One thing that we can all agree upon, is that having our trust broken in a devastating manner or over and over again… changes us for a time. Because it hurts us deeply to have something so sacred, violated in such a terrible manner and that in turn prompts us to close off our ability to trust and it also motivates us to isolate ourselves from other people outside of our inner circle. Because if that’s all people are going to do is hurt us like that, what’s the point of opening up in the slightest? But eventually… we come to realize that being isolated in that manner, isn’t healthy and we eventually work to trust again but even then, such an act isn’t easy. For it requires work on our part and unique steps that aren’t immediately apparent to us. Making it something of a miracle when we do trust again since we seem to do it out of the blue.

Which does beg an important question. In that… what is it specifically, that motivates us to open ourselves up to the world and trust again? If anything, that’s a question that the next episode of The Walking Dead was happy to answer. For ‘The Distance’ is a story that established that Rick Grimes was done with trusting others, as was most of his group and rightfully so. After all, they put trust into people’s better angels at a critical time, only to have that trust be shattered in utter violence, and any trust they put into hoping for a better tomorrow at Terminus, was also violated. Since Gareth and his cannibalistic buddies preyed upon that trust and used it to their advantage and that cost the group dearly in the end. Not to mention, the sliver of trust they put toward Dawn to do the right thing… also evaporated before their eyes.

Which is why it made so much sense to see Rick treat Aaron as nothing more than a monster. One that made all the right promises but offered no immediate proof that such promises were legit and that led to one harrowing tale. Wherein Rick sent off his friends to see if Aaron was indeed telling the truth and where they all made a concerted effort to travel to his ‘camp’ at night to try and get the lay of the land on their own. That latter decision of course, ended in disaster. Since Rick’s call to use a different road that Aaron warned against, brought forth an onslaught of the living dead. So many in fact, that it is a miracle that anyone escaped with their life. But what mattered more here, is that seeing Rick be so gung-ho and nervous about being burned again… served as the perfect setup to answering that aforementioned question.

Because Rick’s wild and panicked behavior here, helped to remind us that sometimes the walls we put up regarding trust are incredibly detrimental in nature, and can keep us from seeing the truths we need to see when good is indeed right in front of us. So, if we lower that guard and look at the facts and the reality of the situation and objectively look at the actions of a good person asking us to trust them… we can see clearly that they mean us no harm and we can in fact, give them our trust. And that is a lesson that Rick applied here, since he finally lowered his guard and saw that Aaron didn’t lie to him in the slightest and met all of his conditions and terms. Which brought the group at long last, to the tiny little community of Alexandria, where warm sounds and a better tomorrow waited for the group behind the gates. All because Rick Grimes, learned to trust once again after being burned in the worst possible ways. 

Which makes this, quite the uplifting episode when all is said and done, which is funny… since so much of this story is mired in darkness and anxiety. For Rick really does ramp up the tension here with his behavior and of course, back in the day… we had no clue if Aaron was for real or not. But that ending wipes away all the ugly here and really does reward both the viewer and our characters. Because at long last, they’ve weathered the storm and come out of the other side for the better. And while their time in Alexandria has been full of ups and downs, the safety it provided from this point on and the consistency it gave so many, allowed for these characters to heal and grow and become so much more and now that we’ve reached the end of an ugly journey, the time has come to explore the next steps for these characters. Specifically… how they come back from the darkness and find their way forward with people around them once again. Until next time.

Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, we are going to go through some awful times in our lives. The kind that brings us to our knees emotionally and leave us devastated in unique ways. Sometimes that also can relate to our emotions and sometimes those dark times leave us with nothing more than the clothes on our backs. But that day will indeed come, and it will be difficult and painful to face and well, it is how we respond to that is paramount. For when this point in our lives arrives, we can either let the dark times consume us and be swallowed up by the seeming end of our world… or we can push ahead and do our best to try and put the pieces back together. Regardless of the odds that are seemingly stacked against us.

