Michael B. Jordan is going to be in a I Am Legend sequel... Maybe work something out?
Spoilers The Walking Dead: the 11th and final season
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Michael B. Jordan is going to be in a I Am Legend sequel... Maybe work something out?
For a show that is supposedly on its last legs according to crookeddy, by next year there will be five spin-off series on the air - 'Fear the Walking Dead', the as yet unnamed 'Daryl & Carol' show, 'Tales from the Walking Dead', the 'Rick Grimes' movies and now this series with Negan and Maggie. Star Trek only managed four spin-offs during its run in the late eighties/early two thousands.
Well...it seems like they are just squeezing what they can, and for a lower price (well, except the Rick movies). Also, I think when they saw World Beyond's numbers, that is when they decided it was a 2 year limited series.
Fear was going the same way until they brought in Morgan and Dorie.
The Anthology might be the only thing that could survive more than a couple seasons past 2023.
Of all the things I ever expected from an episode of TWD, a paranoid political conspiracy thriller was not high on the list. Shows they can still be very inventive at times. I was a trifle worried for a moment that Eugene was being set up as some kind of patsy to hang the (possible) assassination of Pamela on. Hornsby is definitely up to something, and just what does that list of names mean? People exiled, murdered, used as organ donors, sold into slavery?
Mercer is definitely becoming a very interesting character. Connie and Kelly are just asking to be murdered though!
Isle of the Dead sounds interesting, do we really need more Maggie/Negan action though? There's nowhere for the relationship to go. I don't think she can ever forgive him for Glen, no matter how many times he saves her life, and I don't think he'll ever feel comfortable turning his back on her because sooner or later she will try and kill him.
That said give them a decent enough reason to have to team up and it could work, Cohen and Morgan do have decent chemistry.
Mercer is definitely becoming a very interesting character. Connie and Kelly are just asking to be murdered though!
Isle of the Dead sounds interesting, do we really need more Maggie/Negan action though? There's nowhere for the relationship to go. I don't think she can ever forgive him for Glen, no matter how many times he saves her life, and I don't think he'll ever feel comfortable turning his back on her because sooner or later she will try and kill him.
That said give them a decent enough reason to have to team up and it could work, Cohen and Morgan do have decent chemistry.
As much as I love Negan and Maggie, I really don't see what a spin-off about the two of them can accomplish.
I suspect Isle of the Dead and the unnamed Daryl and Carol series with both have plots leading to the Rick movies, and with whatever reunion and conflicts resolved there--and bring an end to any part of the TV franchise based on TWD. Yeas, Fear will have another season, but that's become its own animal, so, its not relying on TWD's plots and characters to survive.
The Walking Dead
Season 11 - Episode 12 - "The Lucky Ones"
Eugene and Max: In a voiceover, Max recalls how her contact with Eugene began--from her stumbling across discarded radio parts & making it functional again, to getting to know Eugene. She also recalls how her signal was intercepted, leading Mercer to question what would make her risk her life agreeing to meet a stranger at the railyards (hence the reason fake Stephanie was sent there as a plant) and expose the Commonwealth, particularly because it would be dangerous for the siblings (SEE NOTES).
Seeing Eugene with someone pretending to be her hurt, but she would not reveal herself. Still angered by his conversation with Hornsby, Eugene questions Max about his plans for his communities, but Max claims to have no idea what Hornsby's goal is regarding Alexandria. Eugene--still smarting from the deception of it all--leaves.
Sitting alongside the lake, Eugene's still depressed, Rosita joins him, listening to his self-edited story about fake Stephanie. Rosita comforts her old friend, promising him that he will find the right woman for him.
That evening, Eugene visits Max, offering ice cream as an olive branch; Max is still upset, demanding to know how Eugene could believe fake Stephanie was the real deal. Eugene admits that he just fell into believing she was the real woman, despite fake Stephanie not sharing any of the things he discussed with Max over the radio. Eugene apologizes and prepares to leave when Max asks about his manuscript; this opens the door to the pair exchanging ideas about character and plot, which seems to thaw the ice between them....
Pamela, Hornsby and Maggie: A caravan of Commonwealth troopers (including Mercer and Daryl back in his street clothes) escort Pamela and Hornsby into Alexandria. Pamela sees Hornsby's ambitions as a potential threat to the Commonwealth by expanding to two small communities--stretching their resources.
