As an ardent survivor in the apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, I can confidently say that “How It’s Gotta Be” was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and action-packed sequences. The episode served as a stark reminder that no one is safe in this brutal world – not even the seemingly invincible Carl Grimes.
The mid-season finale for Season 8 of “The Walking Dead,” titled “How It’s Gotta Be,” aired on December 10, 2017. This was episode number eight, marking a significant shift in key characters and plotlines. Filled with tension and turmoil, it portrays the consequences after Rick Grimes and his group’s unsuccessful effort to dethrone Negan and the Saviors.
Negan launches a surprise attack on Alexandria, Hilltop, and Kingdom, employing unconventional warfare and capitalizing on their weak spots. Viewers should brace themselves for an intense episode filled with action. At this juncture, it seems that Alexandria is nearing total devastation. Negan and his Saviors storm Alexandria, calling for Rick’s surrender, promptly wreaking havoc in retaliation.
When Rick gets there, the Saviors have already launched grenades at the community, causing extensive damage. The residents flee and look for cover, with Michonne, Carl, and others being among them (it’s worth noting that they don’t own any pets, so no animals were likely hurt by Negan). Yet, amidst the chaos, Carl has a hidden strategy!
Indeed, throughout most of the series, I found myself often overlooking Carl, but that changed when he stepped up as a leader, engaging in negotiations with Negan to buy precious time for others to make their escape. It’s fascinating how this character, who had an opportunity to potentially end Negan’s life, chose mercy instead – much like other compelling characters in The Walking Dead.
The Walking Dead starts to kill Carl off
In this bright instant, it comes to light that Carl was bitten by a walker previously, which is heart-wrenching news for the group. It’s clear that Carl has been through a great deal; he was wounded in season 2, was forced to take his own mother’s life, later lost an eye, and now faces this ordeal. What a tough road he’s traveled!
Simultaneously, the Kingdom collapses as the Saviors take over, compelling Ezekiel to yield. In an attempt to aid his people’s escape, Ezekiel selflessly offers himself, only to be captured. The situation seems dire indeed for our heroes!
Hilltop in danger
At the Hilltop, Maggie’s leadership is put to the test when the Saviors seize weapons, commit murder, and force submission. This episode of The Walking Dead clearly isn’t just filler. Faced with a challenging situation, Maggie makes a tough choice that she believes is essential for the community’s safety and maintaining harmony.
In this episode, a significant point is the clash between Rick and Negan. To put it straight, Rick and Negan lock horns fiercely within Alexandria. They exchange heavy blows in a fierce battle, but neither manages to dominate the other decisively. Eventually, Rick retreats to reunite with his comrades for a strategic regrouping.
What are the main themes?
It’s clear that Carl’s bite revelation serves as a major twist in this series, serving as a reminder that The Walking Dead does indeed feature zombies – occasionally. The most stunning event within the episode, however, is undeniably the disclosure that Carl has been bitten, foreshadowing his demise. This plot turn left fans stunned and represented a departure from the comics, where Carl had a more enduring role.
It’s clear that Carl is finished, and this realization adds an extra layer of sorrow for our characters as they confront the devastating consequences of their sacrifices. The demise of Alexandria, the collapse of the Kingdom, and Maggie’s internal struggles at Hilltop highlight the precarious state of the survivors’ communities in the face of Negan’s power. Even Carol, who has proven herself to be a powerful force, cannot intervene and save them like she has done before.
In this instance, moral intricacy takes a broader perspective. The storyline delves into aspects of leadership, self-sacrifice, and the unforgiving truths of endurance, as characters are compelled to confront agonizing dilemmas. However, it leans more towards portraying dramatic actions and catastrophic outcomes rather than focusing on emotional character progression.
Did people like this episode then, and do they like it now?
In this instance of “The Walking Dead,” the episode garnered a mix of generally favorable feedback from both critics and viewers upon its initial airing. Some appreciated certain elements, such as the emotional resonance, notably in Carl’s revelation, and the thrilling action scenes.
Simultaneously, there have been and continue to be criticisms regarding the production. Some spectators found the tempo irregular, expressing annoyance over certain plot choices, including Carl’s demise, which they perceived as a significant departure from the source comics. Additionally, there was much speculation about what followed after Carl’s death, leading some to believe it served only as a dramatic surprise rather than an organic development in the storyline.
One thing that cannot be denied: This episode had an impact on the series. “How It’s Gotta Be” served as a turning point for obvious reasons. Carl’s impending death reshaped the trajectory of Rick’s character arc, despite it not exactly being a “Rick episode” (well, a lot of episodes by season 8 were no longer Rick episodes).
This episode laid the groundwork for a more divided team dynamic, as communities faced the challenge of rebuilding not only their physical infrastructure but also healing emotionally. Certainly, tensions would run high, wouldn’t they? Furthermore, it marked a change in the struggle with Negan, steering towards a deeper, emotional confrontation. As for Rick’s group attacking the satellite outpost, opinions will undoubtedly continue to differ: It appears to be a questionable decision at best within the sprawling world of The Walking Dead. In essence, it presents a complex situation.
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2024-11-27 19:39