Of course, we will often choose the latter option and even then, the road back will be filled to the brim with so many setbacks and failures, that the former option once again seems worthwhile. But the vast majority of us, tend to make it through the madness and share our story with others to inspire them through tough times, and the word ‘hope’ is what we use to create that inspiration. But while it is wonderful to know that we find hope and use it to fuel us toward a better tomorrow, one does have to wonder… how we would recover from our darkest hours if by chance… there was nothing to return to. No second chances career wise or potential for something more. No hope really, and well, it just so happens that the next episode of The Walking Dead dives deep into that concept. 

A feat that ‘Them’ accomplishes, by putting Rick Grimes and his family through their darkest hour. For when we catch up with them, here… they are sixty miles outside of Washington D.C. and their voyage there has taken a grim turn. For the cars have broken down and the supplies they need in this part of Virginia are basically nonexistent. There’s no food. No water, and soon… the hope began to quickly fade. Because after spending several years lucking out left and right and finding shelter and what they needed… it really seemed as though their luck ran out here. To the point where this group was at their lowest and without hope and they quickly found themselves wondering if this was it. If this was life after all, where you just survived and nothing more. 

Which made for a bleak tale, one that only got worse as the minutes ticked along. But the arrival at a barn, changed all that. And informed us that if we were in a similar situation, where it seemed tomorrow was just another day in a hopeless cycle, it would be up to us to make hope come to life. Through an understanding that sometimes… a day of survival is a win, one that brings us one step closer to what we outright need. Or as Rick put it, be ‘The Walking Dead’ and do what must be done so you can properly enjoy agency and joy and peace when the hard efforts pay off. And one by one, they all fell in line with that edict and found what they needed and lo and behold, their darkest hour is indeed coming to a close.

For a stroke of luck, the kind that often gifts this group, saved them from being devoured by a small herd in the middle of the night courtesy of a brief tornado. And of course, Maggie and Sasha met Aaron in this tale. An introduction that would change everyone’s lives for the better for years on end and well, all of those elements made for one powerful episode. One that really went to dark places that zombie stories rarely do, but it was a necessity to break these characters. Because up until now, they haven’t earned their joy or their future, they’ve just been lucky and now they have to work to have what they want and that’s one hell of a story to tell, and it is one that leaves us eager for the next chapter of the journey. For what comes next, is a better tomorrow indeed. At least, for a little while… since growing pains come with building the foundation for the future. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Saloum’.
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One particularly difficult lesson that we all learn in our journey through life, is that revenge is quite the destructive act. For one’s desire to take part in it, can lead to their complete and utter downfall. After all, revenge is something that outright poisons us. To the point where it turns a person’s heart and soul dark and fills one with rage and that can isolate a good person and leave them mired in fury and darkness day and night and ironically… it provides us with nothing in the end. For if we do commit to it, it does not heal the pain or the rage, it merely completes a hollow act and leaves the conductor of the vendetta… broken and still consumed by the poisonous viscera they opened their heart and mind to.
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If anything, the prospect of losing oneself to revenge is so concerning to us… that a great many creative minds have taken the time to explore its dangers to create a cautionary tale. So that others can perhaps pull themselves back from the brink before they let it bring them down in a horrible manner. But what’s fascinating about stories and our conversations about revenge, is that we often forget to discuss its impact on the people around us. Specifically, how it can destroy relationships and harm others if we make the attempt to bring them into the darkness alongside us and well, it just so happens, that a brand-new horror film on Shudder… takes the time to explore that particularly uncomfortable and forgotten aspect of revenge and that makes Saloum, quite the powerful tale. 

