Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Monsters – Morales’s Last Stand, Morgan’s Meltdown, and Ezekiel’s Reality Check (Season 8, Episode 3)

Originally aired: November 5, 2017. 8.52 million viewers tuned in for this intense and emotional episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The War Rages On (and So Do the Internal Conflicts):

“Monsters” picks up with the “All-Out War” in full swing. The survivors are continuing their assault on the Saviors’ outposts, but the violence is taking its toll on them, both physically and emotionally. This episode is all about the moral dilemmas, the personal sacrifices, and the shifting alliances that come with fighting for your freedom.

Key Plot Points:

• Morales’s Last Stand: A Blast from the Past (and a Bullet to the Head): Remember Morales, the long-lost survivor from Season 1 who popped up as a Savior in the last episode? Well, his reunion with Rick is short-lived. He holds Rick at gunpoint, explaining that he’s chosen to side with the Saviors because he believes they’re the only ones who can provide stability and security in this world. But before Morales can pull the trigger, Daryl takes him out with a swift arrow to the head. Rick is shocked by Daryl’s ruthlessness, but Daryl argues that in this war, there’s no room for hesitation or second chances. Morales: the friend who became a foe (and then a corpse).!
• Jesus vs. Tara: The Battle of Ideals: Jesus and Tara continue their debate over the morality of killing captured Saviors. Jesus, bless his compassionate heart, believes that they should show mercy and try to integrate the Saviors into their communities. Tara, however, is not convinced. She’s seen the brutality of the Saviors firsthand, and she believes that they deserve no forgiveness. Their conflict highlights the ongoing struggle between idealism and pragmatism in the apocalypse. Jesus and Tara: the moral compass and the voice of vengeance.
• Morgan’s Losing It: The Pacifist Who Can’t Find Peace: Morgan’s mental state continues to deteriorate as the violence of the war takes its toll on him. He’s become detached, ruthless, and almost unhinged. He clashes with Jesus over the treatment of the Saviors, and their argument escalates into a physical fight. Jesus manages to subdue Morgan, but it’s clear that Morgan is a ticking time bomb. Morgan Jones: the man who’s lost his way (and maybe his mind).!
• Ezekiel’s Reality Check: The King Who Lost His Crown: Ezekiel, who’s been leading the Kingdom’s forces with unwavering optimism, faces a harsh reality check. They’re ambushed by the Saviors at an outpost, and the Kingdom suffers heavy losses. Ezekiel’s confidence is shaken, and he’s forced to confront the fact that this war is not going to be easy. Ezekiel: the king who’s learning that even fairy tales can have tragic endings.
• Aaron’s Heartbreak: The Loss of a Loved One: During the battle at another Savior outpost, Aaron loses his partner, Eric. Eric is shot and eventually succumbs to his injuries, turning into a walker. Aaron’s grief is a poignant reminder of the personal cost of war and the sacrifices that the survivors are making. Aaron: the man who’s learning that love and loss are intertwined in the apocalypse.
• Gregory’s Return: The Coward Who Never Learns: Gregory, the cowardly leader of the Hilltop, shows up at the gates, begging to be let back in after abandoning Gabriel to the walkers. Maggie, despite her reservations, allows him back into the community, but it’s clear that his presence is going to cause more trouble. Gregory: the man who’s always looking out for number one (and never learns from his mistakes).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Morality: The Shifting Sands: “Monsters” explores the complexities of morality in the apocalypse, particularly in the context of war. Jesus’s insistence on mercy, Tara’s desire for vengeance, and Morgan’s descent into ruthlessness all highlight the different ways that the survivors are grappling with the ethical dilemmas of survival. The Walking Dead: where the line between right and wrong is constantly being redrawn.
• Leadership: The Weight of Command: Ezekiel’s optimism and Aaron’s grief show the different faces of leadership in the apocalypse. Ezekiel is trying to inspire his people and maintain their morale, while Aaron is facing the harsh realities of loss and sacrifice. Both men are leaders, but they’re also human beings who are struggling to cope with the challenges of their roles. Leadership: it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about carrying the weight of those decisions.
• Betrayal and Redemption: The Cycle Continues: Gregory’s return to the Hilltop is a reminder that even in the apocalypse, people are capable of both betrayal and redemption. He’s made mistakes in the past, but he’s also been given a second chance. Whether he’ll learn from his mistakes and become a better person remains to be seen. The Walking Dead: where the cycle of betrayal and redemption never ends.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Daryl’s quick and decisive killing of Morales without hesitation shows how hardened he’s become by the war. He’s no longer the conflicted and hesitant character from earlier seasons; he’s a warrior who’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s become a weapon.
• Ezekiel’s repeated use of the phrase “And yet I smile” is tragically ironic, as it foreshadows the devastating losses that he and his people will soon face. It’s a reminder that even the most optimistic leaders can’t always shield their communities from the harsh realities of the apocalypse. Ezekiel: the king who’s about to lose his kingdom.
• Aaron’s decision to leave Eric as a walker rather than putting him down is a poignant moment. It shows his acceptance of loss and his understanding that sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is let go. Aaron: the man who’s learning to say goodbye.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 30+ (the war against the walkers continues, even amidst the human conflict).
• Human Deaths: Numerous Saviors and Eric (the casualties of war are mounting).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the stakes are getting higher.

My Final Verdict:

“Monsters” is a powerful and emotional episode that explores the moral and personal costs of war in the apocalypse. The deaths of Morales, Eric, and the Saviors, along with Morgan’s breakdown and Ezekiel’s reality check, all contribute to the intensity and drama of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most raw and unflinching, reminding us that even in the fight for freedom, there are no easy choices, and the consequences of our actions can be devastating. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Daryl’s ruthlessness? Let’s discuss in the comments!