At Alexandria, Aaron goes back into "official greeter" mode, welcoming the caravan. Mercer asks Daryl about the history of the community, if he was one of the leaders, and what Daryl was doing pre-apocalypse. Later, inside of what used to be Deanna's home, Pamela sees a photo of Reg and Deanna, telling Daryl they use to meet on occasion in philanthropic circles. She's fairly impressed by what Alexandria started out to be, but sees how so much fell apart and as Daryl points out, had to be rebuilt time and again.
Making their way to the Hilltop, the caravan runs into Maggie (and others) killing off a walker roadblock, Daryl introduces her to Pamela and Hornsby. Attempting to feel out the situation, Pamela asks everyone to go hunting, pairing off with Maggie, where the two debate the merits of each other's leadership styles, with Maggie pointing out that she does not need to take on material trappings to convince others to aspire to be like her--Pamela's way of running the Commonwealth.
After Oceanside refuses to join (out of loyalty to Maggie), Hornsby sees his grand plan falling apart. Still, he brings much-needed supplies to Hilltop (with Mercer letting Hershel wear his helmet). He attempts to convince Maggie that they share the same goals, going as far as to ask her to imagine a day when she could take Hershel to college, or sail up the coast to other thriving communities, but she turns him down, rankling Hornsby, though he tries to hide it.
Pamela is no fool; she approves Hornsby trying to bring in other communities, but if his work at the commonwealth suffers, there will be consequences. Later, a clearly pissed off and scheming Hornsby intentionally draws walkers to him, just to pick the off. Aaron cautiously approaches him but is assured that things are moving forward...that they will remake the world (SEE NOTES).
Carol and Ezekiel: Sigh. Presumably, Ezekiel was aware that access and/or services were earned through work or favors, so his being so outraged that Carol worked to move him up the surgery schedule (when other suffering patients need surgery as much as he does) was...kind of ridiculous. If favors move mountains, that's how the Commonwealth works, and he should accept that--and reap the benefits of Carol's heartfelt reasons for working with Hornsby. As Carol pointed out, he should not suffer because the Commonwealth's medical system is broken. Ultimately, Ezekiel stops protesting and admits himself into the hospital for surgery.
NOTES:
Much implied in this episode, such as the potential for a conflict between Hornsby and Pamela. She's no fool and is fully aware of Hornsby's quest to run things his way, so I can see one or both characters not surviving to the series finale.
Speaking of surviving, we already know Maggie lives on to appear in her spin-off, so she's in no real danger. Knowing that did not prevent the writers from building real tension / territorial behavior between Maggie and Pamela, but of course, suspicion falls squarely on Hornsby, who is so incensed that Maggie refused his offer, that one should expect him to plot against her.
In the flashback, Mercer said Max's rule breaking would be dangerous for them...as if they are on some sort of shaky ground in the Commonwealth. This could play into the reason Mercer--as a "general" had his orders ignored at the hospital...
Eugene was hurt, but I'm glad he finally came around to not being so shitty toward Max; she might be his only insider protection / early warning system should things go south (and usually, they do).
Small but sweet moment: Judith sent a jar of candy to Hershel--a treat he's never experienced before.
Mercer seems to be warming up to Daryl, but he is warning him that everyone has a role to play if they're to live in the Commonwealth.
GRADE: A.
Season 11 - Episode 12 - "The Lucky Ones"
Eugene and Max: In a voiceover, Max recalls how her contact with Eugene began--from her stumbling across discarded radio parts & making it functional again, to getting to know Eugene. She also recalls how her signal was intercepted, leading Mercer to question what would make her risk her life agreeing to meet a stranger at the railyards (hence the reason fake Stephanie was sent there as a plant) and expose the Commonwealth, particularly because it would be dangerous for the siblings (SEE NOTES).
Seeing Eugene with someone pretending to be her hurt, but she would not reveal herself. Still angered by his conversation with Hornsby, Eugene questions Max about his plans for his communities, but Max claims to have no idea what Hornsby's goal is regarding Alexandria. Eugene--still smarting from the deception of it all--leaves.
Sitting alongside the lake, Eugene's still depressed, Rosita joins him, listening to his self-edited story about fake Stephanie. Rosita comforts her old friend, promising him that he will find the right woman for him.
That evening, Eugene visits Max, offering ice cream as an olive branch; Max is still upset, demanding to know how Eugene could believe fake Stephanie was the real deal. Eugene admits that he just fell into believing she was the real woman, despite fake Stephanie not sharing any of the things he discussed with Max over the radio. Eugene apologizes and prepares to leave when Max asks about his manuscript; this opens the door to the pair exchanging ideas about character and plot, which seems to thaw the ice between them....
