"Cherokee Rose" Review
Still, “Cherokee Rose” is relatively strong with some interesting new dynamics. First off, Carl is doing much better with his matching gunshot wound and is nearly recovered already. God, that was fast - Hank wasn’t so fortunate on Breaking Bad. We also see Dr. Hershel explain to Rick that his people need to move on and will be forced to leave once Carl recovers. The scenes with Dr. Hershel are effective - he has a likeabilty, even when he says something we don’t necessarily want to hear. But let’s not forget: he will consider letting Carl stay.
Though I have to say, I’ll be a bit upset when Rick and the gang do leave the Hershel farm. The scenery there is gorgeous and helps establish a whole new cinematic aesthetic to Season 2. The farm reminds me of Peaksville, from the Jerome Bixby short story (and Twilight Zone episode), “It’s a Good Life.”
The zombie interaction here was pretty much limited to that scene in the well, and damn, that was disturbing. I don’t understand how that guy weighed like three hundred pounds with no food down there. Or maybe that was swelling from the water? I don’t know, whatever it was, it was gross… which made it great. Seeing the body rip in half had a layer of dark humor to it, as well.
For all Glenn’s trouble in that well, at least he had a physical relationship with Maggie. Their supermarket exchange was a kind of catharsis, and I doubt it will lead to anything substantial down the road. Then again, perhaps if they do leave the Hershel farm, Maggie will join the ensemble. I can see that happening, as Maggie is a pretty interesting character and adds something new to the show.
I am surprised - and a bit disappointed - that we still have no closure on the Sophia plot point. We’re four episodes into Season 2 and still have no idea what’s happened to her. The story’s getting a little stale and Daryl’s cherokee rose story didn’t quite hold the desired impact because we’ve seen it all before. At this point, I’m curious how long the writers plan to keep us in the dark.
The biggest change of “Cherokee Rose” is the reveal that Lori is pregnant. We’re left wondering who the father is - maybe Rick, though likely Shane. I don’t think there are any DNA tests in this post-apocalyptic world so it’s unlikely we’ll find out one way or another. Though Lori’s pregnancy is supposed to be a huge point in the show, I was a bit annoyed that her pregnancy test showed positive. It just adds another unnecessary complication to the show. Her pregnancy could be done well, but I fear it will just be a hinderance, and derivative of what we’ve seen on other television dramas.
But of course, we’ll have to wait and see. It can easily add something new and different to the show. Tonight’s episode premieres at 9PM on AMC.
-MP