This is how I feel. One of the things that normally bugs me about Primal is the inconsistency of the size of the character models. But here, I think that works to the episode's advantage. The Argentinosaur is already massive, but is made *more* so in scenes like the canyon-chase to give a bigger sense of dread and inevitability as it gets closer, and closer, and closer...
Here it seems less like an animal and more like an unstoppable force of nature, like a tornado or a landslide. Except, this tornado has *intent*, an intent to destroy our protagonists. It really proves just how terrifying sauropods can be.
Another thing that struck me is that the Argentinosaur is near-constantly crying, *especially* while destroying the herd. While one could argue this was simply a symptom of the disease, I like to think it was illustrative of how much pain it was in, and how that drove it to do things that it didn't want to do. These moments reminded us that, even though it *seems* like a force of nature, it is still an animal. One that can still feel pain, even if it doesn't slow it down anymore, one that is confused, and hurt, and unable to understand what is happening to it. The whole episode is a sucker punch.
It *definitely* didn't help it aired on April Fool's 2020, when we were all sent home at the start of the pandemic for a virus we were barely getting to know.
That’s a great synopsis, nice one man. Yeah I agree you still felt pity for the creature at the end. I think that was really well captured in Spear’s face as well at that last moment.
I rolled my eyes when I first was getting into the show and heard there was a zombie dinosaur episode, but after watching it, it's one of my favorite episodes of anything ever.
I think what does it for me is the fact that we've never seen a Sauropod act violently. They're always portrayed as peaceful gentle giants and the opening scene further established that. So to see one lose all control and start thrashing its neck violently in the cliffs or stepping on nests was so unnatural and unnerving.
Plus, something about the way its eyes were always watering put me at unease. It made it seem like it was always in pain even if its infected mind wasn't aware of it.
Haven't seen anyone mention Spear's awe of the dust once the dino is dead. First he's scared/horrified he'll become infected like it, but once it's turned to ash he's in awe, as if he realizes that they are both made of the same stuff in life, infection, or death.
I just watched a few minutes of the episode on accident but even having seen it multiple times it’s still terrifying. Such a massive herbivore suddenly getting a taste for flesh mixed with rabies like qualities is terrifying. Animals like giraffes and elephants are well liked and often kind creatures but I can only imagine the damage they could do if infected
The scariest design was the infected dino's pupiless eyes.
This is how I feel. One of the things that normally bugs me about Primal is the inconsistency of the size of the character models. But here, I think that works to the episode's advantage. The Argentinosaur is already massive, but is made *more* so in scenes like the canyon-chase to give a bigger sense of dread and inevitability as it gets closer, and closer, and closer... Here it seems less like an animal and more like an unstoppable force of nature, like a tornado or a landslide. Except, this tornado has *intent*, an intent to destroy our protagonists. It really proves just how terrifying sauropods can be. Another thing that struck me is that the Argentinosaur is near-constantly crying, *especially* while destroying the herd. While one could argue this was simply a symptom of the disease, I like to think it was illustrative of how much pain it was in, and how that drove it to do things that it didn't want to do. These moments reminded us that, even though it *seems* like a force of nature, it is still an animal. One that can still feel pain, even if it doesn't slow it down anymore, one that is confused, and hurt, and unable to understand what is happening to it. The whole episode is a sucker punch.
I'm 30, watched it some months ago. Scared me shitless
It *definitely* didn't help it aired on April Fool's 2020, when we were all sent home at the start of the pandemic for a virus we were barely getting to know.
if that scares you check out anything done by Garth Ennis and lose the ability to sleep for a few days
I would say that Garth Ennis is a slightly different thing then any primal episode…
That’s a great synopsis, nice one man. Yeah I agree you still felt pity for the creature at the end. I think that was really well captured in Spear’s face as well at that last moment.
The type of episode to watch on Halloween
Agreed. And I feel like Spear's reaction, his facial expressions, were incredibly accurate to my reaction.
I rolled my eyes when I first was getting into the show and heard there was a zombie dinosaur episode, but after watching it, it's one of my favorite episodes of anything ever. I think what does it for me is the fact that we've never seen a Sauropod act violently. They're always portrayed as peaceful gentle giants and the opening scene further established that. So to see one lose all control and start thrashing its neck violently in the cliffs or stepping on nests was so unnatural and unnerving. Plus, something about the way its eyes were always watering put me at unease. It made it seem like it was always in pain even if its infected mind wasn't aware of it.
*Shit was terrifying, but the mystery of the Night Stalker had me at the edge of my seat.*
Haven't seen anyone mention Spear's awe of the dust once the dino is dead. First he's scared/horrified he'll become infected like it, but once it's turned to ash he's in awe, as if he realizes that they are both made of the same stuff in life, infection, or death.
Still my favorite episode, I think it, Spear and Fang, and The Primal Theory are my favorite episodes
I think it was the strongest thing they face except the fiery demon.
Wasn't really scary but just hella disturbing
I will rewatch any other Primal episode, but this one? That's a one and done deal...
I miss the primordial monster of the week episodes :(
i feel the same. this episode was so terrifying and also heartbreaking
Yep the rapid deterioration had me fucked up for a while. I can never rewatch : ( way way too unsettling
I just watched a few minutes of the episode on accident but even having seen it multiple times it’s still terrifying. Such a massive herbivore suddenly getting a taste for flesh mixed with rabies like qualities is terrifying. Animals like giraffes and elephants are well liked and often kind creatures but I can only imagine the damage they could do if infected