Survival vs. humanity: Unpacking The Big Scary U in The Walking Dead

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Survival vs. humanity: Unpacking The Big Scary U in The Walking Dead

As a dedicated fan of The Walking Dead, I must say that “The Big Scary U” was an absolute game-changer for me! This episode took us deep into the psyche of Negan and Gabriel, offering a rare glimpse into their personal lives and philosophies. It’s always fascinating to see the villain’s perspective, especially when it’s as complex as Negan’s.

In simple terms, “The Big Scary U” was the fifth episode of The Walking Dead’s eighth season, broadcast on November 19, 2017. Directed by Michael E. Satrazemis and written by Scott M. Gimple, this episode offers an insight into the Saviors’ leadership dynamics and sheds light on Negan’s personality. This episode is particularly important for both Negan and Gabriel, as it explores their characters more deeply.

The narrative begins by finding Father Gabriel Stokes confined within a trailer alongside Negan, following the season’s debut when Rick’s group attacked the Sanctuary. This predicament leads to a profound and revealing dialogue between them, as Negan discloses parts of his past and beliefs, offering a glimpse into his leadership tactics and the motives behind his merciless treatment towards others. In response, Gabriel endeavors to persuade Negan to acknowledge his wrongdoings, resulting in an unforeseen and tense interchange.

In the Sanctuary, power struggles ensue among Negan’s key lieutenants – Simon, Dwight, Eugene, Gavin, and Regina – as they grapple with maintaining order in Negan’s absence. Despite Negan’s frequent “You don’t have the numbers, Rick” remarks, it’s clear that resistance against the Saviors is growing stronger.

Within the group, power struggles become more noticeable as Simon seems to ponder seizing command, although his allegiance to Negan is uncertain. Despite Negan projecting a dictatorial image, he doesn’t wield absolute control over the people. Now, let’s delve into another significant plot point…

Rick and Daryl’s disagreement: A turning point in The Walking Dead?

From another perspective, Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon find themselves at odds regarding strategies. Daryl leans towards bolder approaches, while Rick focuses on minimizing harm, especially to bystanders who might get caught up in the conflict. Moreover, Rick is likely eager to distance himself from being seen as a promoter of excessive violence, so as not to resemble Negan – a label he wishes to avoid. This strain between these old partners suggests possible cracks forming in their bond.

Despite having a relatively small role in season 8, this episode showcases a notable usage of Daryl. Given his past experiences with Negan’s psychological torment, it isn’t surprising that he finds it difficult to find peace with him. Poor Daryl indeed!

Gabriel’s capture

Near the closing moments of the episode, following a close call with a large group of walkers, Negan and Gabriel make their way back to the Sanctuary. Unfortunately, Gabriel’s efforts to persuade Negan to change his ways fall on deaf ears, as Negan orders him confined. On the positive side, this situation sparks discussion among viewers about leadership and moral values.

This episode delves into the intricacies of leadership, particularly within the ruthless environment depicted in ‘The Walking Dead’. Moral principles frequently clash with immediate violence. Negan’s conversation with Gabriel underscores his perspective that leading sometimes necessitates making tough choices for the common good, even if these decisions seem morally dubious.

Survival vs. humanity

The ethical quandaries experienced by the characters, notably Negan, Gabriel, and Rick, underscore their constant battle to preserve their humanity while ensuring survival at any cost. Furthermore, the series suggests another hurdle involving instincts versus strategy. “The Big Scary U” was generally praised for its emphasis on character growth, particularly in Negan’s transformation, who was previously depicted as a cold-hearted antagonist, most notably through the deaths of Abraham and Glenn.

This installment offered a deeper perspective on his character, portraying him as someone who firmly believes his actions are right within the world of The Walking Dead. However, some spectators found disagreement over the tempo of the episode, as it delved into more dialogue rather than the high-octane action scenes that had been prevalent throughout the season so far. To those individuals, I’d like to point out “Hold on a second, there is action in this episode!”

This installment offers valuable insights into Negan’s character, helping viewers gain a deeper comprehension, and lays the groundwork for potential clashes not only within the Saviors but also among our main characters in upcoming events.

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2024-08-30 19:39