Pamela, Hornsby and Maggie: A caravan of Commonwealth troopers (including Mercer and Daryl back in his street clothes) escort Pamela and Hornsby into Alexandria. Pamela sees Hornsby's ambitions as a potential threat to the Commonwealth by expanding to two small communities--stretching their resources.
At Alexandria, Aaron goes back into "official greeter" mode, welcoming the caravan. Mercer asks Daryl about the history of the community, if he was one of the leaders, and what Daryl was doing pre-apocalypse. Later, inside of what used to be Deanna's home, Pamela sees a photo of Reg and Deanna, telling Daryl they use to meet on occasion in philanthropic circles. She's fairly impressed by what Alexandria started out to be, but sees how so much fell apart and as Daryl points out, had to be rebuilt time and again.
Making their way to the Hilltop, the caravan runs into Maggie (and others) killing off a walker roadblock, Daryl introduces her to Pamela and Hornsby. Attempting to feel out the situation, Pamela asks everyone to go hunting, pairing off with Maggie, where the two debate the merits of each other's leadership styles, with Maggie pointing out that she does not need to take on material trappings to convince others to aspire to be like her--Pamela's way of running the Commonwealth.
After Oceanside refuses to join (out of loyalty to Maggie), Hornsby sees his grand plan falling apart. Still, he brings much-needed supplies to Hilltop (with Mercer letting Hershel wear his helmet). He attempts to convince Maggie that they share the same goals, going as far as to ask her to imagine a day when she could take Hershel to college, or sail up the coast to other thriving communities, but she turns him down, rankling Hornsby, though he tries to hide it.
Pamela is no fool; she approves Hornsby trying to bring in other communities, but if his work at the commonwealth suffers, there will be consequences. Later, a clearly pissed off and scheming Hornsby intentionally draws walkers to him, just to pick the off. Aaron cautiously approaches him but is assured that things are moving forward...that they will remake the world (SEE NOTES).
Carol and Ezekiel: Sigh. Presumably, Ezekiel was aware that access and/or services were earned through work or favors, so his being so outraged that Carol worked to move him up the surgery schedule (when other suffering patients need surgery as much as he does) was...kind of ridiculous. If favors move mountains, that's how the Commonwealth works, and he should accept that--and reap the benefits of Carol's heartfelt reasons for working with Hornsby. As Carol pointed out, he should not suffer because the Commonwealth's medical system is broken. Ultimately, Ezekiel stops protesting and admits himself into the hospital for surgery.
NOTES:
Much implied in this episode, such as the potential for a conflict between Hornsby and Pamela. She's no fool and is fully aware of Hornsby's quest to run things his way, so I can see one or both characters not surviving to the series finale.
Speaking of surviving, we already know Maggie lives on to appear in her spin-off, so she's in no real danger. Knowing that did not prevent the writers from building real tension / territorial behavior between Maggie and Pamela, but of course, suspicion falls squarely on Hornsby, who is so incensed that Maggie refused his offer, that one should expect him to plot against her.
In the flashback, Mercer said Max's rule breaking would be dangerous for them...as if they are on some sort of shaky ground in the Commonwealth. This could play into the reason Mercer--as a "general" had his orders ignored at the hospital...
Eugene was hurt, but I'm glad he finally came around to not being so shitty toward Max; she might be his only insider protection / early warning system should things go south (and usually, they do).
Small but sweet moment: Judith sent a jar of candy to Hershel--a treat he's never experienced before.
Mercer seems to be warming up to Daryl, but he is warning him that everyone has a role to play if they're to live in the Commonwealth.
GRADE: A.
For some reason the final scene between Eugene and Max was heartwarming to me. Nice to see two people just being real amid so much pretending.
I assume we're leading up to some confrontation between Hornsby and Maggie, and while we know Maggie is in no real danger, I wonder who will be caught in the fallout. If Maggie is going to end up in New York with Negan, what does that mean for Hilltop and her people?
And are Hilltop, Alexandria and Oceanside really just pawns in Hornsby's play for power, or is there more? Pamela isn't forthcoming about what the Commonealth wants with the three communities, and that is a logical question for Maggie to ask. What's in it for the Commonwealth? Pamela's vision for the future seems too simple.
I assume we're leading up to some confrontation between Hornsby and Maggie, and while we know Maggie is in no real danger, I wonder who will be caught in the fallout. If Maggie is going to end up in New York with Negan, what does that mean for Hilltop and her people?
