You can stream the episode after the jump or subscribe in iTunes.

Full show notes after the break.

Between the Panels: Issue #139 – Comic Discussion for March 21, 2012

Run time: 41:23

• Episode start
• Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #1 – 2:23
• Batman #7 – 10:42
• Heart #4 – 15:30
• The Walking Dead Season 2 Review – 28:26
• Closing Time – 40:15

Remember to join our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and visit Instock Trades to get your copy of Rocketeer Complete Collection Vol. 1!

Also, check our recap of Tuesday’s The Walking Dead conference call with show runner Glen Mazzara.

What did you think of the episode? Sound off in our comments below!

As part of end of season press, The Walking Dead‘s show runner Glen Mazzara sat down with journalists today to answer questions about the show. After the jump, we have a horde of details about the past, present and future of Rick and his group. Warning: there are spoilers for both Season Two of the television series and Robert Kirkman‘s comic, so proceed with caution.

The conference call got off to quick start after Mazzara thanked the group for joining him. Throughout the call, Mazzara stressed his desire to keep the show “grounded and real” along with looking to dive into the heart of Kirkman’s story. Here are some more of the interesting tidbits that the call revealed:

On Season 3 and the Prison: Mazzara stated the infamous prison storyline will be a “significant part” of both Season 3 and Season 4 of the show. He considers it to be a “major storyline,” but does not want to fall into the “claustrophobic” nature of the farm and plans to open things up a little bit more, including showing the Governor and his town of Woodbury. Mazzara also views the first two seasons as prologue and that Season 3 will be a “reset of sorts.” Production on the third season is well underway, as scripts for the first six episodes have been outlined and turned into AMC already, with outlines for episodes 7 and 8 currently being worked on. After the outlines are approved, all eight episodes will be written at once, instead of the normal way of breaking down episodes one by one. Shooting for Season 3 will begin in May.

On Michonne, her casting, and how she’ll play into the future of the show: Mazzara calls her a dynamic, important and kick-ass, lead character, who they are excited to introduce into the world. Actress Danai Gurira went through a normal casting process (unlike the Governor, who I’ll touch on in a minute), but Mazzara is looking forward to taking her and “fucking her up,” while having her carry lots of story. He also stressed that Michonne’s ‘theatricality’ will be real and grounded in order to fit in with the overall tone of the series.

On the casting for The Governor:  Actor David Morrissey owes a lot to Andrew Lincoln for his casting, as Mazzara said that Lincoln talked up Morrissey and the entire team was impressed with what he brought to the table. Morrissey was a name of a list of names that were considered for the role, but ultimately, he won out over everyone else.

On the departure of Frank Darabont: “We wouldn’t be here without Frank,” Mazzara said flat out. He also stated that the pacing issues that plagued the first half of Season 2 were a concern of Frank’s when the season started. Also, he debunked any rumor that audience reaction played a role in how the second half of the season, saying that when the show premiered last October, production was drawing to a close.

On Lori: Mazzara was asked about the character’s “annoyingness” and he responded saying they do not want to provide any “false beats” for the character. “We want her to be realistic and compelling.” Mazzara also stated that Lori’s reaction scene at the end of Season 2 was all shot in one take and that character is a “control freak. She tried to control Rick and it backfired.” She is now horrified by her role in the events and that she now has “a lot going on” and is “fucked up” because of the events.

On T-Dog: Mazzara admits that the character has “been off to the side” but had to be in order for Rick to develop. However, he has plans to “develop the character in a significant way” in Season 3.

On Carl and places he shouldn’t be: “He’s a kid. He’s going to be mischievous. He’s bored and he wants to give his parents the slip. That’s real to me.”

On characters old and new: There are plans to bring in Tyreese along with returning to Morgan and Dwyane. Mazzara also wants to continue to bring in new and original characters.

With Season 3, the human threat will increase, but the zombies are still here. However, there will be more of a balance between the two.

Some other facts of note included the admission that set leaks have become a problem. This was something that Mazzara has never had to deal with, but referenced a high-popularity show like Lost as an example of how they were looking to contain spoilers better in the future. “No one cared about it [spoilers] on Crash.” Mazzara also stated that part of the shootout in the episode ‘Triggerfinger’ was influenced by a similar situation in The Wire.

Merle’s return is “on the horizon. We’re figuring out what to do with him,” said Mazzara.

Any possibility of Stephen King and Joe Hill writing an episode is dead. “That was Frank’s connection. I haven’t approached them.”

All in all, Mazzara made it clear that the show will be getting closer to the heart of Kirkman’s work, while staying true to the tone set forth by the show thus far. It sounds like Mazzara and the rest of the writing and production team have learned from this season and are really looking to apply those lessons moving forward.

Look for our reaction about Season 2 later this week, but until then, what did you think of Season 2 of the show and what excites you about the future of the show? Sound off in our comments below.

The Walking Dead made an explosive return to San Diego Comic-Con this year, unveiling a brand new trailer, a poster, new details, and a ton of photos. After the jump, we have a recap of all the important news from the big show.

