Very cleverly, this series has benefited this season from branched-off episodes – plots and characters that are isolated from the main narrative, yet not unrelated, or uninvolving on their own. Last week’s episode exemplified that, with a gripping hour picking up on the story of Beth (Emily Kinney), who woke up in a hospital unaware of her surroundings or condition – just like Rick in the series premiere. And after a harrowing hour (including a tense and harrowing scene involving a … lollipop), last week’s episode ended with a surprise that’s sure to propel tonight’s episode.