The Walking Dead: The Complete Seventh Season

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

With Season 8 gearing up to premiere October 22^nd, fans can relive the gore of The Walking Dead Season 7 with its recent DVD & Blu-Ray release. As I already watched all of the Season 7 episodes religiously on the original airing dates and emotionally broke several times during this particular season, it was enlightening to refresh my memory and tissue boxes with the storyline and get the chance to check out all the extras provided by the cast and crew. Also, I couldn’t help but relish in the opportunity to hear more about Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Rick’s (Andrew Lincoln) emotional journeys through this season.

In the deleted and alternate scenes the very first moment is already a tear-jerker as we are given a glimpse into the future of Alexandria that never was: Glenn (Steven Yeun) spending time with his son while Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) lovingly look on. And for those who catch it, Sasha sporting a very pregnant belly. I issue a fair warning that you may need Kleenex to get through that particular scene.

But what really caught me was the little inside glimpses into each episode. The main cast of characters from each particular episode provided commentary that delved even further into the grit of each scene. From “King” Ezekiel’s (Khary Payton) mindset to do everything within his power to hold together his Kingdom, all while keeping his deals with The Saviors a secret, to Maggie (Lauren Cohan) learning to cope with Glenn’s death and rising from the ashes to lead the Hill Top community with a little help from Jesus (Tom Payne), Enid (Katelyn Nacon) and Sasha. Carol (Melissa McBride) and Morgan (Lennie James) both losing and gaining the spirit to fight for something bigger than them. Daryl grappling with Glenn’s death and managing to keep his wits as the Saviors try to break him. And Rick finally finding his backbone to fight again, with a little pep-talk from Michonne (Danai Gurira).

Of course, no extras section would be complete with learning more about our most notorious baddie Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his beloved Sanctuary. Hearing Jeffrey Dean Morgan explain the complexities of Negan’s character was a reminder that in Season 7 we have only scratched the surface of his personality. Negan is known to be brutal and relentless, yet holds a soft spot and respect for the female species. With Season 8 slowly approaching I am hoping for more of a back-story to fill in the gaps. I am also secretly hoping that he scares Eugene (Josh McDermitt) enough so that Eugene will return to fighting with the Alexandrians.

And while I mentioned them briefly, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t give the women of The Walking Dead their due for this season. Apparently, the creators thought so too with their “Warrior Women” featurette. This season we witnessed the women step up to take more initiative than ever, the biggest steps coming especially from Maggie, Sasha, Carol, Tara (Alanna Masterson) and Michonne. Each of them worked diligently in rallying communities to fight, with Sasha ultimately sacrificing herself in an effort to keep fighting for Rick.

If you’re a Walking Dead enthusiast, this Season 7 set is for you. And even if you are only entering into the fandom and have caught up on the other six seasons, you’ll definitely gain a better appreciation and understanding of the love for this show. Season 7 is out in stores now!

Jenn’s Rating: A