Last night, we reached the midway point of THE WALKING DEAD’s second season and much like the first, its run just wasn’t able to live up to the dreams and hopes of its first two installments. Only this time, the high of having a horror tale to tune into every week has been deflated, thanks to its own lackluster nature (and AMERICAN HORROR STORY). [SPOILERS AHEAD]

There were bright spots yet, however, and if anything, the last third of last night’s midseason finale proves that when charged with a fire under their ass, the writers of THE WALKING DEAD can deliver on not only intensity, but actually gripping drama. 

Hopefully, with the sound of Rick’s gun still ringing in everyone’s ears, the momentum and urgency felt in “Pretty Much Dead Already” will carry over to an entirely more satisfying remaining six episodes. With that wish in mind, here are some aspects of the show that I’d like to see remedied come February:

Stop Trying to Make Rick Happen

Rick’s translation from page to screen hasn’t exactly been an inspiring one. The Rick Grimes we watch every week seems to only be a leader because he’s our predetermined protagonist, and it’s become hard to understand why the group had automatically turned to him upon arrival. In trying to embody the qualities of someone levelheaded, everything to Rick has become endless discussion, only stepping up to make “the hard decisions” when the writers are trying to prove a point about him (i.e. shooting Sophia, which happened to be a nice, resonant echo of the little zombie girl from season one). While it’s understandable and admirable if the minds behind the series are attempting to organically grow Rick into someone more firm, learning how to transform into all he needs to be, everything about that transformation should’ve been organic, including his now seemingly illogical rise to the top.

Rick’s ineffectiveness is also hurting other characters, as Shane is sent often aggressively over the top (just like the end of last season) to seem less reasonable, when he’s frequently the most right (and the most interesting and the most complex).

I loved the weight of Rick as he stepped up last night, but let’s not forget only moments before he was ridiculously leading a walker by a leash. It really feels like a “shit or get off the pot” moment for the character is here.

Sophia and the Slow Burn

The case of missing Sophia has been simmering since episode one, but with nothing to reignite interest, had simply become an eye roller upon mention by episode five. While the actions and reveal of “Pretty Much Dead Already” still hit hard, there’s a good chance the impact would’ve been even greater had the storyline not been dragged so thin and felt as pointless to us, as it did to Shane. On that same level, it’s lovely to see a show take itself seriously, but THE WALKING DEAD is confusing sluggish with deliberate and from here on out, a little tightening can go a long way.

Spontaneity

If you’re into the comics, you may well know that Sophia is very much still a part of the proceedings, so it’s great to see the series employ the spontaneity that Kirkman often does: anyone, anywhere can die. But was Sophia a bit of too little, too late? We barely spent any time with the little girl, so her turn as a walker was more in service to the rest of the group’s development than any shocking tear to emotional connection. So let’s see the show really go for the gut, and reach the heights we saw with Andrea and Amy.

And since the zombies remain incredible, let’s at least use them to take out some of the folks on Herschel’s farm we’ve barely gotten to know. Or let’s get to know them! Because another conversation between Dale and Andrea (or really, Dale and anyone) is not something I’m looking forward to.

And finally, Carol

Now that she knows what’s happened to her daughter, it would be great to see Carol become a character that doesn’t cry at the end of every conversation she has.

I’m here for the long haul, and truly intrigued to see where we go in this next half. So, please WALKING DEAD, stop acting like Rick.

Stop meandering and be great.

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