Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Service – Negan’s in Town, and He’s Not Here to Play Nice (Season 7, Episode 4)

Originally aired: November 13, 2016. 11.40 million viewers tuned in for this extended and emotionally draining episode. Written by Corey Reed and directed by David Boyd.

Alexandria: From Sanctuary to Savior Supply Closet:

“Service” is all about Negan’s dominance and the crushing weight of his rule over Alexandria. Rick and the group are forced to submit to his every whim, enduring humiliation and loss as they try to protect what little they have left.

Key Plot Points:

• Negan’s Grand Entrance (Again): Negan, with his swagger and his trusty bat, Lucille, makes his presence known in Alexandria. He struts through the streets like he owns the place (which, technically, he kind of does now), and his Saviors follow his lead, taking whatever they want and leaving the residents feeling powerless and demoralized. Negan: the bully who’s got a baseball bat and a whole lot of charisma.¹
• Rick’s Walk of Shame: Carrying Lucille (and the Weight of the World): Negan, being the master of psychological torture that he is, forces Rick to carry Lucille around Alexandria. It’s a symbolic act, a constant reminder of Negan’s power and Rick’s submission. Rick, desperate to protect his people, endures the humiliation, but it’s clear that it’s taking a toll on him. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s carrying the burden of his community (and a really heavy bat).!
• The Saviors’ Shopping Spree: “Everything’s on Sale!”: The Saviors raid Alexandria, taking everything of value – food, weapons, medicine, and even mattresses. Negan makes it clear that the Alexandrians have no say in what they keep, emphasizing their complete lack of control over their own lives. The Saviors: they’re like a pack of locusts, stripping Alexandria bare.
• Michonne’s Secret Rebellion: The Woman Who Won’t Back Down: Michonne, ever the warrior, is not about to take this lying down. She secretly practices with a sniper rifle, determined to fight back against Negan and his crew. When she discovers that the Saviors have burned the mattresses they stole, her anger and resolve only grow stronger. Michonne: the woman who’s not afraid to take aim (and maybe take down Negan).!
• Daryl: The Prisoner of War: Negan brings Daryl to Alexandria as a prisoner, using him as a pawn to keep Rick in line. Daryl, who’s still reeling from the deaths of Glenn and Abraham, remains silent and withdrawn. But his presence is a reminder of the Saviors’ brutality and the consequences of defiance. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s carrying the weight of his grief (and maybe a plan for revenge).!
• Spencer’s Whining: The Guy Who Needs a Reality Check: Spencer, Deanna’s son, whines and complains about Rick’s leadership, blaming him for Alexandria’s current predicament.² His negativity and his lack of gratitude for Rick’s efforts to protect the community create tension and division within the group. Spencer Monroe: the guy who needs to learn how to appreciate what he’s got (before he loses it all).!
• Rosita’s Resolve: The Woman with a Mission: Rosita, who’s also grieving the loss of Abraham, is not about to give up without a fight. She finds a gun hidden in the woods and starts practicing her aim, determined to take down Negan and avenge her friend’s death. Rosita Espinosa: the woman who’s not afraid to take matters into her own hands.

Themes and Meanings:

• Power and Humiliation: Negan’s Reign of Terror: “Service” is a brutal depiction of Negan’s power and the lengths he’ll go to humiliate and control Rick and the Alexandrians. He uses psychological manipulation, physical intimidation, and public humiliation to break their spirits and assert his dominance. Negan: the master puppeteer who’s pulling all the strings.
• Submission vs. Resistance: The Seeds of Rebellion: While most of the Alexandrians are forced to submit to Negan’s rule, there are glimmers of resistance. Michonne’s secret training and Rosita’s determination to fight back suggest that the survivors are not going to accept this oppression forever. The seeds of rebellion are being sown, and it’s only a matter of time before they sprout. The Walking Dead: where hope can blossom even in the darkest of times.
• Leadership: The Price of Protection: Rick’s willingness to endure humiliation and sacrifice his own pride to protect his people highlights the burden of leadership in the apocalypse. He’s making tough choices, and he’s paying a heavy price for his responsibility. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s willing to sacrifice everything (even his dignity) for his people.³

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Negan forcing Rick to carry Lucille around Alexandria is a constant reminder of the Saviors’ power and the survivors’ vulnerability. It’s a symbolic act of dominance and humiliation that’s designed to break Rick’s spirit. Lucille: the bat that’s become a symbol of fear and oppression.
• The Saviors’ burning of the mattresses is a senseless act of cruelty that goes beyond just taking supplies.⁴ It’s a way of demoralizing the Alexandrians and stripping them of their comfort and dignity. The Saviors: they’re not just thieves; they’re soul crushers.
• Daryl’s silence throughout the episode is a powerful statement of defiance. He’s refusing to engage with Negan or his Saviors, and his silence speaks volumes about his inner strength and his unwillingness to be broken. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s got more guts than words.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a backseat to the human drama this week).
• Human Deaths: None (but the emotional toll is high).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the community is fractured and demoralized.

My Final Verdict:

“Service” is a tough episode to watch, but it’s also a powerful and important one. It shows the devastating impact of Negan’s rule and the lengths he’ll go to maintain his control. But it also highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the seeds of rebellion that are starting to sprout within the survivors. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure, and the fight for freedom is never truly over. What did you think of the episode? Were you as frustrated by Rick’s submission as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!