The Walking Dead returned with “Rock in the Road” written by Angela Kang and directed by Greg Nicotero. This was as close to a hopeful episode as we’ve had in a long time, and it was nice to see our group working together for a common goal of helping create a better situation.
The episode begins back at Alexandria with Gabriel (Seth Gilliam). He’s on watch at night, and he leaves his post. It looks like he’s running again. Gilliam is terrific in this silent sequence. We see him seem to take strength from his Bible – I hope we’ll find out what passage he was reading. He goes to the pantry and cleans it out, filling a car, and then leaving.
After walking calmly over, he’s suddenly frantic to load up all the supplies. He checks the inventory, and it looks like he’s dropped his Bible in his haste. As the opening sequence ends, with Gabriel driving out, we see a figure pop up in the back seat! It’s a terrific use of an old horror trope – remember! Always check the backseat when you get in a car! The question than arises. Did he know there was someone there? Is he being coerced to do this?
We jump to the group in Gregory’s (Xander Berkeley) office, and he’s as much of a coward and slimeball as ever! Berkeley has done such a great job crafting this character. You have to love how easy it is to hate him! He simply wants to deny ever having had a deal with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and ignore how bad things are obviously going to get. He’s the ultimate fact-denier.
Even Jesus (Tom Payne) has had enough of Gregory. Gregory tells them that he doesn’t even know how many people he has! What a great leader. He also demonstrates that he has no idea what his people even are. They answer all his questions and he still refuses to listen to them. Daryl (Norman Reedus) calls Gregory on his talking out of both sides of his mouth – Gregory says whatever is expedient in the moment – he doesn’t care about the truth or facts. Sounds like someone else I could name…. I did love that Gregory is scared enough of Maggie (Lauren Cohen) that he won’t totally get her name wrong, but he also pushes back by calling her Margaret.
The others leave the office undeterred, and they’re joined by Enid (Katelyn Nacon). She’s taken a page out of Maggie’s book and gone out and gotten to know the people of Hilltop one at a time. She brings the others outside where a small group of Hilltoppers lead by Bertie (Karen Ceesay). They aren’t stupid, and they know that they owe their lives to Maggie and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green). She says that Enid has told them that Maggie wants Gregory to let them fight the Saviors with them. Maggie doesn’t hesitate in giving them a truthful yes – and that she believes they can win.
I loved the look that Carl (Chandler Riggs) gives Enid. He’s so proud of what she’s done! And then she just shrugs it off. They still don’t have the numbers to beat the Saviors, however. Daryl suggest with the right stuff – like explosives – they could win – just blow them up. Tara (Alanna Masterson) points out that there are people with the Saviors who are no better than prisoners. She knows what it’s like to be forced to fight or be held captive, so she wants those people spared.
Rick is anxious to get back. They have to be prepared for Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to come looking for Daryl. He also knows they have to find another group to have a chance to win. Jesus tells them they don’t have to rush back and reveals that he has one of the Savior’s walkie-talkies. He also tells them it’s time for them to meet King Ezekiel (Khary Payton). The look on Rick’s face is priceless. On the one hand it’s nice to see that he hasn’t lost the ability to be surprised, but on the other, he’s clearly so over having to deal with stuff like this. After all, isn’t a King going to be difficult to deal with?
Rick’s incredulity continues over the fact that Ezekiel’s territory is called the “Kingdom” – like every good fairy tale! When Rick asks where it is exactly, I loved Jesus’ answer: “Technically, we’re already here. I mean. We’re always here, but here we are…” It’s just such a quintessential metaphysical question!
It’s equally hilarious when Richard (Karl Makinen) and Alvaro (Carlos Navarro) come riding up and Alvaro has his sword drawn, spouting some knightly sort of challenge. They stop as soon as they recognize Jesus. Interestingly, while Alvaro calls him Jesus, Richard calls him Paul. It’s a nice underscoring of how practical and grounded Richard is. There’s no doubt in my mind that he doesn’t buy the entire “king” routine, but does respect how well their community works.
