The Walking Dead: Season 2, Episode 3 - In Harm’s Way Review

Telltale’s Season 2 of the increasingly popular Walking Dead series is edging ever closer to becoming a metaphoric coming-of-age story rather than one of a tale of survival. Not that this is even remotely bad - the way in which the developer is sliding in decisions a child should never have to make is so subtle that you won’t notice until the very end of the episode; where you can reflect on all the horrific things that take place within In Harm’s Way. Multiple times throughout the episode, I had to remind myself that I was making decisions and witnessing psyche-scarring events through the eyes of a pre-teen, not an adult.

Following on from the climax of Episode 2, Clementine and her new group of co-survivors have found themselves being taken hostage by Carver, the head of a colony who lives by the ‘survival of the fittest’ motto. Without wanting to spoil too much, In Harm’s Way is, without even the slightest hint of doubt, the best of the season so far, and maybe even one of the best from both seasons.

After being dumped into what amounts to a forced labour camp, you’re assured by Carver himself that you’re here for the greater good, i.e. serving the more ‘intellectually evolved’ members. Before talking about Carver though, mentions must be made of Kenny and new character Reggie.

The former’s re-entry may have worried some by feeling forced, but his return feels really very natural. Kenny serves as a brilliant form of internal conflict for the group, and you can’t help but feel you owe him some form of loyalty for being a part of the original group from Season 1. At the same time, he’s prone to being rash and is a poster boy for passive aggressiveness, making who to agree with a truly agonising decision to make.

Fortunately, new character Reggie helps to diffuse the thick tension with his friendly demeanour and dry humour. Not only does he serve as the main source of information about Carver’s group, but his presence forces you to realise that not everyone who lives under Carver is a bad person. Adding all of these tough social interactions together just compounds the stress levels of how you should make Clementine respond, and towards the end of the episode, when the group tries to escape before a herd of zombies batters the camp - you’ll come to the realisation of what Telltale are slyly trying to make you decide.

A major decision you’ll have to make towards Episode 3’s climax will essentially come down to your idea of how Clementine will continue to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. Do you want to try and maintain whatever innocence she has left, or have her accept that the world has gone to hell and face the grisly reality of what must be done to continue living.

This is also why Carver is so integral to Episode 3’s plot. Not only is he an excellent antagonist with his totalitarian mindset, but he also serves as a catalyst for Clem’s continual evolution into whatever she’ll become. The thought of where Telltale will head with Episode 4 will fill the mind with excitement, and if it’s as good as In Harm’s Way, we’re probably looking at another helping of shiny videogame trophies come awards season.