Ever since the seemingly endless search for Sophia back in its second season, The Walking Dead has been happy to drag events out over a frustrating number of episodes. For many fans, Season 7 was one long, tiresome tease for the inevitable showdown between the Saviors and Rick`s people at Alexandria. This was not helped by the decision to separate many of the characters and spend entire episodes away from certain storylines, leading to a pace that felt glacial at times.Showrunner Scott Gimple has been open about his decision to make Season 8 faster-paced and more focused, and if nothing else, `Mercy` delivers on that promise. It`s also the 100th episode, but unlike Season`s 7 controversial premiere, this wasn`t about headlines, cliffhangers, or unexpected shocks. No one of consequence dies, and there`s not really anything happening that we haven`t seen before.War against the Saviors has begun, and Rick and his people launch their assault on Negan`s base. The episode opens with a series of inspirational speeches--the sort only ever spoken in movies and TV shows by people about to face impossible odds against an unstoppable enemy. Rick has a go, then Maggie, then Ezekiel. Carl looks cross that he can`t join in, and instead has to stay behind and look after Judith. Sound like something we`ve seen before?Thankfully, once the speeches are out of the way, the characters actually get on with it rather than just talking about it. We are spared the details of Rick`s plan; instead simply seeing it in action. Daryll is communicating with Dwight, who has swapped sides and is working undercover amongst the Saviors. Explosives are set, walkers are herded up, and Rick and crew roll up and demand Negan`s surrender.This brings a level of urgent immediacy to `Mercy`, and viewers who felt a little starved of action will certainly be happy with much of episode`s second half. There are no juicy walker kills, but zombies do play a crucial role in Rick`s plan, as Daryl leads them towa ...
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