And are Hilltop, Alexandria and Oceanside really just pawns in Hornsby's play for power, or is there more? Pamela isn't forthcoming about what the Commonealth wants with the three communities, and that is a logical question for Maggie to ask. What's in it for the Commonwealth? Pamela's vision for the future seems too simple.
Really enjoyed the scenes between Eugene and Max as well.
I think Hornsby will be making a power grab at some point. I just wonder how bloody it will be?
I think Hornsby will be making a power grab at some point. I just wonder how bloody it will be?
They could be part of a large number of casualties like some of the long-timers who were killed by The Whisperers.
Oh, there's much more to Hornsby, as you will see in E13...
New episodes drop for me every Monday.
That was good. I am wondering what Honrsby's angle is so will be looking forward to seeing what that is. I'm not sure Alexandria et al provide much in the way of armed forces he could use, or is his plan to use them as convenient places to dump malcontents? There is a real Saul Goodman quality to him which makes me struggle to see him as a threat, though he's clearly not as weak as I initially took him to be.
I think Maggie's wrong, I think Daryl's right, better to be on the inside surely, especially when you're struggling to survive and given Hilltop has lost people in the wake of this surely that survival becomes even harder. I'm kinda surprised Lydia didn't walk as well.
That said there's clearly something unsettling about the Commonwealth stormtroopers and Maggie sees that.
I loved that when Eugene was trying to reconcile Max's lies he harked back to his own likes to Rosita and Abraham. That was a really nice call-back.
Daryl and Mercer have a very interesting dynamic.
I feared Ezekiel would turn down the surgery when he discovered what Carol had done. Glad he didn't, unless there's some rub pull coming!
I think Maggie's wrong, I think Daryl's right, better to be on the inside surely, especially when you're struggling to survive and given Hilltop has lost people in the wake of this surely that survival becomes even harder. I'm kinda surprised Lydia didn't walk as well.
That said there's clearly something unsettling about the Commonwealth stormtroopers and Maggie sees that.
I loved that when Eugene was trying to reconcile Max's lies he harked back to his own likes to Rosita and Abraham. That was a really nice call-back.
Daryl and Mercer have a very interesting dynamic.
I feared Ezekiel would turn down the surgery when he discovered what Carol had done. Glad he didn't, unless there's some rub pull coming!
THANK YOU! Ever since first seeing him I've thought the guy who plays Hornsby looks like a Bargain Basement Bob Odenkirk. Nice to see I'm not the only one who sees a similarity.
Ditto, just seemed really obvious and nice to know I'm not the person who sees the resemblance!
It's content creation for the AMC+ streaming service. Without WD that whole service dies. The new shows will surely be VERY low budget, and if they even air on mainstream cable will have very low ratings. Wouldn't have survived in the world TWD thrived in.
Ezekiel's reaction is absolutely not ridiculous, especially not for him. Despite being a self-proclaimed King, he is NOT a harsh ruler like the xurrent and previous Governor. The royalty part is more like uplifting cosplay; Ezekiel actually cares for people , all people.
Again, unlike Milton, Ezekiel never took advantage of his status as leader (His son was training to be a blue colar worker). He was also never asked his thoughts about "cheating" in the line. A price has already been paid, that he never asked for. He also realizes that by him getting ahead, others could die as a result of the delay. His character reminds me of Chicago Bears great Walter Payton, who did NOT use his clout get the transplant he depserately needed.
He also told Carol "you can't b.s. the b.s.'er",so when she said she did some favors, he knew it was no small task, and the weight of what she was willing to do. He knows what she is capable of more than most.
I will expect feelings of guilt later, especially if he hears of a patient who died due to a delayed surgery. E
His cure was telegraphed way back when we heard Miko's brothr is thorasic surgeon. So ezekiel will survive (maybe join Ride with Darryl & Carol). But i expect Miko's brother to also feel some guilt, maybe even break down during the show.
You are absolutely right on that... but with the CRM... will they play a role in the series finale...or just be this looming threat that leads to the Rick movies? How many more episodes left in part 2? WOnder if something will happen, maybe at the cliffhanger?
Definitely the question is if Hilltop will completely fall. Losing Diane is huge -- anyone we know who is left?
I dunno if THATis the reson why the prisoner was taken at the hospital... or more that he knows the system -- and ONLY Milton has full clout... he might have been fooled by his receent popularity. But he has been around long enough to know how things are really run.
That is why he was so fearful of Max.... he knows what could happen. Max is smart enough to know too, but may have been so fed up, she didn't care any more.
