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The Walking Dead: The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be – Negan’s Reign of Terror Begins (Season 7, Episode 1)

Originally aired: October 23, 2016. A record-breaking 17.03 million viewers tuned in to witness the aftermath of Negan’s lineup. Written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Alexandria: Broken and Beaten:

“The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” picks up right where that agonizing Season 6 cliffhanger left us, with Negan and his barbed-wire bat, Lucille, ready to deliver some “justice” (or maybe just some plain ol’ sadism). This episode is not for the faint of heart, as it’s filled with violence, psychological torture, and the crushing weight of loss.

Key Plot Points:

• The Lineup: And the Victim Is… (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Pretty): Negan, after toying with the group and delivering a chilling monologue about the new world order, finally makes his choice. He bashes Abraham’s head in with Lucille, and it’s brutal. Abraham, ever the tough guy, manages to get out one last defiant line before he dies. Abraham Ford: the soldier who went out with a bang (and a curse).!
• Daryl’s Punch: The Consequences of Defiance: Daryl, unable to control his rage, punches Negan in the face.¹ Negan, not one to take kindly to insubordination, decides to punish the group further. He selects Glenn as his next victim, and the scene that follows is one of the most graphic and emotionally devastating moments in “Walking Dead” history. Glenn, with his skull crushed and his eye popping out, manages to utter his final words to Maggie, “I’ll find you,” before he dies. Glenn! Noooooo! (Someone pass the tissues and the therapy hotline number).!
• Rick’s Road Trip from Hell: Negan’s Mind Games: Negan takes Rick on a little “field trip,” forcing him to confront the horrors of the situation and the Saviors’ absolute power. He makes Rick perform a series of tasks, each one more degrading and terrifying than the last, culminating in a demand for Rick’s complete submission. Negan: the master manipulator who knows how to break a man (and a leader).!
• The Ultimate Test: “Give Me Your Arm, Rick!”: Negan, in a truly sadistic move, forces Rick to nearly chop off Carl’s arm with an axe. He’s testing Rick’s loyalty and his willingness to do anything to survive. Rick, desperate to protect his son, almost goes through with it, but Negan stops him at the last moment. This act of psychological torture breaks Rick completely, and he finally submits to Negan’s rule. Rick Grimes: the leader who was forced to his knees (and almost lost his son’s arm).!
• The Aftermath: Grief, Despair, and a Spark of Defiance: The episode ends with the group mourning the loss of Abraham and Glenn. They’re broken, they’re terrified, and they’re uncertain of what the future holds. But Maggie, despite her unimaginable grief, refuses to give up. She vows to fight back against Negan and the Saviors, even if it means sacrificing everything. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s not afraid to rise from the ashes (and lead the resistance).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Submission: The New World Order: “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” establishes a new power dynamic in the apocalypse. Negan and the Saviors are in control, and Rick and the group are forced to submit to their rule. It’s a harsh reality, and it marks a turning point in the survivors’ journey. The apocalypse: it’s a dog-eat-dog world, and the Saviors are the top dogs.
• Loss: The Price of Resistance: The deaths of Abraham and Glenn are devastating blows to the group. They were beloved members of the community, and their loss leaves a void that will never be filled. Their deaths also serve as a warning to the survivors – defiance of the Saviors comes at a high cost. The Walking Dead: where even the strongest can fall.
• Resilience: The Spark of Hope: Despite the overwhelming grief and despair, there’s still a spark of resilience in the survivors. Maggie’s vow to fight back and Rick’s determination to protect his people show that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure. The apocalypse: it’s a test of the human spirit, and the survivors are not giving up.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Negan’s constant taunting and his use of dark humor are a chilling reminder of his sadistic nature. He enjoys inflicting pain and fear on others, and he’s clearly relishing his power over Rick and the group. Negan: the villain who loves to play mind games.
• Abraham’s final words, “Suck my nuts,” are a testament to his defiant spirit. Even in the face of death, he refuses to back down or show weakness. Abraham Ford: the man who never gave up the fight.
• Maggie’s determination to fight back against the Saviors foreshadows her role as a leader in the resistance. She’s not going to let Negan and his crew get away with what they’ve done, and she’s going to inspire others to join her cause. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s ready to lead the rebellion.

Stats and Stuff:

• Human Deaths: 2 (Abraham and Glenn, the fallen heroes).
• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a break this week, but they’ll be back).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the stakes are higher than ever.

My Final Verdict:

“The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” is a brutal and emotionally devastating episode that marks a turning point in “The Walking Dead.” Negan’s introduction and his reign of terror leave the survivors reeling, and the deaths of Abraham and Glenn are losses that will be felt for seasons to come. But even in the face of despair, there’s still a glimmer of hope, as Maggie vows to fight back and Rick’s determination to protect his people remains unwavering. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is a cruel and unforgiving world, but it’s also a world where the human spirit can endure and find the strength to resist oppression. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Glenn’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!