Sadly, like among the earlier spin-offs set on this universe, its latest installment could be higher if it deserted the overarching plotlines the unique sequence struggled to comprise in its last seasons. Frankly, a present about Rick and Michonne ought to be simply that: a present about Rick and Michonne. The explanation these two grew to become fan favorites is due to not solely their bond however due to their entertaining abilities as warriors. The chemistry is sufficient alone to gas a 16-episode epic, so why not do it? It nearly feels as if the creators (earlier “The Strolling Lifeless” showrunner Scott M. Gimple and Lincoln and Gurira) wished these two characters to try to make their approach again to one another, however they’d no thought methods to craft a narrative round that want.
“The Ones Who Stay” suffers from its place within the bloated universe these characters discover themselves in, and regardless of the attractive work from its two essential actors, it by no means fairly reaches its full potential. The stakes don’t actually really feel excessive sufficient. If this spin-off was in a position to exist as its personal contained story, there isn’t any doubt it might be capable to shed the interconnected threads that finally weigh it down.
“All the pieces we had is damaged,” Rick states midway via the sequence, and the identical could possibly be stated for the components of franchise spinoffs. When it really works — like in “The Strolling Lifeless: Daryl Dixon” — it actually works, however, when it doesn’t, it has you questioning the longevity of this a long time spanning franchise. Is there a world the place these spin-offs can supply one thing new to longtime followers? Is that this franchise, which was one of many first of its sort, nonetheless sustainable within the age of exhibits like “The Final of Us?”
“The Strolling Lifeless: The Ones Who Stay” doesn’t totally reply these questions, and maybe these new renditions won’t ever be as nice as the primary few seasons of the unique present. It’s not till episode 4 — written by Danai Gurira herself — the place it looks like the sequence could lastly begin to choose up, although it feels too-little-too-late. It’s by far one of the best of the episodes screened forward of the present’s launch, and actually permits Gurira and Lincoln to shine as performers. Whereas it leaves loads to be desired, no less than with these spin-offs we get to observe two gifted actors who we fell in love with over almost 15 years in the past. For that, it’s onerous to not be considerably grateful.
“The Strolling Lifeless: The Ones Who Stay” premieres on AMC and AMC+ on February twenty sixth. 4 episodes screened for assessment.