The Walking Dead: Say Yes – Rick and Michonne’s Excellent Adventure (with a Side of Existential Dread) (Season 7, Episode 12)
Originally aired: March 5, 2017. 10.16 million viewers tuned in for this Rick and Michonne-centric episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and directed by Greg Nicotero.
Alexandria: Love is in the Air (and Walkers are in the Junkyard):
“Say Yes” shifts the focus away from the Saviors and the Hilltop to give us a glimpse into the blossoming relationship between Rick and Michonne. They’re on a mission to find guns for the Scavengers, but they also find time for some romantic moments and deep conversations about the future.
Key Plot Points (With My Signature Sass):
- Date Night at the Carnival: Zombies and Chill: Rick and Michonne stumble upon an abandoned carnival, which is basically a walker-infested playground. But hey, who needs a Ferris wheel when you can have a zombie-slaying date night? They work together, clearing out the walkers and collecting a hefty haul of weapons and supplies.1 Rick and Michonne: the couple who slays together, stays together.2
- Relationship Goals: Apocalypse Edition: Amidst the walker guts and the scavenging, Rick and Michonne find time to connect on a deeper level. They talk about their hopes for the future, their fears, and their love for each other. Rick even tells Michonne that he believes she could lead the group if something happened to him. Rick and Michonne: the power couple who’s got each other’s backs (and maybe a secret stash of chocolate).!
- Rick’s Close Call: “He’s Dead! (Just Kidding)”: During a tense encounter with a group of walkers, Michonne briefly believes that Rick has been killed. She’s devastated, but she quickly pulls herself together and fights back, reminding us that she’s a warrior who’s not afraid to face her fears (or a horde of hungry walkers). Rick, thankfully, turns out to be okay, but the experience reinforces their bond and their determination to fight for their future together. Rick and Michonne: the couple who can survive anything (except maybe a zombie apocalypse-themed wedding).!
- Jadis: The Queen of “Not Enough”: Rick and Michonne return to the Scavengers’ junkyard, proud of their impressive haul of weapons. But Jadis, the enigmatic leader of the trash-loving crew, is not impressed. She deems the weapons insufficient and demands more, much to Rick and Michonne’s frustration.3 Jadis: the queen of “never satisfied” (and maybe just a little bit greedy).!
- Rosita’s Rebellion: The Woman Who’s Had Enough: Rosita, who’s been growing increasingly impatient with the slow progress of the rebellion, decides to take matters into her own hands. She leaves Alexandria to search for more weapons, determined to do whatever it takes to fight back against Negan and the Saviors. Rosita Espinosa: the woman who’s not afraid to go rogue (and maybe blow something up).!
- Tara’s Dilemma: To Tell or Not to Tell: Tara is struggling with a secret. She knows about Oceanside, the hidden community of women, and she knows that they have a stockpile of weapons that could be crucial in the fight against the Saviors. But she also promised Cyndie that she would keep their location a secret. She’s torn between her loyalty to her group and her desire to honor her word. Tara Chambler: the woman who’s caught between a rock and a hard place (and maybe a walker or two).!
Themes and Meanings (With My Insightful Commentary):
- Partnership: The Power of Two: Rick and Michonne’s relationship is a shining example of partnership and trust in the apocalypse. They work together seamlessly, they support each other through thick and thin, and they share a vision for a better future. Their bond is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and connection can flourish. Rick and Michonne: the couple that slays together, stays together (and maybe even adopts a pet tiger).!
- Sacrifice and Hope: The Fuel of the Resistance: “Say Yes” highlights the sacrifices that the survivors are willing to make in their quest for freedom. They’re risking their lives, their relationships, and their very humanity to fight against Negan and the Saviors. But their hope for a better future keeps them going, even when the odds are stacked against them. The apocalypse: it’s a test of endurance, and the survivors are proving that they’re in it for the long haul.
- Defiance: The Seeds of Rebellion: Rosita’s decision to go rogue and search for weapons on her own is a sign of the growing impatience and frustration within the group. They’re tired of living under Negan’s thumb, and they’re ready to take action, even if it means going against Rick’s more cautious approach. The Walking Dead: where rebellion is brewing (and it’s about to boil over).!
Little Details You Might Have Missed:
- The eerie setting of the abandoned carnival, with its decaying rides and remnants of a joyful past, is a poignant reminder of the world that’s been lost. It’s also a metaphor for the survivors’ own journey, as they try to find moments of happiness and normalcy in a world that’s gone mad. The carnival: a ghost of the past (and a playground for the undead).!
- Rick’s expression of faith in Michonne’s leadership abilities shows how much he trusts and respects her. He sees her as an equal partner in their fight for survival, and he’s confident that she can lead the group if he’s no longer able to. Michonne: the warrior queen who’s ready to take the throne.
- Tara’s internal conflict about whether to reveal Oceanside’s existence highlights the moral dilemmas that the survivors face in the apocalypse. She’s torn between her loyalty to her group and her desire to protect the vulnerable community of women. Tara Chambler: the woman who’s got a conscience (and a secret).!
Stats and Stuff:
- Walker Kills: 30+ (Rick and Michonne are a zombie-slaying power couple).
- Human Deaths: None (but the emotional stakes are high).
- Survivor Count: Stable, but the tension is building.
My Final Verdict:
“Say Yes” is a character-driven episode that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the fight for survival in the apocalypse.4 Rick and Michonne’s relationship is a bright spot in a dark world, and their scavenging adventure at the carnival is both thrilling and romantic. But the episode also reminds us that the threat of the Saviors is still looming, and the survivors are facing difficult choices that could have devastating consequences. What did you think of the episode? Were you moved by Rick and Michonne’s connection? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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