Richard is reluctant to let a large group of strangers into the community or to grant an audience with the King. I loved all of Jesus’ dialogue in these scenes. When Richard wants clarification on how the group is “like-minded,” Jesus tells him, “we live. Betrayed. We fight the dead. Sometimes others.” It’s cryptic – but with a purpose. He doesn’t want to tip his hand to someone who might betray them to Negan for his own gain – though Jesus is pretty sure he can trust Richard.
Daryl is his usual short-tempered self and doesn’t want to put up with another “inspection.” Michonne (Danai Gurira) steps forward and shows respect for the “King” and acts as peace-maker and negotiator. I love what a great team she and Rick have developed into. Rick hands over their two guns – the one Michonne got in the last episode, and Rick’s colt that Daryl returned to him.
I loved the discussion between Richard and Jesus. He tells him that he’s talking to Jesus because he knows that Jesus has a brain and a backbone – unlike Gregory. Clearly, Richard, like everyone else, can’t understand why Jesus hasn’t been leading the Hilltop. But then, it’s Jesus lot in life to wander the earth and help others, right? Richard wants to deal with the real problem – the Saviors. Jesus remarks that he’s never seen Richard smile – and he thinks that’s going to change today. He knows that Richard is not tempermentally suited to being essentially a slave.
The group is impressed by the Kingdom. I loved the music over the idyllic scene. They clearly have the numbers but can they fight. And I loved a group of soldiers jogging past in formation to underscore Jesus’ assurance that they can fight. The reunion with Morgan (Lennie James) is sweet but short as they are granted an audience with the King. I loved Rick’s answer to how they know each other: “We go back to the start.” And so they do, but that skips over so much!
Rick and Daryl hang back to ask Morgan about Carol. He tells him that she was there and then left. Morgan tells them that she wasn’t happy about him following her – she just wanted to get away from all of them. He also tells them that she was shot, but the doctors patched her up. Daryl immediately wants to know if it was “them” – the Saviors. It’s one more score for him to settle.
Morgan tells them that he killed him. He had to. It’s clear that he’s still not comfortable with it. Morgan also respects Carol’s wishes. He tells them that she was there, but now, she’s gone. Rick accepts it, but Daryl looks thoughtful.
The group go in to Ezekiel who is pleased to see Jesus. AND we get more Jerry (Cooper Andrews)! Even Ezekiel is a little done with Jerry’s exuberance though.
It’s hilarious when Jesus turns to introduce the group and they’re all hanging back at the door. Jesus quickly realizes what the problem is. “I forgot to mention…” and Rick finishing, “yeah… the tiger.” Ezekiel welcomes them and asks why they want an audience.
Rick points out that Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom all serve the Saviors. He tells him that the Saviors rule through violence and fear. I loved Richard’s hopeful glances at Ezekiel as he listened. Ezekiel is not happy that Jesus has broken his confidence. He points out that the people of the Kingdom don’t know about the deal.
Rick tells them that several of their people – good people – were killed by the Saviors, and Morgan immediately wants to know who – because, of course, he missed it all. Rosita (Christian Serratos) tells him the list of the dead and that Eugene (Josh McDermitt) has been taken and that Daryl is a fugitive. Rosita challenges him as to whether he’s going to say he was right, but Morgan tells her that he’s just sorry they’re gone – he’s clearly still re-thinking his position on violence.
Jesus says that he used to think they could live with the deal – but that’s changing. He asks Ezekiel to join them to change the world. Rick says that they’re strong but don’t have enough people or weapons. Richard jumps in – and both Ezekiel and Jerry let him. He says they have the people and the weapons. He urges Ezekiel to join the fight – the time is now.
Ezekiel turns to Morgan for his opinion. Morgan says people will die – on both sides. He wonders if there’s another way. Maybe capturing just Negan would be enough? Ezekiel takes all of the advice, but reserves judgment to consider it all. I really liked how much sense that made – not to come to a snap judgment. Of course, I also noticed that the King is dressed in a flannel pajama top with stars on it…
Rick then gives him one more thing to ponder. It’s the story of the rock in the road – the road to the Kingdom. Negan, of course, is the rock in the road. It’s interesting that it’s a little girl who has to dig up the rock. I loved how into the story Jerry got, and the look Benjamin (Logan Miller) gives him. Benjamin clearly gets the analogy which is lost on Jerry. The story’s point is the wise King who left the gold as a reward for the person who removed the danger to other. They deserved to have their lives made better.
