The Walking Dead’s penultimate episode “Family” was written by the group of Magali Lozano, Erik Mountain, and Kevin Deiboldt and was directed by Sharat Raju. I can’t imagine there is just one extra episode of this collection! I’ve been reviewing the present virtually for the reason that very starting, and I bear in mind working at a conference (Creation’s Weekend of Horror) simply earlier than its debut. Greg Nicotero was there, and I had no concept who he was! Norman Reedus (Daryl) was there together with his Boondock Saints co-stars (one of many causes I needed to work the stage at that conference) and Reedus was requested to affix The Walking Dead panel just about as an after thought – and the room wasn’t as full because it had been for the Boondock Saints panel! We know Daryl goes to outlive and Maggie (Lauren Cohen) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), however these are the one certainties going into the ultimate episode…
This week’s voice over from Judith (Cailey Fleming) begins along with her stating that for the longest time they have been simply combating to outlive, attempting to get again what they’ve misplaced because the digital camera pans over a field stuffed with the enduring weapons from the present – Carol’s (Melissa McBride) knife, Rosita’s (Christian Serratos) machete (is it a re-purposed chainsaw?), Gabriel’s (Seth Gilliam) machete, Lydia’s (Cassady McClincy) employees, Magna’s (Nadia Hilker) funky ax-thing, Connie (Laruen Ridloff) and Kelly’s (Angel Theory) slingshots, Princess’ (Paola Lázaro) machine gun, Ezekiel’s (Khary Payton) funky ax-thing, Negan’s crowbar, Aaron’s (Ross Marquand) mace attachment, Jerry’s (Cooper Andrews) sword, Eugene’s (Josh McDermitt) ice decide, Yumiko (Eleanor Matsuura) and Carol’s bows, and naturally, Daryl’s crossbow. I beloved the flashbacks and the way a lot we affiliate the characters with these weapons and all they’ve been via.
The voice over continues over the montage as Judith says “this family would do anything to protect each other. And we’re fighting now for something bigger – a new beginning. But that comes with a cost.” And as Judith picks up her katana – which is SO small now that Fleming is turning into a younger girl! – and Rick’s pistol – she says she by no means received to know her mom – Lori. Carl dreamed of a time they’d all reside collectively in peace. Michonne tried to hold up her sword. Her Dad, Rick, was looking for mercy. And she’s a Grimes too. She additionally picks up Michonne’s Bill of Rights, and thinks of a secret saying she shared along with her dad. It’s like an excellent luck attraction for her and RJ too. She says that she was afraid to say it – and lots of issues out loud. As she places Rick’s hat on RJ (Anthony Azor), she ominously tells us that they didn’t know after they began this that this may be the day that every part modified….
Tyler (Cameron Scott Roberts) tells Gabriel that when he was a soldier youngsters with out dad and mom ended up on the metropolis’s kids’s house, however he doesn’t know the place it’s. Gabriel tells him to seek out out. Rosita is frantic to seek out Coco. It’s the morning after the group took Alexandria again and everyone seems to be loading as much as head again to the Commonwealth.
Negan asks Maggie (Lauren Cohen) how she’s planning to take out the “bitch” – Pamela (Laila Robins). Negan and Maggie agree that nobody is secure till Pamela is useless. He tells her that the 2 of the can get it performed with out the others. Maggie says that they aren’t a “we.” And clearly, this can be a arrange for the spin off collection. But actually? I imply Maggie is nice, but when I used to be happening a two individual mission, I’d selected Carol or Daryl…
Maggie has a second with Hershel (Kien Michael Spiller), and Negan has a second with Annie (Medina Senghore) – each of whom are staying behind in Alexandria. She tells him to watch out and are available again in a single piece.
