Top 5: Best Moments of Walking Dead's Season 2.0

#5: Nothing says romance like the zombie apocalypse...and looting...
I really love when a show that is this serious finds moments for happiness and light. As Dale says, "we can still find joy", and boy do Glenn and Maggie find it together. Now I know many of us are quick to judge the lack of thought that went into the decision to get it on in the pharmacy, but it's nice to see Glenn happy. And, if nothing else, the dialogue that led up to the encounter was pretty hilarious. I'm really liking the actress who plays Maggie (much more than I like Maggie of the comics).

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-photos/episode-4-glenn-maggie.php

#4: Michael Rooker's cameo
As an older sibling, I don't really get the whole "I love my older sibling and yet hate them at the same time" thing, but I'm sure my sister would be happy to explain it to me. Regardless, you have to love the raw honesty of the relationship between Daryll and Meryl. Without telling us a great deal about their history, you can sense the aura of abandonment and disappoint, even as it mixes with a sense of love and loyalty. Nice to see Daryll's demons, as he remains one of my favorite characters.

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-photos/episode-5-merle-daryl.php

#3: Honesty is an important element in any relationship
I've read the comics...many times...so I knew that Lori was pregnant. But in the comic she never comes right out and owns up to her relationship with Shane. Eventually, Rick kind of admits that he knows, but this doesn't happen until long after Shane is dead. So when she was just like "yeah, I totally had a thing with your bff", I was pretty floored. But hey, honesty is the best policy. Right?

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-photos/episode-6-rick-2.php

#2: The first to go are the fatties
Well, better get myself to the gym or avoid encountering Shane in the apocalypse. Whether you can justify his decision to sacrifice Otis or not, I think we can all agree that it was an excellent moment from the series. It speaks volumes about where Shane is now and potentially foreshadows his actions in the future. I'm with Dale; Steer clear of this dude.

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-photos/episode-3-shane-otis-2.php

#1: Well...we found Sophia, guys...
Yeah, totally didn't see that coming. And Nicotero did such a good job with the makeup in that scene that, if only for a brief moment, I thought "maybe she's alive". Great acting job in reaction on the part of Carol, btw. That's a hell of a way to end the first half of a season though. Nothing says "the gloves are off" like killing a child. Battlestar Galactica proved that in their miniseries. Looks like the same brutality will exist here, and I'm looking forward to it.

http://blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-photos/episode-7-sophia.php

Come on, February! Best Valentine's Day gift ever! Until then, enjoy this article about the upcoming season 2.5, or watch this teaser video courtesy of AMC.

Review: The Walking Dead, Episode 2.7

So...yeah, we're clearly off the map of the comics. And as a loyal comic reader, I'm actually sort of okay with that. I mean, as much as I love the comics, it does enhance my viewing that I don't know what will happen next. And really who doesn't love T-Dog and Darrell?

So, for the sake of organizing my thoughts, I'm reviewing tonight's episode in list form:

1. I really feel Glenn on the whole keeping secrets thing. I mean, honestly, the world's a mess. Why should he have to be the keeper of all sacred knowledge on top of everything else? I would've spilled the beans, too. Come on, Lori. 
2. Yeah...that's not how the morning after pill works. But then again, they had a pregnancy test register results in like 2 seconds a few episodes ago, so clearly these dudes need a little medical schooling. I understand her desperation, but she could have poisoned herself.
3. Well, looks like the whole Shane secret's out of the bag. THAT never happens in the comics! Eventually it seems like Rick figures it out, but by that point Shane is long dead, and Lori never actually comes right out and says it. I guess it's a little more realistic this way. What did you think?
4. Shane and Andrea certainly never got it on in the comic, but I'm okay with it here. I mean, it seems fairly realistic. They've been spending a lot of time together, and they're around the same age. My guess is that many people would turn to that sort of carnal comfort in such a situation.
5. I thought Dale's reaction to Shane was a little sudden. I mean, in the comic Dale and Andrea are an item, but it doesn't seem like that's what's been going on in the show. And Dale isn't a twelve year old boy who puffs up his chest and starts fights on the playground, so it just seemed a little contrived to me.

And my guesses for next week?

1. I don't know...I'm kind of not buying the whole "we're not killing off Shane yet" thing. Ever since the producers of Battlestar Galactica lied to me about the return of one Kara Thrace, I'm reticent to trust producers and writers about upcoming plot points. Their job is to trick and guile you, and they know you want to be surprised. Maybe I'm wrong, but with all the foreshadowing this episode, I bet it happens this season.
2. I think Shane's gonna kill off all the zombies in the barn without asking...which will inevitably lead to their excommunication from the ranch.
3. Someone's gonna die. If it ain't Shane, my money's on one of Hershel's kids or T-Dog.
4. They'll find Sophia...and she'll be alive...maybe?
5. If they leave, will Glenn elect to stay behind as he does in the comic? I'm not sure...

Can't wait until next week's episode? Check out this not-satisfying-enough preview for next week's episode: