The Walking Dead – Season 3 Episode 14 “Prey” Review
- Jamiex66
- Mar 18, 2013
- 4 min read
WARNING: Full Episode Spoilers Below
We continue on our road to the Walking Dead Season 3 finale. This week episode 14, “Prey”, introduces some more interesting plot devices for the final two episodes. It also provided one of the most genuinely scary scenes the show has provided, a vibe that felt like a silver screen horror movie.
We open this episode with the introduction to the ‘torture room’, which many fans will recognise from the comic books, that was used on a certain character. We really see the Governor’s sadistic mind at play when he unloads his torture tools on the bench, really signifying the character’s evolution. Milton finds out about it and voices his disapproval, yet the Governor’s intimidation tactics hold him back from speaking his full mind.
After informing Andrea, she finally sees the light and decides the Governor is the enemy everyone else knows about. Andrea even tries to shoot the Governor when his guard is down before Milton steps in, suggesting she warn the prison of his plan instead of making the rash decision that would get them both killed. Milton is becoming more likeable in every episode and his events don’t end there, but we will get to that later.
On her way out we are given another intense scene, this time between Tyrese, Sasha and Andrea. Andrea informs Sasha/Tyrese that the Governor is not what you think he is and that he is the real enemy. Tyrese has a smart head on his shoulders and takes this information onboard. He is not the man that gets the wool pulled over his eyes, this episode made sure to solidify this.
When Tyrese and Sasha are taken to the ‘Zombie Pits’, containing (you guessed it) a bunch of pits with zombies inside to use against the prison. He has none of it. He has respect and doesn’t want to use such vile things as killing machines against women and children. Martinez also shows he has an evil mind, openly allowing this to occur and not seeing any morale ground on the matter. When Allen tries to attack Tyrese, we were shown his ability to respect friends no matter what, as he avoided killing Allen once and for all. I expect this run-in to become an issue, over the next two episodes.
The main gripe I had with this episode, was Andrea’s ‘run’ to the prison. Now if you are running from the prison and knew people saw you leave, why wouldn’t you think to take the trees and avoid running along the road? In all seriousness this is meant to be a character who survived for months on the road, yet she had no thought to avoid open spaces in her escape? It was frustrating to watch.
The best scene of this entire episode was definitely the horror-like sequence between Andre and the Governor, at the abandoned warehouse. This scene was done terrifically- it was oozing horror movie atmosphere the entire time. David Morrissey continues to revel in the Governor persona, becoming one with the character and providing some truly sadistic movements within this scene. I loved this sequence and found myself on the edge of my seat, truly unsure how it would play out. Andrea’s use of zombies to escape was also done well, once she escapes the words “Now THAT is Andrea” ushered from my mouth. That is the sort of tactic I would expect from Andrea and it was great to see.
Our lone scene with Rick this episode has him on watch. As Andrea makes her way out of the clearing to make it to the prison, she is tackled down by the Governor. Rick never says a word and never sees this take place. Could this be the last chance for Andrea that has now been thrown away for her reintroduction to the group? The silence during this scene was done well, it was quite telling of the situation at hand; dire and troublesome.
Back at Woodbury, the ‘Zombie Pits’ have been hit by arson, with all the zombies burnt, some still alive and severely suffering from creepiness. The Governor confronts Tyrese over his fight with Allen, subtly hinting about the arson that took place, yet after no reaction the Governor doesn’t suspect him. Tyrese wasn’t too easily fooled by the Governor’s attempt at lying by saying that the ‘Zombie Pits’ were only a scare tactic, leaving the door open for Tyrese to hunt for answers on Woodbury over the next two episodes.
My suspicions on the burning lead to Milton. He had reason to attack the Governor after being treated second rate earlier. The Governor suspects him too and the exchange between the two was well done, it gave the impression Milton is done with the Governor’s crazy antics and ready to stand up for himself. I also must give The Walking Dead credit. It continuously plays an impressive outro song that intensifies the situation and makes every episode end well. The big reveal for the end of this episode, was Andrea now finding herself in the torture chair. What could this mean for the character? Well, if she isn’t saved next episode, only bad things, very bad things.
Another great episode, with an entirely sadistic vibe in parts. The horror-like scene with Andrea and the Governor was great, really sold both characters well. With all the chess pieces being put in place for the war, my excitement continues to grow for these last two episodes when the battle commences.
The next episode…
As you would expect the preview for the penultimate episode didn’t show much, it did show an emphasis on Merle. Could we finally get the episode where we see Merle completely align with the prison group? I also suspect we will not see anything regarding Andrea next episode. After that big reveal it makes sense they would keep us guessing until the finale, but I have been wrong before.
Next week has me guessing, I am clueless but excited. Who knows what the series could bring us next week, but with the season 3 conclusion less than 14 days away, it is about to hit fever pace. Stay tuned for more Walking Dead thoughts next week, until then stay away from abandoned warehouses.
Jamie Briggs manages Analog Addiction and you can like them on Facebook, follow his daily life on Twitter @JamieAA and his videos on YouTube.
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