They're all infected. If they die, they will come back as zombies. BUT, from my understanding... a bite or scratch is fatal, like the rabies virus, or maybe more like snake venom. Rick was able to lop off Hershel's leg to prevent the venom/virus from getting into his blood stream, from reaching his brain or heart. When he stopped breathing, it was just from shock/blood loss/trauma and not from zombie fever.

But Big Tiny's scratches weren't on an extremity, so there was no way to amputate.

I knew Tomas needed killing. I didn't think it would happen that fast. And I was surprised Rick didn't let the guy who ran back inside. Rick's getting harder.

And Carl is becoming useful.

but they let zombie blood and guts spray all over themselves.

i know its just a show but i get distracted by plot holes like this.

Loved the episode! I also admit that when Herschel grabbed Lori during mouth-to-mouth, I had my arms in the air screaming and cheering like my football team scored a touchdown. I was hoping she was a goner.

I'm liking the new Rick, and I was surprised he killed Tomas.

I wasn't surprised that Rick killed him, but i was loving it! Nice to see he found his balls . And I did the same think with Lori, but then it was like they did an instant replay and took back the touch down *hangs head*

A lot of animosity towards Lori - not that it isn't well deserved. Should be interesting to see what happens when she finally pops out the new baby. I think she's finally given up trying to be a mother to Carl - that kid will now do whatever he wants. Rick is now turned into the bad *kitten* of the show - I hope they don't have him lose all his compassion and humanity.

It's not so much that he was "ball-less" but that he let his heart (compassion) control his thoughts about what was best. Now he acts more primal, which I think is the best way to be in this situation, and to just..SHOOT...(or chop) and ask questions later.

This was such a good episode. I love the fact that Rick killed that prisoner he was dangerous and would have killed people in the group. Everyone is finding their niche. Carol is helping treat people. Carl can now take down walkers. Maggie is helping fight. I'm just wondering what beth helps with?

Loved the episode, and the machete move, was pretty in your face, the guy didn't even flinch- can't say I didn't see it coming, just was amazed it did so quickly. Was wondering about how stupid it was of Rick to chase after that one guy running in the prison - they hadn't really "cleared" all those areas, so that was pretty dangerous- and the fact that the guy pretty much ran cause they were killing the prisoners, sort of seems a little out of character that Rick didn't "give him a chance."

I believe the prisoner with the moustache is creeping on Carol - he's probably some creepy sex offender. Wondering why all the women don't cut off their hair, seems sort of like a liability to have it long, especially Lori after that car accident, when the Walker had her hair and pulled her down in the car- Carol's at least smart in THAT aspect.

ok...so we see again where they care if they are bit/scratched...if they are alread infected why do they care? i can understand if the injury leads to blood loss and death but the big guys scratch/bite shouldnt have been a problem right? what am i missing?

remember jim from season 1? he also died from a non lethal zombie bit and t-dog has almost died from a non lethal scratch on the arm. it isnt so much the bite or scratch that kills them but the normal infections that very easily come along with accidental wounds and the fact that no one has antibiotics to treat those infections for the most part.

i would imagine the inside of a zombie mouth to have a zillion times more germs than the broken window t-dog cut himself on. after all, zombies are essentially decaying decaying flesh that's been eating raw meat

that makes sense but if thats the case they could have waited to kill Big Tiny and hoped they'd find antibiotics in the infirmary.

it would be a waste on someone he did not know but also I dont think of it as an infection like cutting yourself Its a zombie virus I do not think it can be healed by meds. The only reason Hershel is ok is because he was bit on the leg and in 2 sec they cut it off and even they did not know if it would work. Big Tiny was bit on the shoulder the bit infection would go straight to his heart and brain within mins.

Another great episode tonight!

I like the new little bad-*kitten* Carl.
Was half hoping when Lori gave Hershel mouth to mouth that he had turned and was going to eat Loris face.
Its nice to see Rick making better decisions, and losing his "we don't kill the living" attitude.
My favorite kill of the episode was when he whacked Tomas with the machete.
But who was creeping out Carol while she was playing doctor on the zombie corpse?
I wouldn't mind seeing her get eaten. She's whiny and weak.

The first episode when Carol asked Daryl to fool around, I wanted to smack her. When she started performing a c-section on a walker, I wanted to smack her hard. If the show is anything like the comic, the wierd little prisoner is watching her (instead of Andrea) and will try to do unspeakable things to her...we can only hope!

I hope she meets her comic fate and lets a zombie eat her because she's so sad and desperate!