‘The Walking Dead’ Retro Recap: ‘Seed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One particular aspect of a potential apocalypse that zombie themed fiction tends to ignore or overlook, is resource management and it makes sense as to why. Because to focus upon that problem, where food and water are scarce, which makes life troublesome for the protagonists of the story, would require a dynamic shift in these tales tonally. One that shines the light upon a different kind of horror and the desire to make that a focus, could potentially turn audiences that love zombies and gore and commentary, off, and motivate them to find a zombie story that is more to their liking. But believe it or not, it is possible to make this notion the focus of a zombie themed story, and still engage the viewer in ways they never thought possible and for proof… then look no further than the season three premiere of The Walking Dead.
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For when we catch up with Rick Grimes and his intrepid band of survivors in ‘Seed’, months have passed since the harrowing events at the farm in the season two finale, and they’ve been on the road ever since. Which means that off-screen, they faced a tough winter. One where they spent their days foraging and moving from house to house and that has yielded rough results from a mental health standpoint. Because food is becoming quite scarce, as is shelter and not having those resources clearly has this group at their breaking point in this story. And it is the silence that accompanies their hunger and the decision to introduce this twist three seasons in that allows for this oft overlooked notion to work so well. Because it pulls at a primal fear, we all share in, since no one wants to go hungry and not know where their next meal is coming from, and it also works and engages us because… we genuinely care about these characters.

So, seeing them starve, when we know they are good people that deserve better, hurts us and nearly robs us of hope. For we can tell the situation is dire and we want them to desperately find a win, and being pulled into the story in that manner, is what makes the prison so special. Because we know what Rick knows. That it has the chance to offer them what they need alongside safety and security and now we are rooting for them to succeed in taking it, and well… all of those elements are quite powerful to watch when all is said and done. Because they all add genuine depth and meaning to a concept that should distract us from the overall plot at hand. Which is surviving a world ruled by the living dead. But while this fresh and engaging take on resource management could have carried this episode from beginning to end, the fact that this story never strays from what makes this series so beloved… makes this premiere downright brilliant.

Because the threat of the dead never takes a backseat in this tale, and we see the living dead often and they are still as frightening and uncomfortable as ever. And having them inside the prison and in places that should be safe, keeps that sense of danger that we love about this show going and what’s just as important… is that the show ups the ante when it comes to the threat of the dead as well. A feat it accomplishes by introducing zombified prison guards that cannot be wounded without close contact, a surprise that gives the dead strength, they should not have. But above all else, where this episode shines, is in its ending. Since we are forced to watch Hershel have a bite taken out of his leg, leaving us fearful that a great man is going to die in this story and that moment still has shock value after all these years.

Which is why this writer opted to declare this premiere as brilliant. Because raising the stakes in an opening chapter is a downright rarity in television, as is truly putting our beloved characters through the wringer. But this episode pulls all of that off no problem, and it also does a wonderful job of reintroducing us to the dangers of this world. But what truly makes a re-watch of this episode so worthwhile, is the nostalgia factor. For this was a powerhouse season for the show, one that introduced a fresh and exciting threat to our extended, on-screen family by way of a madman/down home despot, and well… knowing what awaits and how it made us feel the first time around, energizes a viewer for certain and utterly compels us to continue this journey. To partake in all the horrors and victories and heartbreaking moments once again; that season three had to offer. Until next time.

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