I have to admit, I absolutely loved this episode. Whether it was the great 1 on 1 conversations with Rick, Daryl, Maggie, Michonne, and Jesus. Or the impressive practical effects and action. Or the horrific outcomes to that lumber fight. Or that final discussion between Negan and Rick. This was a very good episode that felt like a throwback to the season 3-4-5 days. The best part is, they didn't necessarily need a big death or event to make it an eventful episode. It was simply just a well written hour of television. It just feels different this season.
Surprisingly, I haven't been against the whole "Civil War" dynamic that has played out with all the major groups trying to work together. We've certainly seen enough of that in the comic tv/movie worlds these days, but it hasn't actually bothered me so far. Especially considering the payoff of seeing them all come together and fight the walker herd at the lumber scene was truly something special.
Maggie had another big week, which makes me slightly more upset about the fact that we're losing Lauren Cohan this season, at least temporarily. Whether she goes off to Georgie's group or she simply hides out at Hilltop, who knows, but I'm quite enjoying her return to being a prominent member of the group. Because if we're being honest, She has not exactly had great material to work with the past 2 seasons.
Overall, this was perhaps the best episode since sometime in Season 7, and that should get some attention. Whether or not this is a one-off or the rest of the season continues the trend is beyond me, but I sure hope so.
9.0/10