One that at first, appears to be nothing more than a heist story. For we are immediately introduced here to the Bangui Hyenas, a group of mercenaries that have recently come into quite the fortune amidst a coup d’etat. But their cashing of that that fortune will have to wait. Simply because their escape vehicle, a plane, has been sabotaged. Forcing them to land in Saloum, Senegal and stay at a place that their leader, Chaka, knows of so they can lay low for a bit and recoup and recover before getting what they need to repair their plane. But sadly… this waystation is more than a place to catch their breath. It holds importance to Chaka, and he has brought his friends here to help with a revenge plot, one that will cost them more than they ever expected.

Which in turn, leads to that examination of how revenge can cause those we care about great harm. For the Hyenas are a close-knit trio of thieves, who have been through thick and thin together and being lied to in this manner and being forced to face the fact their friend has been consumed by revenge here… hurts them in stunning ways. To the point where their lives are on the line, all because Chaka has to have his revenge and well… that is an impactful way in which to explore how revenge can cause others harm and it also offers up, some fine commentary on the human condition as well. Since Chaka’s quest helps to explore the nature of trauma and how it is always with us until we find better ways to deal with it. But while that is indeed some powerful stuff to examine, it doesn’t really scream horror necessarily, in fact, that’s the kind of stuff that’s more grounded in drama.
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But have no fear, for there are horror elements present in this story. Since the place that Chaka and his friend have returned to… just so happens to be filled to the brim with an unspeakable evil, one that is awakened by the act of revenge and that leads to some horrifying visuals. Where people suffer greatly before passing into this great beyond and where others are transformed into unsettling soldiers of evil. The kind that are genuinely the stuff of nightmares through and through and those elements are solid for certain. Since they truly evoke some genuine scares with how quickly they descend upon our anti-heroes and others at the compound they visit, and these surprises also engage you. Since you’re quickly curious to learn more about the genesis of these nightmares come to life.

If anything, this is just… a refreshing horror film. One that just so happens to inject a little style into the mix as well, since early on, that heist story feel is further enhanced by moments that are slick and fun and kitschy. But make no mistake about it, this is a bleak and powerful story. One that takes the standard exploration of revenge to a whole new level, and genuinely surprises you along the way, and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait a minute longer to enjoy this magnificent movie. For Saloum is available to stream on Shudder right now and we here at NTG really do hope you give it a look. Because it really is just a wild ride, one that grabs hold of you and refuses to let go with its fascinating story and equally as fascinating monsters.  

One particular complaint that we often hear these days when it comes to storytelling on the silver screen, is that there just seems to be a lack of original stories on the market. Everything seems to be a sequel or a remake or everything is based off of a property we already know, and that in turn is keeping fresh stuff from hitting the market, and it makes sense as to why this complaint exists. After all, superhero movies rule the day and remakes and reboots, and the ‘reimagining’ are indeed all the rage since new frontiers in special effects are allowing for old ideas to come to life in new and magnificent ways. But while so many believe that this complaint is warranted through and through, it just isn’t correct since there is still original stuff to be found out there.
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For there are filmmakers working hard to create exciting new motion pictures that push the envelope and/or offer a story that no one has ever seen before, it just requires a little looking on our part to find them since everyone else is talking about and excited about the latest big-time release. In fact, it just so happens… that a brand-new horror film hits the market today that is about as original as they come. For Barbarian from 20th Century Studios is a scary story that has never been told before and manages to surprise the viewer every step of the way and it accomplishes those particular feats by outright taking the audience on a manipulative ride. For this is a story that at first glance really appears as though it is going to be a horror movie that preys upon a new fear. One created out of a growing concern in our world, specifically… the quality and safety of an Airbnb.

After all, when we meet Tess in this tale, she’s skeptical and stunned over the fact that her Airbnb is already occupied by a gentleman named Keith. Who while kind and inviting, leaves her nervous. For she doesn’t know him or his intentions in the slightest, and that concern, and Keith’s impish innocence… leads one to believe that we are about to be treated to a torturous horror film. One where Keith reveals his true evil nature, while providing us with lessons on exercising caution and how companies need to do better about providing and caring for their customers. But that’s where the story begins to slip into different territory. For Tess comes to learn that there is another entity within the walls of this house and her desire to know more about it… brings forth the real terror in question, and also the film’s refreshing surprise.

