and their relationship drives the episode, the thing that was essential for it to work, and is done in a way that intrigues and has depth. Lennie James and John Carroll Lynch, in one of the show's best guest star turns, give tremendously powerful performances as well.
Visually, the grit and audaciousness is still there with some beautifully and cleverly composed photography too. Have no issues with the writing or direction either.
Overall, unconventional but powerful. 10/10