Playing through the first season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead game, it became quickly apparent that danger was everywhere. I always had to be on my guard, watching my back, and stepping on eggshells. Normally menial tasks such as searching through an abandoned pharmacy or walking across a parking lot had become frightening life-or-death battles for survival. Knock a bottle off a counter or make a wrong turn, and you’ll almost certainly meet a ghastly end. If you wanted to survive, you had to avoid walkers at all costs, as these were truly terrifying enemies.
But while still a constant threat, the zombies in The Walking Dead weren’t much more than obstacles – dangerous obstacles, mind you – but a hindrance nonetheless. You knew what you had to do to survive the mindless ghouls. All that changed in The Walking Dead Season 2, where we were introduced to Carver, one of the most fascinating characters in the series. You hated him, but at the same time you understood his plight. He was trying to bring his group together no matter what. While at first we don’t think he’s all that bad, he dispels those thoughts, and quickly becomes one of the greatest villains in the Walking Dead universe. It’s because of this character that In Harm’s Way is not only the best episode of this second season, but perhaps the best episode of the entire series.
Platforms: iOS, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (Version Played)
Publisher: Telltale Games
Developer: Telltale Games
Genre: Choose Your Own Adventure
Release Date: May 13, 2014
ESRB Rating: Mature
We only got a glimpse into the kind of man William Carver is during the past two episodes, but we did learn one thing: he was trouble. The group of survivors that took Clem in knew this, and that’s why they broke out of his camp. A House Divided brought the character into our story full-force, and after being taken hostage by Carver and his group, we open Episode 3 with our survivors being hauled back to the camp they originally escaped.
Carver’s camp is less of a commune and more of a prison. Keeping his prisoners locked in a loading bay, Carver explains that he is willing to forgive, but only if the captured work off their debts through hard labor. His narcissism and brutality become quickly apparent, as he forces Carlos to “discipline” his daughter Sarah for talking out of line. That scene in particular is so powerful that you develop a real sense of hatred towards the character. During that scene I caught myself with the same disgust-filled look on my face that I saw on Clementine’s. My feelings skewed. Although I was still focused on keeping Clementine safe during the apocalypse, I had a new desire: I wanted this man dead.
In Harm’s Way doesn’t include a lot of action scenes, as it is mostly focused on character. Clem spends a good three quarters of the episode performing her assigned duties, all the while looking for a way to escape her new “home.” You’ll be restocking ammo, pruning plants, and bringing supplies from point A to point B. Those of you who are looking for some skull-cracking may be slightly disappointed, but the development of key characters in this episode is amazing. I got frustrated with Kenny’s shorter temper. I bonded with Rebecca, who I had a difficult time caring for previously. I wanted to slap Sarah for her childish behavior. And Carver. Oh, the things I wanted to do to him.
No change, however, came close to those made with Clementine. She understood Lee’s teachings that she couldn’t be a kid anymore, yet she still retained that childlike innocence. She was proof that even in this upside-down world, there can still be decent human beings, even the personification of hope. But the events of In Harm’s Way took Clem down a path I would rather not see her tread. One of the final scenes in particular made me regret the choice I made. I knew I had to make it, but it still killed me inside. Seeing the look on her face during this particular scene broke my heart. Gone was both the childlike innocence and hope. The episode ended on a cliffhanger, and while I know our survivors are not out of the woods yet, I think the damage is done. I’m sorry, Clem.
Behind every good hero is an even better villain. Batman has his Joker. The Turtles have their Shredder. The Trix Rabbit has those jerk kids who won’t let him have any cereal. I mean, come on – the poor guy just wants some breakfast – why do you have to torture him like that? Every yin needs its yang, and William Carver is the terrifying yang that drives this story to new emotional heights. The writing is amazing, and Michael Madsen hits it out of the park in voicing the antagonist. I can’t wait to see what the next episode brings, yet at the same time I dread what our darling Clementine may be turning into.
And that, dear readers, is how you make an unforgettable game.
Review Disclosure: A review copy of The Walking Dead Season 2: In Harm’s Way was provided by Telltale Games for the purposes of this review.
