TS-19

"TS-19" (Test Subject 19) is the sixth and final episode of the first season of the post-apocalyptic television series The Walking Dead. It originally aired on AMC in the United States on December 5, 2010. The episode was written by Adam Fierro and series creator Frank Darabont and directed by Guy Ferland. In the episode, the group finally finds safe haven in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters, although the only scientist there, Dr. Edwin Jenner (Noah Emmerich) hides many secrets that leads the group to demand answers about the zombie apocalypse. Themes such as romance, rape, suicide and terror are prevalent throughout "TS-19". Different character developments occur throughout the episode, particularly with Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal), who writer Robert Kirkman felt that viewers would no longer identify as the show's main antagonist. Production for "TS-19" commenced at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, as opposed to the actual headquarters for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which was impractical due to the high security of the area. "TS-19" received favorable reception from television commentators, who praised the development of various characters as well as the performances of several actors and actresses. Upon airing, it attained 5.97 million viewers and a 3.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic, according to the Nielsen Media Research. "TS-19" at one point was the show's highest-rated episode, and it is the highest-rated telecast in its first season.