I would say this was the best episode of the season. 7.5, or maybe an 8 out of 10. Yes there was some bullshyt (every episode has it), but it was pretty entertaining. I think one of the problems with the show, at least for me, and the people i watch this show with is. We'd really rather see the
MAIN cast (when they're not acting dumb) more episodes. Focus on Rick, Daryl, Michonne, Neagan, Carl, Gabriel etc more. Yes, continue to build other characters, but there's no reason why the stars of your show should be MIA for episodes, upon episodes, or show up 40 minutes into the episode to save the episode. Your stars are the ones who people tune in to your show to watch.
Can you imagine if a show like Mr. Robot didn't have elliot, beta, darlene, Mr. Robot, and Tyrell for consecutive episodes, and seasons? Sam Esmail probably could pull it off, but TWD simply cannot. Every week, after they show the preview for the next episode. People either say "least it's a Rick and them episode", or more often, "looks like a [insert character no one cares about] focused episode.
". TWD makes it seems like they rush BTS, and work around the actors' schedule. Making them slow the story down, introduce, and focus more on the other communities in the show. TWD has a huge cast. I don't think the writers can develop these characters at a fast pace well enough. Even though they have an advantage most other shows don't have (the comics).
They took their time with the core cast. and did well. Then, right around the time they introduced all these other communities is when i began feeling like the writers were introducing too many characters, too fast, while progressing the story even slower than it had before.
Weekly rant over