I think they are trying to get too much mileage out of each episode. Carroll went running after T-Dog subdued the 2 walkers. I didn't even know she died until I watched The Talking Dead after show. Then we are to assume the walker Rick kills with the full tummy had a full belly from eating Lori? Again, I didn't know that until the after show. The item Rick picked up where Lori was killed was the bullet Carl used to finish his mom.

Then, Rick doesn't give Lori the time of day in season 3, she dies and he goes postal (sorry mail carriers ). It just seems odd.

I haven't read the comic series and don't notice the similarities, but really wonder who is on the phone. My guess, and it's only a guess is, when the alarm sounded it triggered an automated phone message to some police station or military installation. Either way the end of episode 5 is one of the most interesting.