By Karen Moul

As The Walking Dead approached the halfway point of the season, the writers took a step back and gave us some character development and group dynamics.  Episodes like this are needed to sustain the major themes through the rest of this season and into next.  While it seemed as if not a lot happened, we had a huge advance in the Rick-Lori-Shane storyline.  Add in some compelling action among the supporting cast and overall this was another excellent episode. 

The Grimes family reunion was handled beautifully.  I actually had a knot in my stomach waiting for Shane and Lori to see Rick. I can't remember the last time a TV show made me feel that much tension and anticipation, probably not since Lost.  Sarah Wayne Callies was excellent in this scene, in just a few moments you could see the disorientation on Lori's face, then the recognition, and perhaps a split second of joy before her expression turned to horror.   Andrew Lincoln's reactions as Rick saw his son were also moving.  Nice work all around.

I'm no fan of Lori, but I'm pleased to see the writers give her a bit of wiggle room in her affair with Shane.   She's not off the hook for sleeping with him, but we now know that Shane lied and she believed Rick was dead.  It gives her character added dimension and allows viewers to begin to sympathize with her.  She's clearly pleased to see Rick. Despite their pre-apocalypse marital woes she still loves him, and we'll see if they are strong enough to stay together through the inevitable revelation of her betrayal.

However, I'm much more interested to see if Shane and Rick stay together.  This is a much more interesting part of the love triangle.  These guys were partners, which is a very deep and trusting relationship, much more complicated than a friendship.   A police officer has to trust his partner with his life.  What happens when Rick learns Shane has betrayed that trust?  It would be interesting to learn more about Shane's motivations and feelings as he entered into a relationship with Lori.  It’s possible that Shane knew Lori would never flee while Rick was alive; with the hospital under zombie siege he assumed Rick was a goner and told the lie to get Lori and Carl to safety.  How does he feel about Rick now?  

In the final third of the episode we were introduced to a potentially great new character, Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus).  He's not quite as offensive as his brother Merle, but he's not at all likeable either.  However, Daryl has valuable skills, notably his ability to hunt animals for food.  Daryl is currently livid at Rick, but I could see a friendship emerging.  Rick's going to need a friend when his relationship with Shane hits the fan. 

Assorted observations, in no particular order: