The Walking Dead 9.1 FAQ
How does it start?
“Welcome To Alexandria.”
What happens following the spiffy new opening credits?
“We’re good for now,” says Michonne as an all-star squad of zombie fighters enter a facility once managed by the United States government.
What’s it called?
“A New Beginning.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to new showrunner Angela Kang.
What says AMC?
“Rick and his group make a risky run into Washington, D.C. to search for artifacts they will need to build the civilization he and Carl envisioned.”
Is it any good?
Yes! This episode gets “The Walking Dead” off to a stellar new start. If the last eight episodes of spin-off “Fear the Walking Dead” sucked (and they did), I think it’s because universe mastermind Scott Gimple’s focus had turned back to the Rick Grimes mothershow.
How much time has passed since the 8th season finale?
18 months. Judith looks like she’s about three years old. Maggie’s baby already looks like he’s been outside his mother something like a year. As that opening clip demonstrates, Daryl is pretty much the only guy who can find gasoline these days.
Are there any flackbacks or flashforwards?
Not this week.
Hey! Lauren Cohan is the star of ABC’s CIA hourlong “Whiskey Cavalier” this season. Is Maggie Greene still part of this show?
Cohan is a HUGE part of the “Walking Dead” season premiere, but I’ll not say if she survives the hour.
Does Rick Grimes die this week?
He does not.
Did Morgan Jones ever make it back to Virginia?
Lennie James does not appear in this episode.
The big news?
Negan is plenty spoken of, but Jeffrey Morgan does not appear in 9.1. (I was certain they were saving him for the final scene, but nope.)
What else is AMC not telling us?
I noticed no Whisperers this week. War has given way to primitive civilization but there remain challenges aplenty.
What’s good?
Lauren Cohan as Maggie. Brett Butler as Tammy. Xander Berkeley as Gregory. The many surprises. The glass floor. The new leader at The Sanctuary. The imperiled Hershel. Flashlights and candles. Anne, no longer talking like Tarzan, Tonto and Frankenstein. The great new mysteries that build over the first three episodes. The considerable amount of money paid to members of the Screen Actors Guild. “This is not happening on a horse.” “I got to free her.” “I just used up all the paint.” “It looked like someone had defaced Glenn’s grave.” “Do you not even give a crap after all the stupid shit you’ve done?”
What’s not so good?
Carol, one of my favorite characters, is now romantically involved with King Ezekiel, one of my least favorite characters. Also, did no one think to make a stop at Home Depot and lay some two-by-fours over that glass flooring? Or at least clear out the zombies beneath?
How does it end, spoiler boy?
“Cut him down.”
9 p.m. Sunday. AMC.