Carol (Melissa McBride) runs into Benjamin in the woods. He’s out there trying to step up and make himself better. Once again, the show has created another really interesting character and Miller has done a terrific job bringing him to life. He may not be a hardened, talented fighter, but he doesn’t come across as useless or weak either. It’s possible that his real value is in his judgment.
Carol, however, sees someone weak, who is likely to get killed. She gives him pointers for staying safe – put the safety on, get back before dark – but she doesn’t want to engage with anyone else who is going to die. Benjamin tells her that “he” – clearly Morgan – isn’t going to stop coming out and risking himself to make sure that Carol is ok. Carol wants Benjamin to take a message to Morgan, but Benjamin tells her he can’t – it won’t do any good. Morgan will look out for those he cares about – nothing they can do to change it. It’s interesting as well, that neither Carol nor Benjamin have to hear this from Morgan. Both have come to the same conclusion, proving both are astute judges of character.
Benjamin offers Carol food and water – he always carries extra in case he meets someone who needs it. It’s clear that Benjamin has a good heart, something no doubt reinforced by Morgan’s teaching. But it’s also clear that he’s lead a pretty sheltered life. He tells Carol there aren’t a lot of them left. They have to help each other. Carol’s final piece of advice? Heel, toe, heel toe. Benjamin has no forest skills, so she tries to tell him how to move without being noticed.
Benjamin returns to find Ezekiel telling Henry (Macsen Lintz) a bedtime story – not your traditional bedtime story but the words of Martin Luther King. Here’s another instance of a story resonating in the episode. He’s talking about acceptance, but also breaking free of chains – slavery – so all men are equal. But of course, King wanted a peaceful change.
Benjamin tells Ezekiel he took out some walkers in the woods – he’s getting good with the stick. Ezekiel is clearly quite interested when Benjamin mentions his encounter with Carol and asks after her. But Benjamin wants to talk about Rick’s deal. He proves he’s once again a very astute judge of character. Ezekiel welcomes his opinion, so clearly does value it. Benjamin tells him, “you saw his eyes. They’re going to risk everything whether we help them or not.” Benjamin knows if they don’t help, they won’t win, but if they do, it means they’ve saved them and they did nothing to help. He tells Ezekiel, “My father always said, if you’re asked to be the hero, be a hero.” He tells Ezekiel that he’s ready for anything – they all are. He tells Benjamin that his father would be proud. His King is proud.
We get another shot of the people of the Kingdom. And we get treated to more Bear Mcreary music. How much did he love working with what sounded like a harpsichord, and how appropriate is that music to the Kingdom? Love the attention to detail on this show!
People who have lost limbs are taking target practice. There army is training. Ezekiel tells them that he wanted to expand, but people died when he sent them into battle. Rick points out that the people outside of the Kingdom don’t have it as good – Ezekiel insists that he has to concentrate on his own people. Daryl tells him he’s not acting like the King he claims to be. Ezekiel says that all of “this” came at a price – lives and limbs. The peace they have is uneasy, but he has to try to hold on to it. He does offer Daryl asylum – even after Daryl insults him.
Rick doesn’t respond – just nods his head in disgust and walks off. In fact, no one says anything. The loss of hope has everyone pissed. Rosita cuts Sasha off when Sasha talks to her like a friend. Morgan urges Rick to stay and continue talking. Richard wants to come to help. He points out that the more they give the Saviors, the stronger the Saviors get. They’re feeding them and giving them weapons. They’re only making them harder to beat.
Daryl doesn’t want to stay, but Rick insists. He tells him to talk to Ezekiel – or stare him into submission! Of all of them, Daryl is the least talkative and the last person you’d want to take on a delicate and nuanced negotiation! It’s just a little funny – but it’s also sad to see him separated from the group again so soon. It’s a good way for the writers to keep fans invested in all the different storylines, however. It’s hard enough to give everyone something meaningful to do within an hour, but viewers also have expressed dissatisfaction with focusing on some characters over others.
