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The Walking Dead: The Damned – Saviors Beware, Rick’s on a Rampage (and Morgan’s Lost His Marbles) (Season 8, Episode 2)

Originally aired: October 29, 2017. 8.92 million viewers tuned in for this action-packed episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell, and directed by Rosemary Rodriguez.

The Saviors’ Outposts: No Longer Safe Havens (for the Saviors):

“The Damned” picks up right where “Mercy” left off, with the allied communities launching their coordinated attack on the Saviors’ outposts. It’s a brutal and efficient operation, with Rick and the gang showing no hesitation in taking down their enemies. But the violence also takes its toll on them, raising questions about the cost of war and the moral compromises they’re making.

Key Plot Points:

• Attack of the Killer Crews: Divide and Conquer: The survivors, divided into several teams, strike at different Savior outposts simultaneously. They’re using their combined forces and strategic planning to overwhelm the Saviors and gain the upper hand in the war. It’s a chaotic and bloody affair, but it’s also a testament to their determination and their unity. The survivors: they’re not just a group anymore; they’re an army.
• Moral Dilemmas: To Kill or Not to Kill (Again): Tara and Jesus, who are leading one of the attack teams, clash over the morality of killing captured Saviors. Jesus, still clinging to his pacifist ideals, believes that they should show mercy, while Tara argues that the Saviors deserve no such compassion after the atrocities they’ve committed. Their conflict highlights the ethical complexities of war and the difficult choices that the survivors have to make. The Walking Dead: where even the good guys have to make tough decisions.
• Morgan’s Dark Side: The Pacifist Who Lost His Way: Morgan, who’s been struggling with his pacifist beliefs all season, seems to have completely abandoned them. He’s ruthless and efficient in his killing of the Saviors, showing no hesitation or remorse. His actions worry the others, who are starting to wonder if he’s losing his grip on his sanity. Morgan Jones: the man who’s gone from peacekeeper to punisher.
• Rick’s Regret: The Baby in the Nursery: Rick, while clearing out one of the outposts, encounters a Savior who refuses to reveal the location of a weapons cache. Rick, frustrated and determined to get the information, kills the man in a brutal struggle. He then discovers a nursery with a baby inside, and the reality of his actions hits him hard. He’s taken a life, and he’s left a child without a father. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s starting to question the cost of war.
• Morales’s Return: “Long Time No See, Rick!”: In a shocking twist, Rick comes face to face with Morales, a character who hasn’t been seen since Season 1. But Morales is not the same man he once was. He’s now a Savior, and he’s holding Rick at gunpoint. Morales: the friend who became a foe.
• The Kingdom’s Charge: Ezekiel’s Optimism (and Shiva’s Hunger): Ezekiel, Carol, and the Kingdom fighters continue their assault on another Savior outpost. Ezekiel’s unwavering optimism and his belief in their cause inspire his people, even as they face danger and loss. Shiva, his trusty tiger, also proves to be a valuable asset in the fight. Ezekiel: the king who’s leading his people to victory (with a little help from his furry friend).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Morality vs. Pragmatism: The Struggle to Stay Human: The conflict between Jesus and Tara over the treatment of captured Saviors highlights the ongoing struggle between morality and pragmatism in the apocalypse. Is it possible to fight a war without losing your humanity? Or does survival require compromising your values and embracing violence? The Walking Dead: where the line between good and evil is constantly being tested.
• Leadership: The Power of Influence: Ezekiel’s unwavering optimism and his ability to inspire his people contrast with Rick’s growing introspection and his doubts about the cost of war. Both men are leaders, but they have different approaches to guiding their communities through the challenges of the apocalypse. Leadership: it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about inspiring others to follow you.
• Vengeance: The Cycle of Violence: Rick’s discovery of the nursery and his confrontation with the human cost of war force him to question the path he’s chosen. Is revenge worth the sacrifices they’re making? Or is there a way to break the cycle of violence and find a more peaceful solution? The Walking Dead: where the pursuit of vengeance can lead to unexpected consequences.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The baby’s name, Gracie, is a poignant reminder of the innocent lives that are caught in the crossfire of the war between the survivors and the Saviors. Gracie: the symbol of the future that the survivors are fighting for.
• Morgan’s detached and ruthless demeanor during the attacks suggests that he’s still struggling with the trauma of his past and the loss of his son. His actions foreshadow potential consequences for his mental state and his relationships with the other survivors. Morgan Jones: the man who’s haunted by his past.
• Morales’s transformation from a friendly survivor in Season 1 to a hardened Savior highlights the diverse paths that people have taken in the apocalypse. It’s a reminder that survival can come at a cost, and that even the best of people can be changed by the harsh realities of this world. Morales: the friend who became a stranger.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 40+ (the survivors are making a dent in the walker population, but there are always more where those came from).
• Human Deaths: Numerous Saviors (the war is getting bloody).
• Survivor Count: Stable (for now), but the dangers are mounting.

My Final Verdict:

“The Damned” is an action-packed and emotionally charged episode that plunges the survivors deeper into the “All-Out War” against the Saviors. The coordinated attacks, the moral dilemmas, and the unexpected reunions all contribute to the intensity and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most thrilling and thought-provoking, reminding us that even in the fight for freedom, there are no easy choices, and the cost of victory can be high. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Morales’s return? Let’s discuss in the comments!