Interesting
It is funny you say critics are turning on the show. I've actually been surprised by all the praise the show has received lately. Right now Metacritic has it at an 80:
http://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-walking-dead/season-5
Entertainment Weekly says best season so far:
http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/11/11/walking-dead-best-season-ever/
Vox.com (never heard of them) had this to say:
"I can't believe I'm writing this, but The Walking Dead is one of the best shows of 2014"
http://www.vox.com/2014/12/1/7314439/walking-dead-finale
This reviewer even mentions he disliked season 4 but now is enjoying season 5:
"In contrast to his predecessors, Scott M. Gimple, the showrunner since Season 4, is getting nothing but praise. And deservedly so. I stand by everything I wrote a few weeks back: The Walking Dead has been shockingly good so far this year."
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/walking-dead-2014-midseason-finale-recap/
Most of the reviews I'm reading of the season are praising the success of the show. It is curious that your review choices were more from the niche market that would probably include more comic fans than the ones I linked.
Personally, I feel the show has huge peaks and valleys. I hate the way they split the show off and tell other stories. I'm truly only interested in Rick and I feel the split focus just doesn't work. It was what drove me crazy about last season.
However, I think a lot of my criticism of the show is because of my love for the book. Talking to none comic readers, they love it! My wife loves the show. I have coworkers that love the show. Clearly from the ratings, people love the show.
I'm not sure I'd say it is losing steam by any stretch of the imagination.
And this is your opinion. So let me ask you something. How come you are entitled to your opinion, but when I present mine "I am talking out my ***?"
Interesting how your mind works.