The Walking Dead: The Other Side – Sasha’s Sacrifice, Daryl’s Guilt, and the Kingdom’s Choice (Season 7, Episode 14)
Originally aired: March 19, 2017.1 10.30 million viewers tuned in for this intense and emotional episode. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.
The Hilltop: Where Hope Takes Root (and Rebellion Brews):
“The Other Side” shifts the focus to the Hilltop Colony, where Maggie and Sasha are finding their place as leaders, Daryl is wrestling with his demons, and the community is preparing for the inevitable showdown with the Saviors.
Key Plot Points:
- Hilltop Training Montage: Getting Ready to Rumble: The Hilltop residents are training hard, learning how to fight and defend themselves. Maggie and Jesus are leading the charge, inspiring the community and preparing them for the upcoming war. Daryl, however, is still struggling with his guilt over Glenn’s death. He avoids Maggie and throws himself into training, trying to channel his pain into something productive. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s fighting his own demons (and maybe a few walkers along the way).!
- Sasha and Rosita: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Snipers: Sasha and Rosita, both grieving the loss of Abraham, decide to team up on a mission to assassinate Negan.2 They’re both skilled fighters, and they’re both driven by a desire for revenge. But their journey together is also a chance for them to bond, to share their grief, and to find strength in their shared experiences. Sasha and Rosita: the badass duo who’s about to take on the big bad wolf (Negan).!
- The Saviors’ Shopping Trip (Again): Simon and the Saviors pay another visit to the Hilltop, this time to collect Dr. Harlan Carson, who’s needed at the Sanctuary to replace their recently deceased doctor. The Saviors’ presence is a reminder of their power and their control over the surrounding communities. The Saviors: they’re like the neighborhood HOA, except they’re armed with baseball bats and they don’t care about your lawn decorations.
- Daryl’s Breakdown: The Weight of Guilt: Daryl and Maggie are forced to hide when the Saviors arrive at the Hilltop.3 Daryl, overwhelmed by guilt and grief, breaks down. Maggie, showing her compassion and leadership skills, comforts him and reminds him that he’s not responsible for Glenn’s death. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s learning to forgive himself.
- Sasha’s Sacrifice: The Lone Wolf’s Last Stand: Sasha and Rosita infiltrate the Sanctuary, determined to take out Negan.4 But they can’t get a clear shot, and the situation becomes too risky. Sasha, in a selfless act of bravery, locks Rosita out of the compound and decides to stay behind and complete the mission alone. Sasha Williams: the warrior who’s willing to sacrifice everything for the cause.5
- Eugene’s Choice: The Sellout (Part 2): Rosita, after being locked out of the Sanctuary, encounters Eugene. She urges him to escape with her, but Eugene refuses. He’s fully embraced his life with the Saviors, and he’s no longer the cowardly and insecure man he once was. Rosita is shocked and disappointed by his decision, but she’s also determined to continue the fight. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s chosen his side (and it’s not the winning one).!
Themes and Meanings:
- Sacrifice: The Price of Freedom: Sasha’s decision to sacrifice herself to give the others a chance to fight back against the Saviors is a powerful act of courage and selflessness. She’s lost so much, but she’s still willing to give her life for the greater good. Sasha Williams: the hero who’s not afraid to die for what she believes in.
- Unity: The Healing Power of Shared Grief: Rosita and Sasha’s reconciliation during their mission highlights the importance of unity and support in the apocalypse. They’ve both been through a lot, but they find strength in their shared grief and their common goal of taking down Negan. The apocalypse: it’s a lonely place, but it’s easier to survive with friends (and a shared enemy).!
- Resistance: The Moral Gray Areas: The episode explores the moral complexities of fighting back against oppression. Is assassination a justifiable tactic? What are the consequences of taking a life, even if it’s the life of a tyrant? These are questions that the survivors will have to grapple with as they prepare for their rebellion. The Walking Dead: where the line between good and evil is constantly shifting.
Little Details You Might Have Missed:
- Jesus’s growing leadership role at the Hilltop shows his influence and his alignment with Maggie’s vision for the future. He’s a valuable ally, and his strategic mind and combat skills will be crucial in the fight against the Saviors. Jesus: the man who’s got the brains and the brawn to lead the rebellion.
- Daryl’s avoidance of Maggie and his emotional breakdown reflect his unresolved grief over Glenn’s death. He’s blaming himself for what happened, and he’s struggling to come to terms with his loss. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
- Eugene’s rejection of Rosita’s offer to escape and his full embrace of life at the Sanctuary suggest that he’s not just a coward; he might have deeper motivations or fears that are driving his actions. Eugene Porter: the enigma wrapped in a mullet (and maybe a secret agenda).!
Stats and Stuff:
- Walker Kills: 5+ (Sasha and Rosita are warming up for the main event).
- Human Deaths: None in this episode (but the tension is thicker than walker guts).
- Survivor Count: Stable, but Sasha’s fate is uncertain.
My Final Verdict:
“The Other Side” is a powerful and emotional episode that sets the stage for a climactic showdown with the Saviors. Sasha’s sacrifice, Daryl’s guilt, and the growing tensions within the communities all contribute to the sense of anticipation and dread. This episode is a reminder that the fight for freedom comes at a cost, and the survivors are willing to pay that price. What did you think of the episode? Were you moved by Sasha’s bravery? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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