Thread by @KirstenAcuna

My thoughts on tonight's ep of #TheWalkingDead, which can prob be likened to TWD's "Fly" episode.

bit.ly/TWD1021Review

On the surface, "Diverged" is a bit of a slog and a completely unnecessary bottle episode.

It can be painful to watch at points unless you are extremely invested in these two characters.

Perhaps the most frustrating parts of Sunday's episode are that the stakes aren't high even in moments of tension. Daryl struggles to fight off a walker at one point, but we know he's never in any real danger if he's getting his own spinoff series in 2023.

A concern heading into these bonus six episodes was that some of them may feel like nothing more than filler. "Diverged" is definitely an episode that won't be missed if you forget to tune in.

On the flip side?

"Diverged" takes a long look at what happens when you have a fight with a best friend and conflict is left unresolved. For Carol and Daryl, it becomes an all-consuming stressor.

There's no denying that Melissa McBride is GREAT here. You feel her internal struggle as she wants to be able to fix something when she, herself, feels so very broken.

There entire notion of worrying over whether or not a friendship has run its course is extremely relatable for anyone who has gone through a quarrel with a good friend. There's nothing like having something unsettled with a loved one to throw everything off.

fwiw - I found it interesting that AMC gave 1021 out to certain press last Monday. I started to see some early negative reax. By Tues, when I received 1021, AMC also was giving out ep 1022. 1022, which I have now watched, is v. good. I believe that was purposeful.

AMC seemed aware that reception to 1021 may be chilly/divisive as I was told they likely weren't planning the usual talent interviews for the ep.

I'm sure some are worried that 1021 may be a hint at what's to come from the upcoming untitled Carol/Daryl spinoff. I truly think (hope?) these are some of the pains of filming during the pandemic.

This should say the... 🙄😠