For the other entity in this home, is not what we expect it to be. Which means once that discovery comes into play, we are plunged into bold new territory for the genre. Where we are outright introduced to a new kind of monster for the ages. One that keeps us guessing at to its intentions and its origins and well… that makes for a supremely original story. The kind that is free of expectations and cliché and instead allows for an organic and nightmarish experience to unfold. Where you don’t see the twists and turns coming in the slightest and that in turn, makes you incredibly vulnerable as a viewer. To the point where you don’t know what to do but sit back and hang on for a ride that is also, supremely terrifying in nature. 
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For Writer/Director Zach Cregger does a wonderful job of preying upon our fears of the unknown, alongside others. Such as our fears of the dark, fear of strangers and unknown locations and situations. And those fears are incredibly amplified here and enhanced through simple and classic tricks visually. The kind that truly take you off guard and make you jump and squeal. Making this an impactful horror experience, one that is also rife with some fascinating commentary. The kind that speaks to how ignorant humanity can be to the evils of the world and how we tend to let it persist underneath our noses. Which is commentary that plays out in a beautifully subtle manner through the nightmarish visuals present here and through the introduction of a surprise character in the midst of the chaos.

But while it is wonderful to know that this movie will shock and stun you, we’d be foolish to not mention the quality performances present here too. Since Georgina Campbell is electric as Tess, and she brings an honesty to the role that has you rooting for her every step of the way, and Bill Skarsgård does a wonderful job of making us uncomfortable in a unique manner as Keith, and Justin Long just steals the show as AJ, since this is a new type of role for him, and well… at this point, you’ve likely noticed that we’ve kept this review light on spoilers and details and there is good reason for that. Because this is a delightfully demented and twisted tale that needs to be experienced firsthand and in the dark, and the good news is you can do that right now. For Barbarian is in theaters and we here at NTG certainly hope you give this motion picture a look. Because it truly is the most original horror movie to hit theaters in years.

Truly, the best part about inching closer to the release date of a highly anticipated new series, are all the tidbits that fall into the laps of eager and patient fans. Because they’re beyond ready to enjoy the series in question and they’re super excited about it, and the network knows this and provides them with joy accordingly and this is precisely what is going on when it comes to AMC’s upcoming adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire.
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Because ever since Comic-Con, new promos and looks at the show keep coming our way and earlier today, fans got another impressive look at what is shaping up to be an incredible show. For AMC released some key art (above) and a powerhouse new trailer for everyone to enjoy and well, since this is what you came here for… here is that stunning trailer to feed your excitement and prepare you for the October 2nd arrival of this highly anticipated series… courtesy of AMC.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that none of us have a clue what is going through our minds in our final moments. We merely have conjecture and stories from others to go off of. Some that suggest that as our bodies begin to fail us, we see those we loved and lost one more time as they welcome us into the afterlife. While others speak to fear upon someone’s face as their final moments approach, as though they are about to cross the threshold into something awful. Yet there are others who see people just pass quietly in their sleep or without incident. Which continues to leave that question hanging over our heads and it is so complex a question and so worrisome… even storytelling tends to stay away from it, if possible, since the unknown is tough to write about.
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But now and again, you run into a story that wants to take it on and envision that reality and oddly enough, the next episode of The Walking Dead opted to do just that. A feat that ‘What Happened and What’s Going On’ accomplished, by bringing forth another death of another major character. But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to happen early on. For this story featured a grand trip to Virginia after Beth’s untimely death. In the hopes of granting her last desire, which was to give Noah closure regarding his family and perhaps a chance for Rick Grimes’ family to start over fresh at last. But alas, what they found at Noah’s old stomping grounds… was death and it was eager to creep forth and bring about the end of Tyreese as well.

