The Walking Dead: A New Frontier – Episode 4: Thicker Than Water Review – Family Bonds Tested
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier had a rocky start, with Episode 3 leaving many disappointed. However, Episode 4, Thicker Than Water, marks a significant return to form for Telltale Games’ narrative adventure series, refocusing on the core elements that made The Walking Dead so compelling, even with streamlined action and limited player interaction. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this pivotal episode.
A Return to Form: Recapturing the Essence of The Walking Dead
David in trouble
Thicker Than Water immediately plunges players into a tense situation. As foreshadowed by promotional images, David finds himself in grave danger, and Javier is inextricably linked to his brother’s fate. While the episode opens with a flashback exploring the complex relationship between David and Javier, this segment feels somewhat redundant, retreading familiar ground about David’s resentment and conflicted feelings towards his younger brother. While establishing context, the extended flashback consumes valuable time that could have been devoted to furthering the present narrative.
The overarching plot remains predictable, with the exception of a shocking twist at the end. Certain plot points, unfortunately, feel contrived and detract from the overall experience. The writing for characters like Gabe and Kate continues to be a weak point. Kate’s dialogue often feels forced, while Gabe’s actions and words consistently place others in peril.
Ava and Clementine
Thankfully, Thicker Than Water isn’t solely defined by its weaker characters. Ava, David’s right-hand and a staunch supporter of Clementine, fills the void left by Jesus’ absence. An interesting dynamic emerges between Joan, the seemingly benevolent antagonist, and Ava, whose tough exterior belies a compassionate nature.
Clementine, while not central to this episode, plays a crucial role. Putting aside a clunky flashback referencing previous seasons, her journey towards retrieving A.J. continues, and she grapples with the evolving responsibilities of becoming a maternal figure, both literally and figuratively. This development sets the stage for future seasons, where exploring Clementine’s complex journey as a young survivor could yield powerful storytelling.
Clementine's Journey
Thicker Than Water doesn’t offer much in the way of action sequences, but it thankfully restores control to the player, allowing them to directly guide Javier. The pacing is well-handled, balancing intense moments with quieter character-driven scenes. The episode culminates in two pivotal choices that leave the player breathless, setting the stage for a gripping finale. The ending, without a doubt, is the highlight of Thicker Than Water and potentially the entire season of A New Frontier. With blood spilled and the gallows erected, the stakes are higher than ever. Who will be the next to fall?
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