Click through both pages to read the entire deep-dive interview.
(Also see to it to check out our midseason finaleQ&As with Tovah Feldshuhandshowrunner Scott M. Every once in a while you have an episode that is just action overload.
The season 3 premiere at the prison was like that, as was the season 5 escape from Terminus.
Credit: Gene Page/AMC
This was sort of like that as well with the zombies busting through the gate right at the start.
What are filming episodes such as this like when you have that non-stop tension and energy?
When we shot it, I thought [director] Mike Satrazemis did a phenomenal job.
It was kind of like an impossible episode we read it and we just thought, How on earth?
Particularly that first act, where the wall comes down and everybody is spread in different areas and swarmed.
Just the logistics of trying to shoot that sequence alone.
We were all covered in blood and screaming, and it was like nothing Id ever witnessed before.
So you thought 8 was intense?
What are you saying, sir?
Are you saying thats not going to happen?
[Laughs]Its all left so well, isnt it?
And merry Christmas, everybody!
Well see you in three months!
its going to be fine!
Rest assured, its not looking good for the Alexandrian crew.
Yes, there will be blood.
You know the show as well as I do thats pretty much the way we roll.
Theres a glimmer of hope, and then its smashed to smithereens.
Its going to be tough.
Its just the way its got to be.
I remember reading that, I didnt see it, but I always loved it.
I just thought it was such a crazy, strange, odd, and weird teaser.
Oh, I know, its so strange!
I remember reading it and just going I love this.
I just think its really perfect.
Its terrifying and engulfing, just that powerlessness.
Lets talk about your last scene with Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Deanna.
She gives you this big speech about how theyre all your people.
I know how much you two respect each other as actors and people.
What was filming that like?
It was very moving.
It always is when you know someone is finishing their time on the show.
And so its charged, its always charged with emotion.
I just thought she was a brilliant leader in her own right.
And its great that she has a heros death, thats what I loved about it.
It was befitting of the character, and also Tovah, her spirit.
Shes brilliant shes a brilliant actress and shes a bad-ass.
Thats so brilliant to be around, very humbling to be around.
Like But you gotta understand, your dad was an asshole.
Its interesting how you shoot the same scenes in different ways until you find the right balance and tone.
Because ultimately scenes are an exchange somebody is trying to be something to the other person.
Its not about emotions, it shouldnt be, they just happen.
Do you think Rick will take her words about being one community to heart?
And I do think its been going longer than these eight episodes.
What does this mean?
Oh, yes, I see.Oh I get it; thats so smart.
Because its the long game, really, that he plays.
Rick has an interesting scene with Carl after Ron tries to kill his son in the garage.
And Carl says to Jessie that nothing happened, but Rick pointedly asks Carl, Everything okay?
And so there is a question of going Do you want to talk about this?
I think he absolutely understands that something bad went down.
He doesnt buy the lie that hes been given, and hes just given him another opportunity.
Can we talk about it now?
What can you say about this nefarious new group?
Its an exciting time.
But it was an amazing, exciting, thrilling place to finish the season.
And things start to get very, very, very dark.
I think 9 more than anything when I read it, it kind of just blew my mind.
I was like, Are we going to be able to shoot it?
Yeah its one of my favorites weve ever done.
Saying that, I think the run-in to 16 is the strongest weve ever done.
Its just amazing it just runs to the end.
Also check that to check out our midseason finaleQ&As with Tovah Feldshuhandshowrunner Scott M. Gimple.
AndFor more Walking Dead intel, follow Dalton on Twitter@DaltonRoss.