For a moment of lapse led to a nasty walker bite, one that bled badly and well… as he began to fade from this life, he encountered the good and the bad of the last couple of years. Wherein he had conversations with the Hunter that got away and the Governor himself to try and understand why he let bad people persist in this world. But he also received visits from Beth and Lizzy and her sister, to help him understand he did the best he could. And once he came to understand that… he was able to just embrace death and find peace in its embrace. Which means that from the perspective of writer Scott M. Gimple and Director Greg Nicotero, our final moments could entail squaring up our lives and scrambling within ourselves to gain perspective on whether or not… we lived a good one before we make peace with the reality that the end has come.

Which is a very simple and shockingly noncomplex way to look at death, one that no one can cite as right or wrong. It is merely fascinating perspective. The kind that never overwhelms, courtesy of the other important subplot in this tale. Since this story also explored… the importance of having a home in crisis, and a sense of direction as well. Because to not have that when things are bad, could lead to our emotions and worries overwhelming our minds, wherein we slip into darkness and that’s a solid exploration to bring up. Since Rick and his friends did seem to be slipping a bit here, giving rise to wise words and important perspective from Michonne. Plus, this episode also hinted at the Wolves for the first time ever, making this one important to the future of the franchise.

But what matters more here, is that this was a powerful swan song for a beloved character. Because Tyreese really did seem invincible at times and was perhaps one of the most emotional and raw characters of the group and always meant well with his intentions. Which made this a devastating tale as well, one that served to remind us of how ugly life can get in the horrific land of the dead and what’s wild… is that the darkness isn’t over yet. For this group has miles and miles to go before they are rewarded with any semblance of peace again and that is an unfortunate reality that makes plenty of sense. For time and time again, we are often reminded of the fact, that it is indeed always darkest before the dawn. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time’.
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Ask a bevy of different horror fans or fans of any particular genre, what their ten favorite shows or movies from that genre are… and you’ll get back a bevy of unique answers. In fact, no two of them will likely be the same. Because so many people have subjective tastes and those stories called to them in a supremely unique manner. Which is why it is so difficult to assemble definitive lists of the best television shows or movies from the entertainment world since few can agree upon them. But when you narrow down what to look for specifically when it comes to the best, and have true experts speak to why those specifics are indeed noteworthy… it is possible to assemble a definitive list. Such as say, what the top moments in horror films might be. 
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Which is precisely what Shudder has done. For yesterday saw the premiere of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time on the network, which just so happens to be, a truly definitive list of the finest moments from horror movie history. Ones that genuinely rattled us and terrified us to no end. And since Shudder has established itself to be a true authority on horror, and because this series assembles a fine list of horror experts, horror historians and brilliant minds from across the genre that have worked in front of and behind the camera… we are not only gifted with an indisputable list here, but we are also provided with some fascinating commentary from these incredible minds, the kind that offers great insight on these moments.

In fact, let’s take a moment and talk about that for a second because it is huge deal how many brilliant minds Shudder assembled to talk in this opening episode alone. For instance, Jeffrey Reddick, the brain behind the innovative Final Destination franchise, speaks often here about big moments in horror and his thoughts are engaging for certain and he is joined by other great minds such as Dana Gould and even horror legend Greg Nicotero. And it is just incredible to hear them offer such raw thoughts on those moments and hear how they impacted minds that create nightmares to this day, and it was equally as amazing to hear horror actors such as Brea Grant and Alex Essoe speak to these moments, along with author Tananarive Due since they too brought incredible insight to the table regarding the significance of these moments. 

But what exactly was highlighted? Well, there are two that we will discuss today. Specifically, the opening sequence of It Follows and the window scene from Salem’s Lot. Simply because, the former of those two… is grossly overshadowed by the horrors that follow. Since Jay Height faces some ominous terrors in that film. But the opening is indeed sublime and haunting and leaves the viewer unsettled out of the gate and unsure of how to proceed emotionally, and that’s huge. And of course… that window moment from Salem’s Lot, remains the stuff of nightmares to this day. Because there is something chilling about watching an innocent child turned blood sucker, rapping at a window, and begging for its meal and that one is so iconic and so powerful that is remains a part of the pop culture landscape to this day.

