Each week, we’ll give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe…and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
Only a few of the Walking Dead regulars actually appeared in this episode and it primarily focused on two of them. However, it was a big episode for both Maggie and Carol as they overcame some ridiculous odds. We also learned a lot more about The Saviors and Negan, as we saw how they operate in tough spots.
As the title of this edition of the power rankings suggests, there was a lot of Reservoir Dogs to this episode. Themes of captivity, interrogation, deception, someone about to get lit on fire (and then a few people do, on the kill floor)…All this episode was missing was a debate on tipping and Steven Wright playing Stealer Wheel on the radio
Playing the Michael Madsen role, and biting it (see what I did there) were The Saviors.
And that’s who we say goodbye to before the rankings…
Donnie
“Donnie, you’re out of your element!”
Donnie was a jerk. Carol shot him. Maggie kicked his ass with her hands tied up. Then he turned into a zombie.
Molly
Carol called her shot twice in this episode, giving you a good feeling of who she was going to put down herself. It was also the second time she told someone that smoking would kill them…
She also gives away an important detail about The Saviors by saying, “We are ALL Negan.”
Michelle
I didn’t really have a problem with Michelle. It was just bad circumstances for her and she was on the wrong side of a gun.
Paula
Pretty strong performance for someone who only got an episode and some change on The Walking Dead. Paula gave you a look at who The Saviors are and their point of view, which is very similar to the group we’ve followed for nearly 6 whole seasons. Carol admits that she sees a lot of herself in Paula, and that terrifies her (more on that later).
Primo
I think there are going to be some consequences for killing Primo off too soon.
And now for this week’s power rankings:
1. Daryl Dixon (Previously 2nd)
Daryl reclaims his top spot, even in a limited role. It wasn’t necessarily what he said but the image of him comforting Carol with the wings on his back said it all. Easy to believe his tracking skills got the group to the very unsafe “safehouse”. But it’s what he didn’t do that elevates him over Rick…
Also, Daryl is the lone representative from The Walking Dead in this year’s TV Character Madness tournament. Check out where he’s seeded in the bracket and be sure to vote for him when his number’s called!
2. Rick Grimes (Previously 1st)
I think given what Rick knew, he did what he had to by eliminating who he thought was Negan. He and the others would probably have been much better off if they held onto Primo to get as much information as they could out of him. Would’ve been a bigger help if either Maggie or Carol stepped in to let him know they are “ALL Negan”.
3. Maggie Greene (Previously 7th)
Great episode for Maggie. She stuck to her guns all episode and never gave in, even with the pressure of having her child. She also tried to stay diplmotic with Paula recommending that talking to Rick would be in her best interest. And damn was the #MaggieRage real the second she got free.
4. Carol Peletier (Previously 6th)
We knew Carol was putting on her “defenseless” act from the start of the episode, to garner sympathy and become unsuspecting to the Saviors. Paula did point out though that some of the fear was real in Carol. This was the first time in a while that we had seen some real humanity in her, and I don’t think she wanted to kill Paula. To extent, it was like looking into a mirror when Carol had her gun pointed at her.
Small bit of symbolism to keep an eye one: When Carol tells that smoking will kill them, they die. Then Carol takes a drag herself. Does that spell doom for her?
5. Negan (Previously 10th)
We know this^ isn’t Negan, but it does show how smart he is to hide his identity throughout everyone in his organization. Considering there’s more Saviors than the massive body count the Alexandrians have stacked up, I’d be scared of his army…that’s looking for revenge now.
6. Glenn Rhee (Previously 3rd)
Glenn was also limited, like the rest of the others who showed up at the end, but there was a powerful moment for him and Maggie. They both have blood on their hands now, and that may change their approach to everything going forward. I think it’s still important though that they can relate to each other having experienced similar situations now.
7. Jesus (Previously 4th)
Didn’t see Jesus in this episode but now the deal is complete for his Hilltop community and Alexandria. He’ll be intricate on both ends.
8. Michonne (Previously 5th)
Quick appearance by Michonne and she only slides for not really having a line in the episode. You get a feeling she’ll be huge when things escalate soon.
From hear on out, everyone stays in the same order since they didn’t make an appearance in the episode. You can see how they earned their rankings last week here.
9. Aaron (Previously 8th)
10. Father Gabriel (Previously 9th)
11. Tara Chambers
12. Heath
13. Rosita Espinosa
14. Andy (Previously 27th)
15. Eugene Porter
16. Sasha
17. Abraham
18. Carl Grimes
19. Denise Cloyd (Previously 20th)
20. Morgan Jones (Previously 21st)
21. Enid (Previously 22nd)
22. Tobin (Previously 23rd)
23. Spencer Monroe (Previously 24th)
24. Doctor Harlan (Previously 25th)
25. Eric Raleigh (Previously 26th)
26. Baby Judith (Previously 27th)
27. Gregory (Previously 28th)
28. Cal (Previously 29th)
29. Olivia (Previously 30th)
30. Dwight (Previously 31st)
31. Freddie (Previously 32nd)
32. Craig (Previously 33rd)
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