The Walking Dead: The Complete Eighth Season

Another of the original cast members of AMC’s monster-hit zombie series bites the dust in this 2017-18 season (and is given an extended, heartfelt send-off midway through the run). Otherwise, this season’s overall narrative, based on the "All Out War" volumes of Robert Kirkman’s long-running comic book series The Walking Dead, centers on the decisive battle uniting Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his survivors, along with allies from the Alexandria Safe-Zone, the Hilltop Colonists under Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan), and the Kingdom led by King Ezekiel (Khary Payton)—as well as the Scavengers in the latter stages—against the brutal Saviors, who are directed by the nefarious Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). The conflict allows for plenty of the usual graphic violence, but the writers also make room for numerous sideline stories showcasing the show’s regular and subsidiary characters, and the ending opts for an act on Rick’s part that underscores his continuing humane inclinations. While obviously not a good starting point for newcomers to the series, die-hard fans will not be disappointed. Presenting all 16 episodes from the 2017-18 eighth season, extras include episode audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Recommended. (F. Swietek)