If you would like to read my review of the last episode, click here.
Synopsis: The Saviors visit the Hilltop unexpectedly, surprising everyone, with plans of taking more than supplies. (IMDB)
Writer: Angela Kang
Director: Michael E. Satrazemis
Rating: TV-MA
Running Time: 44mins
It’s been awhile since we’ve seen the Hilltop so most of this episode was devoted to Maggie and the gang. The last time we were there, we learned that the residents of the Hilltop wanted to fight the Saviors but lacked the proper training. We got a glimpse of it early on as we saw residents twirling their knives around but I assume that they will eventually move on to more appropriate weapons.
Rosita showed up to the Hilltop at the end of the previous episode to try and recruit Sasha for her mission to take out Negan on her own. This episode continued this with the two plotting their mission by making maps and brainstorming on a battle strategy. Little did Maggie or anyone else know, this was happening in parallel to the training. Jesus warned that they shouldn’t be going alone but Sasha just wanted to make sure that Rosita wasn’t alone.
Sasha believed that Maggie didn’t need her anymore since she had everybody else. They had to be there to protect the Hilltop from any retribution. She also wanted Enid to look after her just like she did. Daryl was at the Hilltop too for whatever reason. The Saviors and Simon also showed up to the Hilltop unexpectedly. Maggie and Daryl had to hide in a cellar. Sasha and Rosita used this as a way to escape through a secret tunnel that Sasha made.
Gregory greeted the Saviors who were there for a different visit of sorts. They were looking for someone in particular, the Hilltop doctor, Dr. Carson, who happened to be taking care of Maggie and her baby. It seemed like an odd request but they didn’t know what happened between Negan and the Sanctuary’s previous doctor. This visit provided some suspense as a Savior was close to discovering Maggie and Daryl in the cellar but nothing happened.
This was followed by an emotional conversation between the two. Daryl was avoiding Maggie because he felt guilty about what happened to Glenn (we are still talking about that) but Maggie reassured him that it wasn’t his fault. Gregory, slimy as he is, was worried that his giving up of the doctor would start a power struggle, asked Simon for help if ever his authority would be challenged and he agreed. Gregory was a provider to them so the Saviors had a vested interest in keeping their relationship alive.
Sasha and Rosita may have been on a mission together but they weren’t friends. Their relationship was tense. Sasha wanted to talk but Rosita was hyperfocused on the mission. They decided to set up shop in some buildings just outside of the Sanctuary. They each took turns watching the outside through the sniper scope and saw Eugene working outside the fence, probably just doing what he had to survive. At least that’s what they thought.
Over their time in the building, they began to open up to each other. Rosita taught her some knots and she opened up about her past. She knew so much by learning different things from the people she’s encountered over her life. They were men thinking they had to take care of her but she overcame them. She fell in love with Abraham because he saw that she could take care of herself. She thought she hated Sasha after Abraham had moved on to her when they got to Alexandria but realized that he had figured himself out before she did. They vowed that they had each other’s backs. Sasha briefly had a shot at Negan but couldn’t take it. They decided that they had to strike at nightfall.
Gregory, feeling threatened, tried to split people up and when Jesus called him out for his earlier behavior, he threatened him with the Saviors. Eugene was talking to a guard near the fence and he was struck. Sasha and Rosita came to the fence to break him out but Eugene didn’t want to go with them. Sasha opened up the fence and distracted Rosita so she could close it up behind her, leaving Rosita on the other side. Sasha then went inside. Rosita is upset but then there’s Daryl’s shadow looming in the background.
Overall, this was an okay episode that only really got good near the end. It had a great moment between Maggie and Daryl but the Hilltop stuff and all the time spent on Sasha and Rosita didn’t amount to much and were not the most compelling. I’m sure they’ll get it back together.
Score: 7/10
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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.