Hopefully, this will not end in tragedy. They work well together
Didn't catch that. Thanks fo rthe insight
Again, Mercer knows how the system is really run, and Darryl has earned enough respect that Mercer wants him to succeed.
Definitely, but also nice that Eugene also owns up to how his previous deception had hurt people before, so he kind sees the justice in it.
Pamela never really wanted the communites to join -- she said it herself. She was more indulging Hornsby. I have to go back and review old episodes now, to see who knew what and when. But if Hornsby knows all about our characters (through the interview process), then he know how strong they are, and he could use them against Milton.
One question on Oceanside.... are they just kinda window dressing now? Cyndie used to be the leader, but she has disappeared. Is Sydney Park busy wth other gigs? And since Luke (who we last saw immigrating to Oceanside) is a guy, he's nowhere near Oceanside leadership, right?
being on the outside allows for freedom, and not subject to another's rule. Times are really tough now, but if they can ride it out, it will be worth it.
i wonder what Maggie saw when she was out wandering the country. (And that seems like a viable 6th series, if needed...though i guess we will get flashbacks in Isle of the Dead
I appreciate all of those too. Definitely can't wait to see what comes of all 3 things you mentioned.
I also noticed the resemblance, and a bit of personality.
Yeah, i am not sure why they stil have AMC+, or not incorporate it into another service. Definitely low on the poll for our family. We pay for Netlix and Disney Plus, get HBOMax and Apple+ free due to our phone subscriptions... and i am waiting for a good time to binger Paramount+. No budget for more.
The new Dead shows will be as "cheap" as World Beyond...and they might start them as "limited series", so as not to shoot down expectations when it fails in the ratings (World Beyond wasn't advertised as a limite dseries until i think the very end of season 1, if not preparing for season 2).
Although I don't remember exactly when World Beyond was announced to be just a limited series, it was already known when I wrote this post is September 2020, close to a month before World Beyond premiered, so the decision was clearly made before the show began airing and therefore could not have been a reaction to its ratings.
The Walking Dead
Season 11 - Episode 13 - "Warlords"
Maggie, Elijah and Lydia: As Elijah and another young man play a game of accuracy with arrows and walkers, Lydia announces that she's leaving Hilltop to join the Commonwealth; Elijah has grown fond of Lydia, asking if she needs as escort, but this would-be flirty interplay is short-lived as a young man (Jessie) suffering from a gunshot appears on horseback, and warns Lydia about a "slaughter" at another community (called "Riverbend") , handing her a map (with Aaron's name on it) before dying.
The youngsters approach Maggie about helping, as its clear someone familiar with Hilltop sent the wounded man for a serious reason. Maggie rejects the idea of helping, as it would leave Hilltop vulnerable and stretch their resources. Lydia argues that Riverbend is exactly the kind of group her mother would have targeted, and she will not allow that to happen again. Reluctantly, Maggie joins Lydia and Elijah for their road trip to Riverbend.
Answering Lydia's questions about Maggie rejecting the Commonwealth, Maggie relates a story about the Greene family rejecting the help of big money interests at a time when their farm was in trouble; Hershel allowed their food offerings to rot, instead of taking it, which would have painted them as needy. The lesson being that the Greene family stuck together and were able to overcome their problem--or "get by." Lydia replies that Alpha sold the idea that suffering made her strong--but that was not true; Maggie counters that the Commonwealth has not been tested in a decade, and would Lydia want to be there the day that happens...
Maggie skids the truck to a halt at the sight of three Commonwealth troopers--now walkers. Maggie's group kills the walkers and notes how they were killed. At that moment, Aaron comes running along...
ONE WEEK AGO--
Aaron and Father Gabriel: At the Commonwealth, Aaron visits Father Gabriel as he delivers his sermon to a small congregation, with an emphasis on Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. which binds all together and allows one to strip away self-interests and image to see themselves in others. Afterward, Aaron asks if Gabriel is ruly happy; Gabriel is, and believes he hears from God again. Aaron, working for the Commonwealth's immigrant intake division asks Gabriel to accompany him--and his leader (a man named Toby Carlson) to contact a religious group of 40 individuals on the outskirts of Virginia. They will go in with troopers, but the hope--at least as Aaron sees it--is to recruit the group.
Arriving at Riverbend, Carlson--is rather full of himself, and makes it clear Aaron and Gabriel (with trainee Jesse in tow) are to follow his lead, despite their experiences with first contact situations. Gabriel removes his Father's collar to appear as if he has no defined title (he wanted the group to see who he was before what he was, as he will go on to say) despite Carlson's order. Aaron offers packs of MREs to the group, which draws out one of their armed guards, a bald (shaved) woman named Hart.