Before the con, AMC released details about a special edition of Season 1. Included in this edition are a series of new extras including a black & white version of the pilot episode, audio commentaries on all six episodes, and feature that fouces on the comic to TV adaptation of the series.

The Special Edition will come in three different versions (DVD, Blu-ray and a Limited Edition Blu-ray Collector’s Tin). Included in the Collector’s Tin will be a wearable zombie mask designed by The Walking Dead make-up artist, Greg Nicotero. The SE will release on October 4, 2011.

As for Season 2, the 13 episode season will premiere on Sunday, October 16 at 9PM EST and will lead off AMC’s annual Fearfest. The panel didn’t reveal too many details, but the close to five minute trailer gave plenty to chew on:

Also worth checking out is artist Tim Bradstreet’s poster for Season 2. If you weren’t at the con, you can order a signed copy of it for yourself.

AMC has also released a ton of new production photos, featuring the scene that ends the Season 2 trailer. We’ve included those photos for you below.

Overall, The Walking Dead had another stellar showing at this year’s Comic-Con. What do you think about what you’ve seen so far? Sound off in our comments below!

During tonight’s season premiere of Breaking Bad, AMC released the first official clip from Season 2 of The Walking Dead. Since then, AMC has released it online and we’ve got it for you below. There are no real spoilers, just Rick taking out some anger on a couple of deserving walkers. Check it out and let us know what you think!

UPDATED: Robert Kirkman just posted the following on Twitter:

This Walking Dead Season 2 teaser that is making the rounds online is very cool… but it’s NOT a real teaser. Just letting people know…

Even though the trailer isn’t real, it is a still an impressive video and worth a watch.

ORIGINAL STORY: Bleeding Cool has found the first trailer for the second season of AMC’s The Walking Dead. The trailer, while short, leaves quite an eerie impression. Comic-Con will hopefully give us some more footage as our group of rag-tag survivors head toward Hershel’s Farm. Enjoy the trailer below and let us know what you think!

Deadline reports say that Frank Darabont, executive producer of The Walking Dead, has let go of the entire writing staff of the hit series.  Also, it is said that Frank is not looking to replace the bunch, and instead the show will deal with freelancers for the next season.  Darabont himself has written two of the six episodes from season one, while co-writing and re-writing the remaining four.  Although ditching a writing team for freelancers has been done before (the article notes the Starz/BBC‘s Torchwood series), going from the manageable six episode season to thirteen in season two may not be as easy as Frank may think.  Deadline says,

“Sources tell me that no final decision has been made yet with all options open, including using some combination of a writing staff/freelances.”

Of course, I believe that it is a bold decision that most likely wasn’t made by Mr. Darabont alone.  But, I’m pretty sure the last thing the writers of the show thought after seeing the tremendous praise and ratings for The Walking Dead was that they’d be hunting for new jobs before season’s end.

Read more about the story here.

AMC has provided us with preview pictures and the official description for tonight’s fourth episode of “The Walking Dead” titled “Vatos.’ The full gallery and official description are after the jump for those that want to avoid spoilers.

Episode 1×04 – “Vatos”

Rick’s mission to Atlanta is jeopardized when things go awry.  Jim becomes unhinged in camp.

Tonight’s episode is written by “The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman.

Photo Credit: Scott Garfield/Courtesy of AMC

After the second episode of AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ scared up 4.7 million viewers last night, the show has been renewed for a 13 episode second season. Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP of Scripted Programming  had this possible zombified pun to say about the show’s speedy renewal:

“I wish all programming decisions were no brainers like this one. ‘The Walking Dead’ is a TV masterpiece on so many levels. We want at least 10 seasons, if not more.”

We’ve got the full press release after the break, but I’m very glad to hear that AMC is committed to keeping ‘The Walking Dead’ around for not only another season, but for 13 more episode.

AMC RESURRECTS “THE WALKING DEAD”

FOR A SECOND SEASON

Biggest Series in Cable History

Among Adults 18-49

Network Greenlights 13-Episode Season of Original Hit Series

Biggest Global Original Series Debut on Fox International Channels

(New York, NY – November 8, 2010) AMC announced today the renewal of “The Walking Dead” for a 13-episode second season. Since debuting Sunday, October 31, “The Walking Dead” has broken ratings records, with the series reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other show in the history of cable television.

Today’s announcement also includes Fox International Channels’ (FIC) global renewal for a second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.  “The Walking Dead” was the highest-rated original series premiere ever to air on FIC simultaneously worldwide.

“The ‘Dead’ has spread!” said Charlie Collier, President, AMC.  “No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as ‘The Walking Dead.’  This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable.  We are so proud to be bringing back ‘The Dead’ again, across the globe.”

Ratings Highlights for The Walking Dead – Episode 2, which premiered  on AMC Sunday, 11/7:

• 10pm airing – 3.1 HH rating with over 4.7 million viewers;
• Adults 18-49 – 3.3 million viewers;
• Adults 25-54 – 2.8 million viewers;
• Men 18-49 – 2.1 million viewers.