So… how did RJ and Judith find yourself in Alexandria? Did I miss Hershel saying they have been there? Regardless, Judith insists that she’s going again to the Commonwealth with Daryl and the remaining, and Daryl tells her no, he wants her there. There’s no doubting that Fleming is a younger actor to observe, however I beloved how current Reedus is on this scene as he listens to Judith telling him that’s crap and this isn’t the longer term her brother needed or what Rick and Michonne fought for. Judith is aware of precisely which strings to drag! She additionally sees the large image – what they’re doing may assist everybody – not simply their group – and he or she needs to be part of it. Carol is impressed and factors out that they’ve been so centered on the current, and so they want somebody to consider the longer term. Daryl relents – and he’s REALLY going to re-think that call… He asks Nabila (Nadine Marissa) to observe RJ, promising to be again quickly…
Mercer (James Michael Shaw) brings Eugene to Max (Margot Bingham) and the 2 embrace. Yumiko – who’s ready with Max in an deserted condo – smiles as she realizes that Mercer has lastly defected. Eugene thanks him for becoming a member of the lengthy line of people that have saved his ass through the years. Mercer needs them to remain put, however lastly agrees to allow them to hold the folks whipped up towards Pamela whereas he gathers sufficient troops to maneuver towards her. He tells Eugene to remain out of sight.
We get one other pleasant exploding walker when the practice hits it. Inside, the group makes plans. They know the place the kids’s home is, and Rosita has deliberate a tactical assault. Gabriel pulls again and smiles at her as he says “You know we’re going to get our daughter back.” Rosita asks him if that’s his religion speaking, and he says sure, his religion in her. She tells him that she’s glad he’s there. Is anybody else weighing every part everybody says because the potential to be their downfall? For instance, I’m dying for these two to essentially find yourself collectively – and now I’m very afraid that Gabriel goes to die…
Tyler tells Princess that it’s bizarre ending up in “a place like this” – ie a railcar – once more, and he apologizes for what occurred. But she’s too busy to concentrate on that now. She has him maintain the antennae up via the highest of the automotive. Connie, nonetheless, needs to reassure Tyler that he’s forgiven and tells Kelly to inform him that she’s glad they discovered him. Magna additionally says she understands why he did what he did. Tyler regrets what he did. Connie reassures him that Pamela may not have heard him, however the folks within the Commonwealth did.
Mercer stories to a really indignant Pamela. He tells her that he has no concept who broke Eugene out, however he tells her that lots of people weren’t completely happy concerning the verdict. He additionally mentions that there have been stories about folks going lacking within the Commonwealth for some time… Pamela is clearly pissed that Mercer will not be merely falling in line like an excellent little soldier. I don’t assume it’s ever been made specific, however Mercer should be in control of one group whereas Colonel Vickers (Monique Grant) is in control of one other – she’s not his boss. Pamela tells Vickers to control Mercer – she IS clearly Pamela’s lapdog – and tells her to order Eugene shot on sight. Vickers asks concerning the crowd, and Pamela dismissively says they’ll “throw them some bones” and if that doesn’t work, there are issues “in place” to cope with it.
Once Vickers leaves – so even she doesn’t learn about this – Pamela makes a name – presumably to whoever is in control of main the herd to the Commonwealth. We be a part of the herd as Aaron and the others try to get out by transferring into some woods, however they’re too late and get scooped again in as extra walkers are introduced into the herd. We get a fantastic aerial shot of the herd, the troopers, and the Commonwealth within the distance.
Back within the practice, Negan thanks Ezekiel for saving him and asks him why he did it. Ezekiel tells him numerous causes. Dying a martyr is just too straightforward, residing and making one thing out of your life is tougher. Ezekiel additionally didn’t wish to reside out no matter time he had left in anger. I like the irony of him telling Negan he shouldn’t even be there – due to course, within the comics, Ezekiel is killed when the Whisperers put his head on a spike. Ezekiel tells Negan that the useless got here for him, struggle got here for him, and most cancers got here for him – and he smiled via all of it – or at the least tried.