Hart and her fellow guards confiscate the Commonwealth party's weapons, then escort them to see their leader--a man named Ian, who is a quick study about some of his guests,and is not all too impressed with Aaron's sales pitch about the Commonwealth, considering the group wolves in sheep's clothing. Further, with Carlson's group knowing their location, but refusing the divulge the whereabouts of the Commonwealth, Ian pulls a gun on the group, pointing to a shelf lined with the skulls of those who opposed him in the past, including raiders, rapists and cannibals. Aiming his gun at a seemingly cowardly Carlson, Ian rants about raiders using the same tactic as Carlson's group, all to kill his people. Despite Father Gabriel asking Ian what would they want with his "shithole" of a place, Ian barks, "the meat!" which spins Aaron's mind (SEE NOTES). Before Ian can kill anyone, Carlson snatches Ian's gun, wounding the leader in the shoulder, then executing his two guards...
ONE WEEK...AND ONE HOUR AGO--
Hornsby and Carlson: Hornsby sits in his office, still bitter over Hilltop and Oceanside's rejection of his offer; calling Carlson to his office, Hornsby informs Carlson that a shipment of guns and other supplies...for "that other job" (SEE NOTES) were stolen by Ian's group, but he cannot retrieve it with soldiers who would be picked off (rooftop snipers), and Pamela would not authorize it, in any case (SEE NOTES).
Hornsby presses Carlson--a former CIA assassin--to use his type of skill to remove the threat. Carlson tries to beg off of the job, reminding Hornsby that he's retired and enjoys getting up to meditate in the mornings. When Hornsby warns that it could be taken away from him, suddenly Carlson's demeanor turns menacing, with a threat on Hornsby's life. Always the manipulator, Hornsby pretends to feel guilt over the loss of convoy populated by young adults, which convinces Carlson to take the job--a killing mission...
...a week later...
Aaron and Father Gabriel: Commonwealth troopers have rounded up all of Ian's people, as Aaron and Gabriel watch Carlson question Ian, who merely mocks Carlson, he is pistol whipped, triggering Father Gabriel to punch Carlson. Gabriel is handcuffed, and with his patience gone, Carlson shoots Ian dead, then mocks and kicks the corpse before an incensed Aaron. Hearing a horse take off, Carlson and a trooper spot Jesse fleeing the area; Carlson orders the trooper to shoot Jesse--the bullet tearing into his shoulder. Before the trooper can fire another round, Aaron kills the man. With that, Carlson prepares to kill Aaron, but he's out of bullets, allowing Aaron to ready himself for a fight, which does not occur as more troopers arrive, which was Aaron's chance to run away.
Inside the building, Carlson finds one of his troopers dead and Father Gabriel missing....
...back in the present, Aaron finishes updating Maggie, Elijah and Lydia, adding he does not know if Ian's group were the actual thieves Carlson believed them to be. Maggie asks about the map Aaron supposedly sent along with Jesse, but he replies that he did not send Jesse with anything...
TWELVE HOURS AGO - DURING THE ATTACK--
Jesse races to steal a horse,but is confronted by Negan and a black woman named Annie. Learning Gabriel and Aaron are held captive, Negan marks a map and orders Jesse to ride to Hilltop to find Maggie. Inside Ian's building, Negan and the woman see Carlson and a trooper run outside to see Jesse leaving, while Gabriel is guarded by a trooper. As seen earlier, the guard is killed, with Gabriel being spirited away by Negan and Annie. Meanwhile, Carlson has taken a number of Ian's people to the rooftop, and megaphones the others in hiding, threatening to kill his captives if they do not tell him where the stolen weapons are. Getting no answers from the captives, they are pushed off of the rooftop.
Inside, Annie reminds the remaining Riverbend group that they were able to survive before Ian came along, and will do so again, as they--unlike Carlson--knows the layout of the building. With Carlson and his men searching for the survivors, they are unaware of the presence of Maggie's group, who are killing troopers (and taking their weapons, obviously) as they make their way up a flight of stairs.....
NOTES:
So much is set up in this episode. Hornsby and Carlson have revealed their hand--exposing their habit of murdering the residents of other communities, and now that Aaron and Gabriel know they were going to be executed, Hornsby will (likely) need to plant the seeds of a potential rebellion about the Alexandrians (along with Hilltop & Oceanside) in the mind of Pamela, perhaps using her to initiate banishment (ultimately leading to a surreptitiously ordered attack).