Ratings Highlights for the The Walking Dead – Episode 1, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 10/31:

• 10pm airing – 3.7 HH rating with over 5.3 million total viewers;
• Adults 18-49 – 3.6 million viewers;
• Adults 25-54 – 3.1 million viewers;
• Men 18-49 – 2.0 million viewers;

“I wish all programming decisions were no brainers like this one,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP Scripted Programming. “‘The Walking Dead’ is a TV masterpiece on so many levels. We want at least 10 seasons, if not more. Kudos to AMC!”

AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics.  Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion and Charles “Chic” Eglee (Dexter, The Shield, Dark Angel) serve as Executive Producers.

“The Walking Dead” tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home.  The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country.  Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.

Shot on location in Atlanta, “The Walking Dead” is led by a cast that includes Lincoln (“Teachers,” Love Actually) as Rick Grimes, Jon Bernthal (“The Pacific,” The Ghost Writer) as Shane Walsh, Sarah Wayne Callies (“Prison Break”) as Lori Grimes, Laurie Holden (“The Shield,” Stephen King’s The Mist) as Andrea, Jeffrey DeMunn (Stephen King’s The Mist, The Green Mile) as Dale, Steven Yeun (“The Big Bang Theory”) as Glen, Emma Bell (The Bedford Diaries) as Amy and Chandler Riggs (Get Low) as Carl Grimes.

About AMC

AMC reigns as the only cable network in history to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series three years in a row, as well as the Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama for three consecutive years.  Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, the AMC experience is an uncompromising celebration of great stories.  AMC’s original stories include the Emmy® Award-winning dramas Mad Men and Breaking Bad, and entertaining non-scripted programming such as AMC News.  AMC further demonstrates its commitment to the art of storytelling with curated movie franchises like AMC Hollywood Icon and AMC Complete Collection.  Available in more than 96 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv and Wedding Central.  AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.  AMC: Story Matters Here^SM.

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 183 wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 35 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 300 million subscribing households (875 million cumulative) worldwide. We also operate a global online advertising unit, .FOX (pronounced “dot-fox”) specialized in online video and display, and four TV production houses. In operation since: August 14, 1993.

Finally, the show I’ve been waiting for has arrived on our televisions!  Needless to say, I was very pleased while watching Days Gone Bye, the 90 minute pilot for The Walking Dead.  And it seems like the other 5.3 million people who tuned in to the pilot were equally as impressed.  ”But Cory, could you please go into more detail about what it is that makes this series special, without spoiling the events that take place” you ask? Why reader, I’d be glad to!

If you sat in front of your t.v. last night and tuned into AMC to give this show a shot, I bet you were just as surprised to see what happened in the opening minutes.  Let’s just say that I’ve never seen a television series have the “guts” to pull what they did off and so soon.  No pun intended.  Yet.  What the opening scene does is show the audience that there will be no shots pulled.  Pun intended.

The episode itself had kind of a slow burn to it that gave you a really good insight into our main character Rick Grimes.  We get a glimpse of his life in the moments before he was put into a coma.  Frank Darabont, the writer and director of the pilot, gives us Rick’s background through dialog with his good pal Shane.  I want to take a second to praise Mr. Darabont on his excellent script.  The dialog throughout the episode felt natural and true to the characters many of us have come to love in the comics.  There was nothing that seemed out of place in regards to how the characters spoke to each other and delivered information to the viewer.

Fans of the books will automatically notice the scenes and actions that do not take place in the comics.  I found myself getting ahead of what was going on due to my fond memories of the first couple of issues only to come to more than one scene that took me outside of what I knew.  I quickly had to adjust myself and let go to enjoy what was going on.  Thinking back about this, I am glad that I am not watching a shot-for-shot take on The Walking Dead books.  So far, I can tell they are staying true to what I love while going off the path a bit to explore other areas.  After finishing this episode, I was looking forward to the other changes that would occur, while hoping things wouldn’t change drastically.

The action here is top notch, showing things you wouldn’t think they’d be able to get away with on television, while fitting neatly into what you’d expect from a zombie story.  In the pilot, there isn’t too much in the sense of gore.  There is, however, blood and body parts.  The zombie appropriately dubbed “bicycle girl” is but only the top half of her former self.  She, along with the many other zombies displayed, show the strength of the visual effects of the series, both practical and digital.   The way the show is shot gives it an extra sense of realism.  The quality of the picture is film-like and the cinematography is of a much higher standard than your average cable show.  I really wish I was able to see it in HD.

The Walking Dead has kicked off with a bang.  As the first season is only six episodes long, I recommend you relax and enjoy everything this series has to offer.  The next episode will bring in even more of your favorite characters along with some new ones.  The action is sure to ramp up a good amount as Rick and Co. try to survive in this new, zombie-infested world.  Until then, I’m gonna hang out in this tank for a little while.