Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: The Well – Welcome to the Kingdom, Where the King Has a Tiger and Carol’s Got a Secret (Season 7, Episode 2)

Originally aired: October 30, 2016. 12.46 million viewers tuned in for this whimsical and hopeful episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Kingdom: A Post-Apocalyptic Fairy Tale:

“The Well” takes a detour from the grim reality of Negan’s reign and introduces us to the Kingdom, a thriving community that’s like a beacon of light in the darkness.¹ This episode is all about healing, hope, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself (even if that something is a dude with a pet tiger who calls himself “King”).

Key Plot Points:

• Carol’s Convalescence: The Queen of Hearts (and Hidden Scars): Carol, still recovering from her injuries and her emotional turmoil, wakes up in the Kingdom. She’s grateful for the help and the hospitality, but she’s also wary. She’s not ready to trust anyone, and she’s still struggling with her own demons. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always got a plan (and a secret).!
• King Ezekiel: The Tiger King of the Apocalypse: Carol and Morgan meet King Ezekiel, the eccentric leader of the Kingdom.² He’s got a pet tiger named Shiva (yes, a real tiger!), he speaks in Shakespearean prose, and he sits on a throne in a high school auditorium. But don’t let the theatrics fool you; Ezekiel is a wise and compassionate leader who genuinely cares about his people. King Ezekiel: the ruler who’s got more charisma than a walker horde has teeth.
• The Kingdom’s Way: Hope, Harmony, and a Healthy Dose of Pragmatism: Ezekiel explains the Kingdom’s philosophy – they believe in fostering hope, community, and self-sufficiency. They’ve got gardens, livestock, and even a school (because education is important, even in the apocalypse). But they also have a pragmatic side. They’ve made a deal with the Saviors, offering them supplies in exchange for protection. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s not clear how long it will last. The Kingdom: the community that’s trying to have its cake (and eat it too).!
• Morgan’s Makeover: From Pacifist to Peacekeeper: Morgan, who’s been struggling with his own beliefs about violence and nonviolence, starts to find his place in the Kingdom. He teaches a young man named Benjamin how to fight with a staff (because everyone needs a good staff in the apocalypse), and he seems to be embracing a more balanced approach to survival. Morgan Jones: the pacifist who’s learning to fight (for the right reasons).!
• Ezekiel’s Vulnerability: The Man Behind the Mask: Ezekiel, in a moment of vulnerability, shares his backstory with Carol. He reveals that he was once a zookeeper, and he adopted the persona of “King” to inspire hope in others. His honesty and his willingness to let his guard down create a connection with Carol, who’s starting to see that there might be more to the Kingdom than meets the eye. Ezekiel: the king who’s not afraid to show his human side.
• Carol’s Departure: The Lone Wolf Returns: Despite Ezekiel’s efforts to convince her to stay, Carol decides to leave the Kingdom. She’s not ready to be part of a community again, and she’s still haunted by her past. She settles into a nearby house, but Ezekiel continues to visit her, bringing her pomegranates and conversation. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always running away (but maybe not this time).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Hope: The Fuel of Survival: Ezekiel’s leadership style and the Kingdom’s philosophy emphasize the importance of hope in the apocalypse. When the world is falling apart, it’s easy to give up and succumb to despair. But Ezekiel believes that hope is what keeps people going, and he’s created a community where hope can thrive. Hope: it’s the light that guides you through the darkness (and maybe helps you grow a really awesome beard).!
• Healing: The Long Road Back: Carol and Morgan’s journeys in this episode highlight the challenges of healing from trauma and finding a new sense of purpose in the apocalypse. They’ve both been through a lot, and they’re still carrying the weight of their past actions. But the Kingdom offers them a chance to start over, to find new connections, and to rediscover their humanity. Healing: it’s a journey, not a destination (and sometimes, it involves a pet tiger).!
• Community: The Power of Shared Beliefs: The Kingdom is a testament to the power of community and shared beliefs. Ezekiel has created a place where people can come together, support each other, and work towards a common goal. It’s a reminder that even in the apocalypse, human connection and cooperation can make all the difference. Community: it’s the life raft that keeps you afloat in the sea of the undead.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Ezekiel’s bond with Shiva, his pet tiger, is a symbol of his leadership and his protective instincts. Shiva is a powerful and awe-inspiring creature, and she represents Ezekiel’s strength and his ability to inspire loyalty in others. Shiva: the ultimate guard dog (and the coolest pet in the apocalypse).!
• Carol’s cheerful facade when she leaves the Kingdom is a mask for her internal struggles. She’s not as okay as she pretends to be, and she’s still trying to find her place in the world. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always got a hidden agenda (and a heart of gold).!
• The Kingdom’s arrangement with the Saviors is a reminder that even the most peaceful and prosperous communities are not immune to the dangers of the outside world. Negan’s influence is far-reaching, and it’s clear that the Kingdom will eventually have to confront this threat. The Saviors: they’re like the Mafia of the apocalypse (and they always collect their dues).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 10+ (Carol and Morgan still got it).
• Human Deaths: None (a welcome change of pace!).
• Survivor Count: Stable, and the Kingdom offers a new sense of hope.

My Final Verdict:

“The Well” is a refreshing and hopeful episode that introduces a new community, a charismatic leader, and a whole lot of optimism.³ It’s a welcome change of pace after the brutality of the season premiere, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for kindness, compassion, and the belief in a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you as charmed by King Ezekiel as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!