I know I’m not alone in loving the scene with the group on the road. It’s beautifully shot. Kudos to production for getting to use what is clearly a stretch of highway and making it look so great with the car and bomb barrier – not to mention the amazing clothesline scene. Just fantastic – and the kind of horrific carnage that makes the show so much fun to watch. I loved the voice over of Negan’s “eulogy” for Fat Joey coming over the radio before he declares the manhunt for Daryl. Also nice is the moment of silence that allows for Rick and Jesus’ dialogue.
Carl has intel from his time stowing away that the booby-trap is for a herd of walkers. Rosita uses her skills to disarm the bomb so that they can take the explosives. And then they up the ante by hearing that they have to hurry because the Saviors are heading to Alexandria to hunt for Daryl. And then the tension is ramped up even more by the appearance of the herd. Rick wants the herd to stay on the highway. He’s planning ahead – it’s another weapon they can use against the Saviors.
Rick and Michonne working together to clear a path for the others to escape was a thing of beauty and one of the moments of the show that is going to go down as a favorite. Rick has already sent Sasha and Jesus back to the Hilltop on foot. Of course, the Saviors are going to wonder what happened. They may not realize that some of the explosives are gone because the ones Rosita didn’t like the look of do blow up, but moving the cars and the walker bodies have to be a “dead” giveaway, right? My only disappointment with that scene was that Rick and Michonne basically pushed their way through the herd way too easily.
Rick is overwhelmed by the time they get back in the truck and on the road. Michonne is clearly energized. She tells him, they can do it – and she’s smiling! She tells Rick, “We’re the ones who live!” And it looks like Rick takes comfort in that and is starting to maybe believe it.
Rick and the group get back and are met by Tobin (Jason Douglas), but Simon (Steven Ogg) and company arrive before Rick and Tobin can fill each other in. Simon forces everyone to accompany his people while they search for Daryl. Simon clearly dislikes Carl – he’s jealous of how much Negan liked Carl! He also tells them that they want everyone to watch Daryl die. The Saviors needlessly destroy things.
Aaron (Ross Marquand) tries to smooth things over when Simon discovers the empty pantry. Rick wants to know exactly what happened to the pantry as soon as Simon leaves. Aaron and Tobin fill them in. Rosita is positive that Gabriel has taken a runner – it can’t be anything else. But Rick is 100% sure that Gabriel did change. Michonne looks thoughtful.
Tara can’t believe that Gabriel would do it because he’d found his courage and she wants to believe he could hold onto it – just as she struggled to find her own courage. Michonne tries to explain it away – Gabriel watched as Spencer and Olivia killed. After all, Eugene seemed to have his tenuous courage destroyed by watching Glenn and Abraham die.
Rick finds the Bible on the floor and is puzzled that Gabriel would have left it behind. He then finds the inventory book, and the note we didn’t see Gabriel write: “Boat.” Aaron and Rick can’t figure out how Gabriel could have known about the boat, but they know where to look now.
There’s a nice scene between Aaron and Eric (Jordan Woods-Robinson). They start out by teasing each other that Aaron is leaving Eric, but the conversation quickly turns serious. Eric doesn’t want Aaron to go, he wants to make sure he stays alive. And here’s the problem with Eric being more of a “homebody” – he may not fully appreciate the danger and he hasn’t really bonded with the others. It’s also not a new trait in him to simply want to protect what he has – it’s the same instinct we’ve already seen in both Gregory and Ezekiel. As bad as thing are now, they could be worse… But that’s no who Aaron is. Aaron, like the rest of the group, wants to make things better, not just for them but for everyone everywhere.
Rick finds evidence of that mysterious boot we saw in the last episode and they follow the trail of footprints back to an abandoned group of buildings – that looked an awful lot like Terminus from a different angle. The group finds themselves surrounded by a large group of people, all with weapons (and dirty hair). And then Rick smiles and even laughs a little. What has he seen? Who has he seen? Is it just Gabriel? Did he recognize someone else? Or is he simply thinking here’s a desperate group with the numbers and weapons that they need…
What did you think of the episode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
