Following the death of fan-favorites Glenn and Abraham, fans are not the only ones feeling empty inside. This episode follows the aftermath of Lucille's head-bashing with Negan showing up at the doorstep of Alexandria still undone from grief.
Rick, as though recovering from his past mistake of ambushing the Saviors, is now bending backwards to appease the smug and chatty Negan. Sure, Negan's sudden appearance to Alexandria may be slightly earlier than expected, but Rick did nothing to ensure any resistance from Alexandria ever again. You could say that Rick is fulfilling any "Service" that Negan needs even if it means his own dignity.
Handing over mattresses, medicine, and even weapons to Negan, Alexandria is left weak and vulnerable. While Rick takes in the humiliation in full force, because he believes this will keep the blood-thirsty Negan away, the rest are left to question Rick's weakened leadership. While Spencer made the group's frustration loud and clear, Rosita is secretly scouring and perhaps even creating her own ammo with help of Eugene.
While this is the standard bleak episode of "The Walking Dead" that the show is known for, we are given a tender moment to take a peek at Rick's selfless but broken resolve. In a private conversation with Michonne, Rick confessed that he only wanted to keep Judith, his baby daughter, safe despite knowing that she is not biologically his. This is the first real confirmation that Judith is Shane's daughter on the show.
Although Michonne concedes slightly to Rick's pleas for submission to Negan, her warrior instincts cannot be subdued that easily. In an interview with Variety, actress Danai Gurira revealed her character's doubt about her partner and the group's survival.
"Giving him the gun is when she feels that fear he's been feeling," Gurira shares with Variety. "But it's a very frustrating moment, because she understands - but it's not who they are. They're warriors."
Future episodes might see Michonne finally taking in the reins of leadership while Rick plays babysitter. Another potential female leader to watch out for is Maggie.
Yes, she lives, thanks to Father Gabriel's quick-thinking steps to fool Negan by digging an empty grave. Tired of having a bloody bat for a wife, Negan probably killed Glenn partly to ensure Maggie is free for the taking. Luckily, Gabriel's priesthood does not stop him from lying about Maggie's death. So, although Negan drives off with his loot from Alexandria, Maggie escapes from his clutches to arrive in Hilltop.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, actress Lauren Cohen hints that Maggie "lives on in honor of Glenn and in vengeance of Negan, and it's a real war in her brain, and in protection of the baby".
Next episode will follow the group going their separate ways but more interestingly, what waits at Hilltop. The new promo for next episode "Go Getters" will reveal more about Maggie's fate. Watch the video below and tell us what you think in the comments.
