Caleb Caron

Episode 1 of The Ones Who Lives proves that The Walking Dead with its main lead at its head can still tell stories that make you feel emotions. The storytelling flexibility of this IP is on full display as TWD sets up it's epic love story grounded in the realities of the walker apocalypse. AMC finally has allowed the budget to meet the ambition and it seems like the world that the franchise has only hinted at is finally allowed to be showcased and the stories and mysteries that have been seen throughout the last 5 years of storytelling are getting some answers. When a story has 5-6 years of build up and anticipation, its hard to satisfy, episode 1 satisfies the desires of fans of these characters and brings them back in a truly new experience and journey. Andrew Lincoln steps into the boots of Rick Grimes like he never left and gives one of his strongest performances to date. The story seems to be well balancing its social commentary with the romance plot that serves as the core of the show. If the next 5 episodes hold up to this quality. The franchise has found itself another A or S tier season and possibly a satisfying conclusion that Season 11 of the main show may have lacked for some.