If you would like to read my review of the last episode, click here.
Synopsis: With the threat of the Saviors still looming, Aaron continues searching for allies; Daryl and Rosita take action and confront an old friend. (IMDB)
Writers: David Leslie Johnson and Corey Reed
Director: Michael Slovis
Rating: TV-MA
Running Time: 44mins
Airs: Sundays at 9pm on AMC (Canada/United States)
Let’s check in on everybody else before next week’s finale.
The episode started with Rick reading Carl’s hopeful letter about the past and the future. Carl believed peace was the way to get there. Michonne found Carl’s letter to Negan.
The women of Oceanside were still looking for Aaron and found him though were perfectly satisfied with letting him die in the woods. Aaron struggled alone, presumably malnourished. The women found him again and he made his pitch to them before he fainted.
At Eugene’s outpost, he was taking charge. Simon wanted them to expedite ammo production. Gabriel was still sick and Eugene did not want to catch what he had. He was also intentionally sabotaging bullets as to not hurt anyone. Meanwhile, Daryl and Rosita took Eugene during a trip outside. It wasn’t because of friendship, it was because what was in his head. Using a herd of walkers and vomit as a distraction, Eugene got away.
Gregory wanted to make amends with Negan but Negan wasn’t around, as far as Simon knew, so Simon was in charge. He thought he would have a better chance with Simon, however, Simon’s new position didn’t allow it though Simon was still willing to give him a chance. While walking around the Sanctuary, Dwight ran into Negan. Negan wanted his loyalty for what was to come.
Negan then spoke to Simon and his other lieutenants and Simon asked for forgiveness for his actions. He spoke of he and Simon’s time at Oceanside. Negan had his doubts and Simon’s actions with the Scavengers justified them. Simon got on his knees but it was just a test that he passed. Negan’s new plan was to keep people pinned in the Hilltop.
Negan may have praised him but Dwight was still planning his revenge. Simon went to speak with him about his plan to take out Negan. Dwight seemed to be in on the plan. Simon rounded up everyone else who was interested, including Gregory, to plan what’s next, however Negan interrupted the meeting and everyone (except Gregory and Dwight) got shot. Simon was still given a chance to take the throne by challenging Negan in a fight. Meanwhile, Dwight gave Gregory a message for Rick. Negan ultimately killed Simon and was pissed that he had to go ahead with his plan.
Gregory was treated the same when he returned to the Hilltop. With Simon gone, Dwight is now Negan’s right-hand man. Then he was ambushed by Laura who exposed him. The plan that he sent to Rick was fake and was meant as a trap. Eugene returned to his outpost just in time to hear that Negan wanted an ammo order to eliminate the Hilltop for good. Simon became a new walker for the fence.
Michonne delivered Carl’s letter to Negan about starting over, asking for them to work together and to forgive. The letter didn’t seem to work as Negan was only interested in killing them all as a way to start over.
Overall, this was a good episode that checked in on everybody else while setting the stage for next week’s finale. We got to see Aaron for the first time in a while, we know where Eugene’s loyalty lies, and Simon got his comeuppance. Bookended by Carl’s letters, it will be interesting to see how the finale plays out and if the letters will play a role but let’s hope it not some empty disappointment like in past seasons although it’s leaning away from this.
Score: 8/10
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The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
