Hmmm...could be that the Governor sold it one way to Merle, but fully intends to use the eventual invasion of the prison (which seems rather inevitable) as the pretext for taking Merle out.

Maybe. Hey, if it results in Daryl choosing the group over his brother who is terrible and was never good to him then I'll be all for it. I hate when a character starts doing dumb things just because someone is family no matter how awful that person is.

Spoilers about this episode: (as if anyone coming to this page wouldn't expect spoilers)

I agree with most of your opinions on the mid-season finale. I loved the episode as it had me on edge the entire time. I did have one issue and that's with the ending and Merle's future on the show.

I really don't want to see this character become part of our group of survivors again. I think he is beyond redeemable for all the things he has done and for the type of person he is. All that being said, I also hope he isn't just a mole as I heard theorized and as you discussed on the show as well. I truly think the Governor is PISSED at him for lying about Michonne. If what happened to Penny really is what pushed him past the brink of sanity, I don't see him suddenly trusting the guy who lied about killing the person responsible for Penny's death.

Still, anything could really happen and that one criticism aside, I really enjoyed this episode and can't wait for the series to come back. Keep up the great reviews guys!