
Each week, we comb through the guts of The Walking Dead, much like a horde of hungry walkers, to bring you the episode’s best moments, surprises, and other post-apocalyptic curiosities. This week: Cameos from the crypt, the loss of a gentle giant, and we’re not saying bad things will happen when you leave Georgia, but we’re not, not saying it . . .
Season 5, Episode 9: “What Happened and What’s Going On”
Best SCAD senior video thesis: Did the disjointed and repetitive imagery scream student project to anybody else? Don’t get us wrong; we liked how the episode was put together, but it felt different to the point of distraction.
Seriously? We didn’t even get a chance to properly grieve over poor Beth’s demise before the writers yanked Tyreese away from us too. Tune in next week to see who else Noah gets killed.
Best fuel economy: We know that a midseason break is a good chance for a time jump, but this is the first we’ve seen the group outside of Georgia. As far as we know, that makes this the longest they’ve ever traveled and the furthest they’ve gone without running out of gas. Kudos!
Defensive play of the show: After already getting bit in the arm, losing his weapon, and grappling with more callback characters than the finale of House, Tyreese fends off and kills a second walker the only way he can think of: by letting it bite his already infected arm while he grabs something pointy. We have only one thought.
Most needed addition to the show: With Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) and now Tyreese (Chad Coleman) dead, The Walking Dead is running dangerously low on The Wire alumni. Since they’re heading in the general direction of Baltimore anyway, we highly suggest that Michael Kenneth Williams and Idris Elba immediately join the cast—preferably as Omar Little and Stringer Bell for the greatest crossover of all time.
Creepiest cameo: The hairs on the back of our necks stood up as soon as we saw Lizzie’s familiar grin, but nothing gave us chills more than the return of the Governor. Fans, if you didn’t break the Internet when you saw his face, we’re disappointed in you.
In most need of target practice: Rick Grimes, for firing at a walker no more than four feet away and hitting it in the shoulder. That’s a Carl-level screw up.
Foreshadowing you might have missed: Fans of the show might see Glenn playing with a baseball bat as a throwback to his younger, more innocent season one self, but fans of the comics know that there will be no savior for Glenn when a baseball bat is near…
Best kill: Tyreese, for killing his personal demons and seemingly finding peace in his final moments.
Best exchange: Tyreese: Turn it off.
Bob from Beyond: You sure?
*Tyreese dies peacefully*
Most disturbing image: The truck full of walker torsos raining on our heroes’ getaway car. Honestly, the amount of dismembered bodies and errant limbs in this episode was pretty distressing and will only be more so for fans familiar with the Saviors.
Episode MVP: Tyreese. We’re so sad to see him go, but he marched into death with strength and grace. We’re really glad we learned this character’s backstory before his time was up because it really added a new dimension to his protector role.
And once again, where exactly does Rick fall this week on the calm/crazy scale?

Best post-episode treat: Anyone else craving a Cinnabon? Better call Saul!