Ezekiel asks why he instructed the Warden his personal identify as an alternative of Ezekiel’s. Negan tells him to depart a greater story for his spouse to inform their baby as an alternative of the one Ezekiel’s been telling. That when it mattered, he did one thing proper – and it wasn’t to get something or save his personal life. It was to avoid wasting them – and he is aware of that they’re all higher than he’s. Maggie is listening as Negan says this…
Judith tells Carol and Daryl that she hasn’t heard from Michonne in a very long time. Carol tries to reassure her, telling her that there may very well be numerous causes for that and that Michonne can care for herself fairly significantly better than anybody else Carol has ever identified (apart from Carol herself!). Daryl tells her that her Dad and Mom can be happy with her. Judith asks whether or not Carl can be – and naturally he would! She tells them that he died saving folks and that she wished she’d had extra time with him. She additionally wished that that they had extra time to simply bear in mind them. And this sounds a LOT like an impending loss of life speech – however certainly they realized from the blowback over Carl and Glenn’s deaths!!! Daryl guarantees to inform Judith all of the tales he is aware of about all of the individuals who beloved her.
Mercer makes a present of interrogating Yumiko in entrance of Vickers. A trooper interrupts to inform him that “Aurora” is attempting to lift him on the radio. Yumiko asks in the event that they’re performed, and he says for now earlier than kicking Vickers out of his workplace too – so she’s clearly not his boss. I like that Princess picked Aurora – the identify of Sleeping Beauty – as she is a sleeper agent! AND that Mercer knew instantly that it was her!
Mercer tells her to modify to a special channel – her outdated condo quantity. He asks if she’s secure and the place is she. She tells him on a practice heading again to the Commonwealth with the individuals who have been disappeared. He asks what she’s planning on doing, and he or she tells him change issues – and asks if he’s happy with that. Once once more, Shaw delivers only one phrase – completely! – Yeah. Mercer tells her that if she will get the folks again, he’ll have witnesses and authorized grounds to take away Pamela. I like that he actually needs to keep up regulation and order. As they’re speaking an alarm begins going off. Princess asks if he can get them in because the practice will cease exterior the partitions – clearly, as a result of nobody knew about it. He tells her about an outdated entry tunnel that comes up in Union Station. He tells her the doorway is guarded however he can meet her there. And then he takes a second to inform her that it’s good to listen to her voice. And then he has to go as Vickers is available in to say the herd is approaching from the east.
The herd is now transferring previous an deserted trailer, and the group tries to get in. Aaron and Jerry clear the walkers inside, however Jules (Alex Sgambati) is swept away, and Luke (Dan Fogler) gained’t depart her. Elijah (Okea Eme-Akwari) is holding Lydia’s hand as he’s equally swept away, however they gained’t let go and Lydia is bitten! Aaron and Jerry pull her in and shut the door as walkers swarm the door.
Max involves Mercer as he’s arming as much as care for swarm. She tells Mercer that Pamela did it earlier than as an excuse to lock everybody down. Max asks him if they simply wait till he offers with the swarm. He tells her that his GIRLFRIEND is coming again along with her buddies. He tells her that he was supposed to satisfy them, but when he can’t, she and Yumiko have to satisfy them at Union Station. He makes a present of telling her she has to get off the streets – however Vickers is watching and is clearly suspicious.
Back within the trailer, Lydia is frantic to go after Elijah, however Aaron and Jerry know what they must do – and so will we. She insists that she will’t lose him, and Aaron factors out that he’s going to lose her. Jerry guarantees to go and discover him. Aaron reassures her – he made it and he’ll get her via it. He tells her that she is “so loved” – after which Jerry takes off her left forearm after saying he’s sorry.
The others have arrived on the assembly level and troopers are patrolling. Negan factors out that Mercer isn’t coming and so they’re working out of time. Princess is adamant that Mercer will present up. And then simply because it looks like they’re about to be found, the troopers get a name on their radios to desert the tunnel and head to a special place. Anybody else tremendous pumped to see Dianne (Kerry Cahill) again? I used to be! The group head into the tunnel, though Daryl appears to be like slightly involved.
