"Welcome to the Tombs" | |
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The Walking Dead episode | |
Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 16 |
Directed by | Ernest Dickerson |
Written by | Glen Mazzara |
Original air date | March 31, 2013 |
Guest appearances | |
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"Welcome to the Tombs" is the sixteenth and final episode of the third season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on March 31, 2013. In the episode, The Governor (David Morrissey) and Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) prepare for the upcoming assault on the prison. Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) decide to not participate in the assault and stay on guard duty before preparing to leave, as the citizens of Woodbury become increasingly alarmed at The Governor's erratic behaviour. Meanwhile, Andrea (Laurie Holden) struggles to escape The Governor's torture chamber.
This episode was directed by Ernest Dickerson and written by Glen Mazzara. However, the scenes involving Andrea were re-written by Scott M. Gimple and re-filmed one month after production ended to deliver a more satisfying conclusion. The episode also explores the theme of embracing humanity and civilization.
Commentators gave a mixed response towards the episode, with some praising the atmosphere and theme of the episode as well as the arc of the season, while others criticized the lack of conclusion towards The Governor's story and Andrea's death. The finale was watched by 12.42 million viewers upon its original airing, which (before the fourth season premiere) was the show's most-watched episode.
The episode features the final appearance of Andrea Harrison until the season 10 episode "What We Become." The episode also marks the final appearance of Milton Mamet (Dallas Roberts), and the final regular appearance of Lori Grimes (Sarah Wayne Callies).