Now two episodes into AMC’s The Walking Dead since the mid-season layoff of Season 9, things are beginning to come into focus quite slowly. Introducing The Whispers in all their glory in the mid-season finale episode Evolution, where they killed beloved good guy Jesus, in Adaptation we see a brief introduction into one of the dead skin wearers with the capturing of a mysterious young girl. Then, on Sunday, February 17th, with Omega, the scope of The Whispers goes from macro to micro, providing a deeper look into their leader’s backstory.
Directed by longtime show contributor David Boyd, Omega sees The Walking Dead try a different approach in style once more. Here, the young Whisper being held prisoner, is given a chance to provide some information about who and what her group are. At first it is difficult to believe or trust a word the girl says, but after a more mature Henry (Matt Lintz; Kill the Messenger 2014, Pixel 2015) begins to befriend her, it starts to seem as if perhaps there is some sincerity in her. Meanwhile, Daryl is rightfully on guard with the girl until he sits down with her to chat, judging her character for himself. Yet still, is this girl really to be trusted?
That said, what have we learned, if anything at all? Well, her name is Lydia (Cassady McClincy: Ozark series, Lore series) and she is allegedly the daughter of The Whispers’ fierce leader going by the name Alpha (Samantha Morton: Minority Report 2002, The Messenger 2009). From what information is provided, it seems as if Alpha is a ruthless survivalist who, if nothing, has scarred Lydia mentally, or worse, physically. Then, as the episode winds down, and it appears as if Daryl has heard enough from Lydia to trust her somewhat. Alpha and The Whispers themselves show up at Hilltop’s doorstep looking to reclaim Lydia, threatening to cause harm to the beloved good guys’ own if she is not surrendered.
More of a story-building episode, Omega provided a lot of interesting tidbits of information, but again, how much of it is actually true or fabrication? That in mind, Matt Lintz does an excellent job of bringing the character of Henry to a new level, coming across as a compassionate, gentle young man who sincerely wants to help Lydia. Opposite him, watching Cassady McClincy as Lydia for a few episodes, there is enough curiosity mounted as to what this girl is really all about. As mentioned, on the surface, it is hard to trust her, but if you look closer, she may have some good in her heart. After all, judging people can be so hard, especially after everything Daryl and company have been through.
Overall, Omega was a decent enough episode to keep the story going for The Walking Dead. Then you learn that the episode has earned the title of the lowest rated in the series to date. Ouch! Well, you cannot always judge something, or someone, on face value. Ironic when you think that the entire Omega episode is about passing judgment, right? Nonetheless, the wheel keeps turning and Cryptic Rock gives Omega 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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