>actual tension is introduced for the first time in about 8 episodes
>actual character development is introduced for the first time in about 4 seasons (e.g. Eugene arc)
Spoiler
>people die that aren't background characters, adding some emotional weight to the story
>excellent use of practical effects instead of just pouring blood and having someone scream as per usual
>the episode started to dip its toes into GoT style political backstabbing and scheming
>decent choreography and sound design instead of just looping the same kind of zombie splatter audio over and over
It's a shame this kind of writing isn't as consistent throughout the entire season.
OH WAIT, MAYBE ITS BECAUSE THE SHOW HAS ABOUT TWENTY MILLION DIFFERENT WRITERS AND DIRECTORSFuck sake AMC.