However, only covering a pair of stories from this saga may leave one wondering… why not speak to more? Well, that would do you dear reader and viewer of this show a disservice. Because you need to experience the wonder of this episode firsthand. In order to truly experience the wonder of this show’s format and musings and of course, to feel the memories that wash over you when big moments you’ve experienced are revisited once again. Because that’s what makes this show so impactful and worthwhile. In that, it truly celebrates the wonder of horror and everything it has to offer, and it will be quite fascinating to see what next week’s entry in this saga brings as we gently countdown to the scariest horror movie moment of all time. Until next time.

There comes a time in our lives, where it seems as though… we simply cannot lose. Because the universe just keeps giving us win after win, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the odds and that… can be genuinely problematic. Because it gives us a sense of security and a sense of invincibility, as though truly nothing can go wrong in our lives and well… what makes that so problematic is that both of those senses are false. For we are instead just enjoying a gravy train of luck, one that eventually runs out and when it does… we deal with some genuine devastation and heartbreak and that particularly difficult reality is top of mind today, simply because it presented itself to Rick Grimes and his group in the season five, midseason finale of The Walking Dead.
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A feat that ‘Coda’ accomplished after giving Rick and his extended family… more wins. For shortly after they came to discover that Officer Lamson was on the lamb and trying to warn Dawn of things to come… Rick dealt with him and was able to bring the other officers in line, with Daryl’s help of course, and that allowed for the first stages of the plan to come to fruition. For the officers that Rick approached with the deal, were open to listening and relayed the message to their boss, setting the stage for a simple prisoner exchange. Which was another big win for this group, one that was going to allow for them to come together once again and figure out a new future forward as one, with Noah joining them since hey, he did this group a solid.

Not to mention, back at the church, the luck kept flowing as well. Since Father Gabriel’s disastrous attempt to understand the world and the murder that occurred beneath God’s roof, ended happy. For the walkers he brought back from his field trip caused no harm and were isolated. And just when it seemed as though they might break out, Abraham and the gang showed up to whisk everyone away to Atlanta for the upcoming reunion. Plus, even Beth had more wins here. Since she was finally able to reach Dawn on a fundamental level and come to an understanding and she even helped Dawn solidify her leadership when the going got ugly. All of which continued to indicate that this chapter of the story was going to end oh so happy and oh so joyous, so the group could quickly focus on finding a new home and healing from recent events.

But that is when this story took a devastating turn. For when the prisoner exchange came to fruition, Dawn of course… made everything supremely difficult. Because she was eager to keep a ward and have them be someone she could trust. Which is why she asked for Noah as the final price to closing out this transaction. A move that he accepted to save Beth and that didn’t sit right with her. Because she was sick of Dawn’s desire to constantly control and manipulate people, and that sent her over the edge and prompted her to physically teach Dawn a lesson. To remind her of her place and take her down a peg and that… led to disaster. For Dawn… on instinct and pure fury, quickly pulled her weapon and killed Beth with it. Prompting an eye for an eye from Daryl and a shocking end to this tale. One where the heroes were served a slice of unfortunate fate after riding a great high for ages on end.

Which really did serve to remind us, how quickly fortunes change and how we can’t escape ugly times forever and this episode hammered that reality home in a painful and ugly manner. Because Beth’s passing was simply brutal through and through, and shocking and it still moves you after all this time. Because of its suddenness and because Lauren Cohan and Norman Reedus’ performances in the closing moments sell the pain and well, just like that… the gravy train has dried up and nothing, but ugly memories and tough times await these intrepid heroes. For the next chapter in their journey is undiscovered country for this group. One filled with tough days and hunger and fear and uncertainty, and more loss as well, because that is just what happens when our luck runs out, especially in a world where living death rules the day. Until next time.

