Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: New Best Friends – Dumpster Diving, Daryl’s Dilemma, and the Kingdom’s Crossroads (Season 7, Episode 10)

Originally aired: February 19, 2017. 11.08 million viewers tuned in for this quirky and action-packed episode. Written by Channing Powell and directed by Jeffrey F. January.

The Junkyard: Where Trash is Treasure (and Walkers Wear Armor):

“New Best Friends” picks up with Rick and the gang trying to convince the Scavengers to join their rebellion against Negan. But these trash-loving folks aren’t easily swayed. They’ve got their own way of doing things, and Rick’s going to have to prove his worth (and his fighting skills) if he wants to win them over.

Key Plot Points:

• The Scavengers’ Test: “Prove You’re Worthy (or Die Trying)”: Jadis, the enigmatic leader of the Scavengers, isn’t impressed by Rick’s fancy speeches or his promises of a better future. She wants to see action, she wants to see blood, and she wants to see Rick fight a walker wearing a suit of armor made out of spikes and trash. Because why not? Rick, being the resourceful and slightly crazy leader that he is, accepts the challenge. He faces off against Winslow, the armored walker, in a brutal and thrilling fight, using his wits and his environment to emerge victorious. Rick Grimes: the man who can turn trash into treasure (and a walker into a punching bag).!
• Rick’s Negotiation Skills: “Guns for Glory”: Having proven his worth (and his ability to survive a dumpster fire), Rick negotiates a deal with Jadis. The Scavengers will join the fight against the Saviors, but they want a lot of guns in return. Rick, desperate for allies, agrees to their terms, setting the group on a new mission to find enough firepower to arm an army. Rick Grimes: the dealmaker who’s not afraid to make a deal with the devil (or the trash queen).!
• The Kingdom’s Dilemma: To Fight or Not to Fight: Over at the Kingdom, things are getting tense. Richard, one of Ezekiel’s top advisors, is eager to join the fight against the Saviors. He believes that they need to strike first before Negan and his crew destroy them. But Ezekiel is hesitant. He’s worried about the safety of his people, and he’s not sure if war is the answer. Ezekiel: the king who’s trying to keep the peace (and maybe his head on his shoulders).!
• Daryl’s Reunion with Carol: The Feels are Real: Daryl, who’s been hiding out in the Kingdom, finally reunites with Carol. He’s shocked to find her living in a secluded cottage, trying to distance herself from the violence and the heartbreak of the apocalypse. They have a heart-to-heart, and Daryl, bless his compassionate soul, decides to shield Carol from the truth about Glenn and Abraham’s deaths. He knows that she’s been through enough, and he doesn’t want to burden her with more pain. Daryl Dixon: the friend who always knows what to say (or not say).!
• The Saviors’ Show of Force: “We’re Still in Charge”: The Saviors, just to remind everyone who’s boss, pay a visit to the Kingdom. They take their tribute, they intimidate the residents, and they leave Ezekiel with a warning – don’t mess with Negan. The Saviors: they’re like the neighborhood watch, except they’re watching for any signs of rebellion (and they’re armed with baseball bats).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Trust: The Foundation of Alliances: Rick’s willingness to trust the Scavengers, despite their eccentricities and their questionable morals, shows his desperation to build an army against Negan. He’s taking a gamble, but he knows that he can’t defeat the Saviors alone. Trust: it’s a risky business in the apocalypse, but sometimes it’s the only option.
• Moral Dilemmas: The Cost of War: Richard’s plan to sacrifice Carol to provoke the Saviors into war and Daryl’s reaction to it highlight the ethical complexities of fighting for freedom. Is it okay to sacrifice one life to save many? Where do you draw the line? These are questions that the survivors will continue to grapple with as they prepare for their rebellion. The apocalypse: it’s a world where the ends don’t always justify the means.
• Resilience: The Power of Connection: Daryl and Carol’s reunion is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, human connection can be a source of strength and comfort. They’ve both been through a lot, but their bond remains strong, and they find solace in each other’s company. Friendship: it’s the lifeline that keeps you afloat in the sea of the undead.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Winslow’s armor, made out of spikes and trash, is a symbol of the Scavengers’ resourcefulness and their ability to adapt to their environment. They’re survivors who make the most of what they have, even if it’s just a pile of junk. The Scavengers: they’re the ultimate recyclers (and maybe a little bit crazy).!
• Jadis’s unique way of speaking, with her short, clipped sentences and her lack of pronouns, sets her apart from the other characters and reflects the Scavengers’ distinct culture and worldview. Jadis: the queen of the junkyard (and the master of minimalist communication).!
• Richard’s willingness to sacrifice Carol to start a war with the Saviors shows his desperation and his belief that extreme measures are necessary to defeat Negan. He’s a man who’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people, even if it means making morally questionable choices. Richard: the soldier who’s willing to cross the line.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 1 (Rick takes down Winslow in style).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is building).
• Survivor Count: Stable, and the alliance with the Scavengers is a step in the right direction.

My Final Verdict:

“New Best Friends” is a dynamic and intriguing episode that expands the world of “The Walking Dead” and sets the stage for the rebellion against Negan. Rick’s trial by trash, Daryl and Carol’s emotional reunion, and the introduction of the Scavengers all contribute to the excitement and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most unpredictable, reminding us that even in the apocalypse, there’s always room for surprises, new alliances, and the occasional walker wearing a suit of armor. What did you think of the episode? Were you as weirded out by the Scavengers as I was? Let’s discuss in the comments!