..and what is that "other job" he mentioned to Carlson?
Note Hornsby's open disrespect of Pamela. One wonders if he's staging a coup, but as a back-up plan, blame the Alexandrians if things go south.
The wild cards are Negan, Annie and the rest of the Riverbend crew, which seems to be its own set up for the Maggie/Negan series.
With Hornsby aware (or soon will be in that timeline) that Father Gabriel and Aaron are enemies, one cannot get the impression that if anyone is going to die in this season, it might be one of this duo.
Just about everyone assumed there were more cannibal groups than Terminus, and now we know some are in the Virginia area (as Ian did not say he killed the lot).
Last, but not least, Ian was portrayed by the always reliable and versatile Michael Biehn.
GRADE: A+.
Season 11 - Episode 13 - "Warlords"
Maggie, Elijah and Lydia: As Elijah and another young man play a game of accuracy with arrows and walkers, Lydia announces that she's leaving Hilltop to join the Commonwealth; Elijah has grown fond of Lydia, asking if she needs as escort, but this would-be flirty interplay is short-lived as a young man (Jessie) suffering from a gunshot appears on horseback, and warns Lydia about a "slaughter" at another community (called "Riverbend") , handing her a map (with Aaron's name on it) before dying.
The youngsters approach Maggie about helping, as its clear someone familiar with Hilltop sent the wounded man for a serious reason. Maggie rejects the idea of helping, as it would leave Hilltop vulnerable and stretch their resources. Lydia argues that Riverbend is exactly the kind of group her mother would have targeted, and she will not allow that to happen again. Reluctantly, Maggie joins Lydia and Elijah for their road trip to Riverbend.
Answering Lydia's questions about Maggie rejecting the Commonwealth, Maggie relates a story about the Greene family rejecting the help of big money interests at a time when their farm was in trouble; Hershel allowed their food offerings to rot, instead of taking it, which would have painted them as needy. The lesson being that the Greene family stuck together and were able to overcome their problem--or "get by." Lydia replies that Alpha sold the idea that suffering made her strong--but that was not true; Maggie counters that the Commonwealth has not been tested in a decade, and would Lydia want to be there the day that happens...
Maggie skids the truck to a halt at the sight of three Commonwealth troopers--now walkers. Maggie's group kills the walkers and notes how they were killed. At that moment, Aaron comes running along...
ONE WEEK AGO--
Aaron and Father Gabriel: At the Commonwealth, Aaron visits Father Gabriel as he delivers his sermon to a small congregation, with an emphasis on Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. which binds all together and allows one to strip away self-interests and image to see themselves in others. Afterward, Aaron asks if Gabriel is ruly happy; Gabriel is, and believes he hears from God again. Aaron, working for the Commonwealth's immigrant intake division asks Gabriel to accompany him--and his leader (a man named Toby Carlson) to contact a religious group of 40 individuals on the outskirts of Virginia. They will go in with troopers, but the hope--at least as Aaron sees it--is to recruit the group.
Arriving at Riverbend, Carlson--is rather full of himself, and makes it clear Aaron and Gabriel (with trainee Jesse in tow) are to follow his lead, despite their experiences with first contact situations. Gabriel removes his Father's collar to appear as if he has no defined title (he wanted the group to see who he was before what he was, as he will go on to say) despite Carlson's order. Aaron offers packs of MREs to the group, which draws out one of their armed guards, a bald (shaved) woman named Hart.
Hart and her fellow guards confiscate the Commonwealth party's weapons, then escort them to see their leader--a man named Ian, who is a quick study about some of his guests,and is not all too impressed with Aaron's sales pitch about the Commonwealth, considering the group wolves in sheep's clothing. Further, with Carlson's group knowing their location, but refusing the divulge the whereabouts of the Commonwealth, Ian pulls a gun on the group, pointing to a shelf lined with the skulls of those who opposed him in the past, including raiders, rapists and cannibals. Aiming his gun at a seemingly cowardly Carlson, Ian rants about raiders using the same tactic as Carlson's group, all to kill his people. Despite Father Gabriel asking Ian what would they want with his "shithole" of a place, Ian barks, "the meat!" which spins Aaron's mind (SEE NOTES). Before Ian can kill anyone, Carlson snatches Ian's gun, wounding the leader in the shoulder, then executing his two guards...
