The Walking Dead: Season 5, Episode 16: Conquer

This was the best season finale since that annoying farm got destroyed at the end of season two. The characters managed to remain at least mostly consistent. Michonne’s whole “I did that for you” explanation for knocking him out was kind of believable, but felt a little cheap. Her character has become extremely stale, I don’t see how she can possibly reach the level of fan favorite renown that her comic book counterpart has obtained. Having a sword is not enough, she has to actually be a good character!

The big issue with this one is the same issue I’ve been b*tching about since I’ve started this review. There is an extreme lack of focus. They are always trying way too hard to be all encompassing, but they need to stick to their more central characters. It’s never a bad idea to make all of your characters feel real, but knowing who the protagonist is, is a bit of a challenge. If someone started watching this season, they probably wouldn’t know.

I like when there are several characters to follow, making the world seem larger and more complete… but every show can’t be “Game of Thrones.” There were far too many subplots and conflicts to resolve in a single hour. Don’t get me started on Sasha… wtf man. Also I don’t understand what Gabriel is so pissed off about. His progression isn’t making much sense to me. Neither is the way the other characters treat him for that matter.

The opening sequence was very interesting. Morgan’s Donatello-like staff fighting was interesting to see, but it felt a little forced. I get that these characters have been through a lot off screen, but when did he pick that skill up? Last we knew he had all the guns and booby traps anyone could hope for. Why did he suddenly choose to leave the fortress he had built? Also when did he get this “all life is precious” philosophy when he tried his damnedest to kill rick last time we saw him?

Speaking of which, why the hell is everyone so into preserving life? I think the world has done more than enough in the way proving how dangerous it is. Hell, I think about killing people all the time and that’s without them trying to constantly kill me and take my things. Everyone wants to retain their humanity by preserving all life as opposed to their own. Rick’s group seems to be the only people who are willing to kill to live.

That being said, I like how Rick was proven right. He didn’t flip-flop or backpedal for once. He was right and Deanna was wrong. In this world, you have to fight to live and his point was more than proven. With her son and husband dying back to back, I bet she wishes she had listened more closely to his counsel. I wonder how this Rick would look at Shane now since he has basically become him.

This finale was more about coming together as a community whereas pretty much all of the other has been more about escape. I particularly liked how the episode went out of the way to answer the question of “Why is Rick still the leader?” It was interesting to hear how his group sees him, while he was out protecting them all from Gabriel’s ineptitude. “Rick, do it,” was the phrase to look for in this episode, solidifying the bond between Rick’s group and Alexandria.

The horrifying look from “all life is precious” Morgan was perfectly timed when he saw Rick execute a restrained man. I can only hope this creates a suitable character conflict that isn’t easily rushed through. These two characters have an immense respect for each other and have finally found each other again. I suppose I’ll have to watch next season to find out. Luckily, even though the series is still kind of noncommittal, this season has done a lot toward refilling my faith meter.

Jonathan Jones

Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.