Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Swear – Tara’s Excellent Adventure (and Oceanside’s Secret Society) (Season 7, Episode 6)

Originally aired: November 27, 2016. 10.40 million viewers tuned in for this Tara-centric episode. Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

The Beach: It’s Not All Sunshine and Sandcastles:

“Swear” takes a break from the Saviors’ reign of terror and focuses on Tara, who’s been MIA since the supply run with Heath. She washes up on a beach, discovers a hidden community of survivors, and learns that the world outside Alexandria is even more complicated than she thought.

Key Plot Points:

• Tara and Heath: The Supply Run That Went South (Literally): We get some flashbacks to Tara and Heath’s ill-fated supply run. They’re scavenging on a bridge when they’re overrun by walkers. Tara falls into the water and is swept away, while Heath’s fate remains uncertain. Tara and Heath: the dynamic duo who got separated by a river (and a whole lot of walkers).!
• Oceanside: The Amazonian Paradise (with a Dark Secret): Tara stumbles upon Oceanside, a secluded community made up entirely of women. They’re wary of outsiders, and they capture Tara, interrogating her and threatening to kill her. But Tara, being the charming and resourceful woman that she is, manages to win over a young resident named Cyndie. Oceanside: the community that’s got girl power (and a serious case of trust issues).!
• The Saviors’ Shadow: A Massacre and a Pact of Silence: Natania, the leader of Oceanside, reveals the tragic reason for their isolation. The Saviors, those delightful folks, massacred all of the men and boys in their community, forcing the women to flee and live in hiding. They’ve made a pact to keep their existence a secret, fearing that the Saviors will return if they’re discovered. The Saviors: they’re not just bullies; they’re also mass murderers (and apparently, sexist ones too).!
• Tara’s Escape: The Kindness of Strangers: Despite the danger she’s in, Tara can’t help but feel a connection to the women of Oceanside, especially Cyndie. She’s torn between her desire to return to Alexandria and her respect for Oceanside’s secrecy. Cyndie, who’s also struggling with her community’s isolationist policies, helps Tara escape, risking her own safety to do what she believes is right. Tara and Cyndie: the unlikely friendship that’s giving us all the feels.
• Back to Alexandria: A Secret and a Promise: Tara makes it back to Alexandria, but she’s changed. She’s seen the horrors of the Saviors’ reign firsthand, and she’s grappling with the weight of her own experiences. She also has to decide whether to tell Rick and the others about Oceanside, knowing that it could put them in danger. Ultimately, she chooses to keep their secret, honoring the trust that Cyndie placed in her. Tara Chambler: the woman who’s got a heart of gold (and a secret that could save lives).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Secrecy: The Price of Survival: Oceanside’s isolation and their fear of the Saviors highlight the lengths that some communities have to go to in order to survive in the apocalypse. They’ve chosen to hide themselves away from the world, sacrificing connection and potential alliances for the sake of safety. The apocalypse: it’s a world where sometimes, the best way to survive is to disappear.
• Trust: The Bridge Between Strangers: Tara’s bond with Cyndie shows that even in the midst of fear and paranoia, trust and connection can still blossom. It’s a reminder that humanity hasn’t completely vanished from the world, and that even strangers can find common ground and help each other. Trust: it’s a rare commodity in the apocalypse, but it’s worth its weight in gold.
• Loss and Adaptation: The Ever-Changing Landscape: Tara’s journey in this episode mirrors the broader struggles of the survivors in the apocalypse. They’re constantly facing loss, betrayal, and the need to adapt to new and dangerous situations. But they’re also finding ways to persevere, to find strength in each other, and to hold onto hope for a better future. The Walking Dead: where survival is a journey, not a destination.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The bracelet that Cyndie gives Tara is a symbol of their connection and their shared humanity. It’s a small but significant gesture that shows the power of kindness and trust in a world that’s often cruel and unforgiving. The bracelet: a reminder that even in the apocalypse, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• The “PPP” card that Tara finds on the bridge hints at Heath’s fate. It’s unclear what it means, but it suggests that he might have been captured by another group, possibly the Scavengers, who will play a role in future seasons. Heath’s fate: a mystery that’s waiting to be solved.
• Oceanside’s hidden weapons, which Tara discovers during her escape, foreshadow their eventual involvement in the fight against the Saviors. They might be afraid, but they’re also resourceful and determined, and they’re not going to let Negan and his crew get away with their tyranny forever. Oceanside: the sleeping giant that’s about to awaken.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 10+ (Tara’s still got those walker-slaying skills).
• Human Deaths: None in this episode (but the Saviors’ past actions cast a long shadow).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the world is still a dangerous place.

My Final Verdict:

“Swear” is a quieter and more introspective episode than the usual “Walking Dead” fare, but it’s also a powerful and important one. It introduces a new community, explores the themes of secrecy, trust, and survival, and deepens our understanding of Tara’s character. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for hope, connection, and the belief in a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you intrigued by Oceanside? Let’s discuss in the comments!