The Walking Dead director looks back at “harrowing” episode: “I’m shocked at what we got away with”

The Walking Dead director looks back at “harrowing” episode: “I’m shocked at what we got away with”

As a die-hard Walking Dead fan who has witnessed the apocalypse unfold through countless nights huddled in front of my television, I can wholeheartedly attest to the sheer brilliance that is “No Sanctuary.” Ten years have passed since its haunting premiere, and the memories it evoked are as vivid as ever. The director’s admission of shock at the episode’s opening harrowing sequence only solidifies my belief that this installment was truly a masterpiece in horror television.


Approximately ten years after airing “No Sanctuary,” the inaugural episode from Season 5 of The Walking Dead, which is fondly remembered by fans, its director shared that he remains stunned by the powerful impact of the first 10 minutes, which were particularly harrowing.

In this installment, the primary figures from the cherished zombie show found themselves battling to escape a fortified facility known as Terminus, following an ordeal where they were cornered and almost slaughtered by ravenous cannibals.

In conversation with ComicBook, Greg Nicotero expressed that directing the episode was “among the most fulfilling moments of my career,” and disclosed that they incorporated a baseball bat into the trough scene as a “subtle hint foreshadowing Negan’s arrival a few seasons down the line.

Nicetero stated that the initial segment of the episode might be “one of the most gripping and intense opening scenes for a show, and amazingly, we managed to pull it off.” He also expressed his astonishment about “what we successfully accomplished.

The Walking Dead director looks back at “harrowing” episode: “I’m shocked at what we got away with”

As a passionate cinephile, I shared my thoughts: “Over the course of nine to ten days, we miraculously completed filming that captivating episode. Honestly, I’m still in awe about how we managed it. It was an unforgettable journey witnessing those compelling narratives unfold within this specific installment.

“I believe that among the episodes, ‘No Sanctuary’ and ‘No Way Out’, the Alexandria invasion, and ‘Night of the Living Dead’ are two of the most powerful ones.” (Paraphrased)

Nicotero recently directed “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol,” which is the second season of one of the original show’s numerous spin-offs or continuations, and brings back Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride to reprise their roles as Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier.

In addition to the third season of that show, the story of Maggie, played by Lauren Cohan, and Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (from The Walking Dead), continues in the upcoming second season of The Walking Dead: Dead City spin-off.

I’m excited to let you know that you can catch “The Walking Dead” on Sky Atlantic and NOW. If you’re interested in tuning in, here’s a quick guide on how to subscribe to Sky TV for more information.

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2024-10-13 00:03