Over the course of the past few days, we’ve talked at length about the fascinating concepts that the AMC series, The Walking Dead opted to explore in the first half of season five. Simply because there has been so much to cover and reflect upon because season five did indeed go hard into the human condition and our follies and our beauty. A feat made possible by challenging the Grimes gang like never before by putting them back out into the open. But what has always made this series so incredibly fascinating and so incredibly intelligent, is that it always knows exactly when back off of the analysis it is working on to give the audience a chance to breathe. Something it tends to accomplish by way of stories that set the stage for the future, especially when we are near the midseason or season finale.
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Because that really is the perfect time to break and process the lessons at hand and that kind of break is precisely what the next episode in this saga offered us. For ‘Crossed’ is a story that simply worked on follow up and tension building for the epic season five midseason finale, courtesy of three separate storylines. One of which, revolved around the fallout of Eugene’s big lie. Because Abraham wasn’t himself after that, and Eugene wasn’t in any shape to talk. And that stalemate gave everyone a chance to process the lie and figure out how to move forward without a cure on the horizon. Plus, it also allowed for Abraham to forgive himself for his temper and also figure out a way forward and this was… quite a gentle sequence, one that ended happy with Eugene coming to after all.

If anything, it was probably the perkiest and most uplifting sequence in this story. Since Beth was dealing with Dawn’s special brand of madness back at Grady Memorial. For she had in Noah’s absence become Dawn’s new ward, and she was expected to handle all of Dawn’s dirty work, starting with putting Carol out of her misery. Something she wasn’t good with in the slightest for obvious reasons, prompting her… to fight back in a bold manner. By working to find out what drugs would save Carol’s life and getting her hands on them and administering them to her old friend. All of which reminded us of the bonds this group shares and what they’re made of. But what made this dark, was the sheer fact that Dawn is clearly eager to play God with lives in an effort to exert power, making her more dangerous than ever.

However, while Beth was working on saving an old friend, Rick and his team had arrived in Atlanta and opened fire in the hopes of getting the attention of some of Dawn’s lackeys. Which they did, and they worked hard to take them hostage. Mainly because trouble arose in the form of some supremely gross walkers that were melted to asphalt from the Operation Cobalt napalm strikes. But once the madness was done, a plan was formulated. One where the senior officer on scene would help Rick’s group get Beth and Carol back through smooth negotiation and inside knowledge, making it appear as though Rick and his friends would finally get an easy break without a major fight. That is until that very officer, wounded Sasha to escape, setting the stage for a collapse of the plan.

Which was, the perfect way to build tension for the midseason finale since it was left hanging up in the air, back in the day, as to whether or not the plan would fall to pieces. But what matters more, is that this really was a perfect breather episode. Because we were able to let the lessons soak in and still be wildly entertained by important scenes and character growth, especially from Abraham and Beth since the former stopped acting like a giant man-child and the latter… came into her own as a badass hero and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this refreshing tale, the time has come to brace ourselves. For the midseason finale awaits and this is one that absolutely lives in infamy, courtesy of the dark places it went and how badly it broke all of our hearts. Until next time.

It really is a magical time for horror fans. Because Spooky Season is officially upon us, and everyone is breaking out the decorations early, or they just so happen to be up already. And of course, the horror movie marathons have begun and to top it all off… Shudder’s annual Halloween Celebration is underway. For last week saw the kickoff of ‘The Home for Halloween’ event, courtesy of the release of Who Invited Them, and well… the folks at Shudder are so excited to provide us with fresh Spookiness, that they’re actually taking the time to share more goodies regarding movies to come.

For earlier today, Shudder released a brand-new trailer and a poster and even a fresh still for the upcoming October 6 release, Deadstream. And since all of you are excited to garner a fresh perspective on this highly anticipated release, here is that trailer, and all the other goodies released today, for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of Shudder.