Vickers radios Pamela to inform her that Mercer simply pulled troops for added again up – however sees nothing uncommon about it. Pamela tells her that she’s certain Mercer has his causes, but it surely’s clear that tunnel H resonates along with her…
Mercer is completely centered on defending the town. The troopers herding the swarm are utterly unprepared for a walker to climb onto the again of their jeep. Mercer will get garbled stories from the sector and sees the hearth of a destroyed jeep. Mercer tells his troops to organize the heavy artillery in order that they’ll knock the swarm again earlier than it will get to the town.
Eugene is pacing when there’s a knock on the door. He takes the chain off, which is wise as a result of that might alert the trooper that there was somebody inside. And Eugen is immediately and motion hero! He whacks the trooper with a flashlight? Candlestick? And then physique slams him to the ground and finishes him off with blows to the top!
Lydia wakes up and is frantic to not depart Elijah. She needs to go after him, however Aaron tells her that she wants a health care provider first. Jerry hugs her and goes after Elijah. Aaron asks if he’s certain, and Jerry says “piece of cobbler.” He tells them that he’ll see them on the opposite facet – WHAT???? DO NOT KILL JERRY!!!!!
The group make it into union station. Daryl instantly is aware of that one thing isn’t proper. They see that the doorways are chained shut on the within. Tyler is shot as he tells them they’re virtually there – and the gallery is stuffed with troopers – in BLACK – with machine weapons.
Meanwhile, as Mercer marshals his troops to exit and battle, Vickers arrives and arrests him for treason. Mercer tells him males to face down. Mercer tells her to reenforce the partitions and to cease the useless earlier than it’s too late. Vickers insists that Pamela insists that the partitions will maintain – however Pamela doesn’t actually assume that or care.
We get a incredible fireplace battle in Union Station. Pamela joins the troopers and picks up a gun from one who has been shot to affix within the combating. Let’s not overlook these scenes along with her searching – she will shoot. Judith is true beside Daryl, till Pamela is about to shoot Maggie, and when she runs out to push Maggie out of the best way, Judith is shot. Daryl is frantic and all of the taking pictures stops – everybody shoots and even Pamela appears horrified at what she’s performed. Daryl tells Ezekiel to throw a fireplace extinguisher and Daryl shoots it with Rick’s revolver, making a smokescreen in order that they’ll escape! It’s a fantastic, traditional second.
Yumiko and Max present up exterior Union Station. Daryl runs via the smoke holding Judith – and it’s utterly like Rick working via the forest with a shot Carl… Meanwhile, Eugene exhibits up exterior and takes out the trooper guarding one of many doorways. Yumiko and Magna solely have a second to trade appears to be like.
Back on the east gate, a trooper is completely freaked out by the walkers beginning to climb the partitions. He requires again up, however then one climbs up and assaults him, pushing him (relatively clearly) into the mechanism that opens the gate, letting the swarm inside.
Pamela cleans the blood off her face in her workplace. Vickers bursts in and tells her that the useless are climbing the partitions and flooding in. Vickers tells her that they’ll nonetheless make a stand. Pamela tells her to avert the swarm towards the decrease ward and shield the Estates – her house. In different phrases, she’s deciding on who lives and dies.
As the group tries to get to the clinic to avoid wasting Judith, they’re minimize off time and again by troopers, however they aren’t searching them, they’re herding the swarm. They’ve been penned in with the swarm. Negan’s response to a climbing walker? “What the fuck?” Kelly virtually shoots Luke and Jules as they break from the swarm. The others attempt to clear a path to an ally to get Daryl and Judith via. But they’re the one ones to get via. Judith wakes and appears at Daryl, saying “Daddy?” And it’s heartbreaking!
So everyone seems to be in peril because the episode ends. Who goes to kill that bitch, Pamela?!?!?! So many echoes of previous storylines, particularly in that opening montage. I can’t even start to consider who we’re going to lose on this final episode… What did you consider the episode? Were you shocked that Judith was shot? Were you in any respect stunned that Pamela solely cares about saving her personal pores and skin? Let me know your ideas on the episode and your hopes for the ultimate episode within the feedback under!