ONE WEEK...AND ONE HOUR AGO--
Hornsby and Carlson: Hornsby sits in his office, still bitter over Hilltop and Oceanside's rejection of his offer; calling Carlson to his office, Hornsby informs Carlson that a shipment of guns and other supplies...for "that other job" (SEE NOTES) were stolen by Ian's group, but he cannot retrieve it with soldiers who would be picked off (rooftop snipers), and Pamela would not authorize it, in any case (SEE NOTES).
Hornsby presses Carlson--a former CIA assassin--to use his type of skill to remove the threat. Carlson tries to beg off of the job, reminding Hornsby that he's retired and enjoys getting up to meditate in the mornings. When Hornsby warns that it could be taken away from him, suddenly Carlson's demeanor turns menacing, with a threat on Hornsby's life. Always the manipulator, Hornsby pretends to feel guilt over the loss of convoy populated by young adults, which convinces Carlson to take the job--a killing mission...
...a week later...
Aaron and Father Gabriel: Commonwealth troopers have rounded up all of Ian's people, as Aaron and Gabriel watch Carlson question Ian, who merely mocks Carlson, he is pistol whipped, triggering Father Gabriel to punch Carlson. Gabriel is handcuffed, and with his patience gone, Carlson shoots Ian dead, then mocks and kicks the corpse before an incensed Aaron. Hearing a horse take off, Carlson and a trooper spot Jesse fleeing the area; Carlson orders the trooper to shoot Jesse--the bullet tearing into his shoulder. Before the trooper can fire another round, Aaron kills the man. With that, Carlson prepares to kill Aaron, but he's out of bullets, allowing Aaron to ready himself for a fight, which does not occur as more troopers arrive, which was Aaron's chance to run away.
Inside the building, Carlson finds one of his troopers dead and Father Gabriel missing....
...back in the present, Aaron finishes updating Maggie, Elijah and Lydia, adding he does not know if Ian's group were the actual thieves Carlson believed them to be. Maggie asks about the map Aaron supposedly sent along with Jesse, but he replies that he did not send Jesse with anything...
TWELVE HOURS AGO - DURING THE ATTACK--
Jesse races to steal a horse,but is confronted by Negan and a black woman named Annie. Learning Gabriel and Aaron are held captive, Negan marks a map and orders Jesse to ride to Hilltop to find Maggie. Inside Ian's building, Negan and the woman see Carlson and a trooper run outside to see Jesse leaving, while Gabriel is guarded by a trooper. As seen earlier, the guard is killed, with Gabriel being spirited away by Negan and Annie. Meanwhile, Carlson has taken a number of Ian's people to the rooftop, and megaphones the others in hiding, threatening to kill his captives if they do not tell him where the stolen weapons are. Getting no answers from the captives, they are pushed off of the rooftop.
Inside, Annie reminds the remaining Riverbend group that they were able to survive before Ian came along, and will do so again, as they--unlike Carlson--knows the layout of the building. With Carlson and his men searching for the survivors, they are unaware of the presence of Maggie's group, who are killing troopers (and taking their weapons, obviously) as they make their way up a flight of stairs.....
NOTES:
So much is set up in this episode. Hornsby and Carlson have revealed their hand--exposing their habit of murdering the residents of other communities, and now that Aaron and Gabriel know they were going to be executed, Hornsby will (likely) need to plant the seeds of a potential rebellion about the Alexandrians (along with Hilltop & Oceanside) in the mind of Pamela, perhaps using her to initiate banishment (ultimately leading to a surreptitiously ordered attack).
..and what is that "other job" he mentioned to Carlson?
Note Hornsby's open disrespect of Pamela. One wonders if he's staging a coup, but as a back-up plan, blame the Alexandrians if things go south.
The wild cards are Negan, Annie and the rest of the Riverbend crew, which seems to be its own set up for the Maggie/Negan series.
With Hornsby aware (or soon will be in that timeline) that Father Gabriel and Aaron are enemies, one cannot get the impression that if anyone is going to die in this season, it might be one of this duo.
Just about everyone assumed there were more cannibal groups than Terminus, and now we know some are in the Virginia area (as Ian did not say he killed the lot).
Last, but not least, Ian was portrayed by the always reliable and versatile Michael Biehn.
GRADE: A+.
I'm two episodes behind now since it's something I typically watch alone and my wife is staying at home with the kids now. I need to carve out some time for myself in the middle of the night to catch up.
Ok. I watched the episode with Michael Biehn. They should have merged the Pope storyline with this guy. This was a far more compelling character than goofy-ass Pope.
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