Disc Reviews

The Walking Dead Season 3 Blu-ray Review

23rd Sep 2013

The Walking dead opened with a strong opening mini-season which was then followed by an underappreciated slow burning second season. Yes season 1 of the apocalyptic zombie drama did a lot of impressive world building which then lead into some heavy drama that perhaps saw season two stumble a round for a while before tension really started to brew. But season 2 is responsible for placing many of the recurring characters we have.

After the glorified heights of the opening mini season, and then the over-confident efforts of season 2; Season 3 leaps right in and barely lets up in its 16 episode run. Our main protagonists settle themselves into a prison complex, but it isn’t long before we are introduced to the citizens of Woodberry lead by the Governor (David Morrissey).

The drama reaches all new impressive levels with most characters getting key moments that either seal their fate or develop them further. There are of course some new additions to the main cast. Michael Rooker returns from season 1 as Daryl’s brother Merle to cause much mayhem. Viewers can look forward to some brutal action from Michonne and her sword (and won’t be disappointed). But as much as the returning cast are impressive in their respective roles, the true revelation of season 3 is David Morrissey’s “Governor”. It isn’t just the evil deeds that he does, but it’s the human element that the writers have cleverly built the foundations of the character on. A warped personality for sure, and a bad man through and through, but there are some ingenious moments of humanity that come wrapped in the package that is the main antagonist, and Morrissey plays each moment beautifully.

But lest we forget, even our protagonists are took to the edge and all do very questionable things throughout – which is what makes the balance of the drama so compelling. The “what may be” aspect of the fall of civilisation in an apocalyptic future. How society instinctively defends itself, forms groups and then starts to deteriorate again is beautifully realised in the writing – instead of just going for a good versus evil route.

But anyone wondering if there are any zombies – rest assured that they are a constant and persistent presence throughout. In fact season 3 probably has the height body count so far – never shy to show off its latest designs and effects driven kills.

This 16 show doesn’t run run out of steam with the current talent writing for the show; Not afraid to divert from the source material as needed, but also not afraid to cut loose on some well-developed characters. There may be little hope left for humanity in the show, but The Walking Dead it seems then is going from strength to strength and leave viewers hungry for season 4.

Aside from looking and sounding great – the Blu-ray set comes with an extras disc loaded with short featurettes on some of the highlight aspects of the show including new characters, set pieces (You will find 4-5 commentaries on selected episodes from directors/ producers and some of the cast). There is also about 5 select commentaries on selected shows from the cast and crew.