Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: The King, the Widow, and Rick – Leadership Lessons, Lost Hope, and a New Face in Town (Season 8, Episode 6)

Originally aired: November 26, 2017. 7.47 million viewers tuned in to see how the war was affecting our fearless leaders (and not-so-fearless ones). Written by Angela Kang and Corey Reed, and directed by John Polson.

Alexandria, Hilltop, and the Kingdom: Leading the Way (or Maybe Just Stumbling Through):

“The King, the Widow, and Rick” takes a step back from the all-out action of the previous episodes and focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the war on our main characters. We see Rick trying to forge new alliances, Maggie wrestling with her conscience, and Ezekiel retreating into isolation.

Key Plot Points:

• Rick’s Risky Gamble: The Scavengers Say “No Deal” (and “Get in the Box”): Rick, ever the optimist (or maybe just the desperate), decides to pay another visit to the Scavengers, hoping to convince them to rejoin the fight against the Saviors. But Jadis, the enigmatic leader of the trash-loving crew, is not interested in Rick’s promises or his pleas. She’s got her own agenda, and it involves imprisoning Rick in a shipping container (because that’s how they roll in the junkyard). Rick Grimes: the leader who’s not afraid to take risks (even if it means ending up in a dumpster).!
• Maggie’s Moral Dilemma: To Kill or Not to Kill (the Saviors): Maggie, who’s now the de facto leader of the Hilltop (sorry, Gregory), is faced with a tough decision. What should she do with the captured Saviors? Should she kill them, as some of her people suggest, or should she find a more humane solution? After some soul-searching (and maybe a pep talk from Jesus), she decides to imprison them, hoping to find a way to integrate them into the community eventually. Maggie Greene: the leader who’s trying to balance justice with mercy.
• Ezekiel’s Retreat: The King Who Lost His Roar: Ezekiel, who’s been struggling to cope with the devastating losses at the Savior outpost, has withdrawn into his own little world. He’s shut himself off from his people, refusing to lead or even interact with them. Carol, bless her caring heart, tries to get through to him, but he’s not ready to face the reality of his situation. Ezekiel: the king who’s lost his crown (and maybe his mind).!
• Carl’s Compassion: The Boy Who Sees the Good in Everyone: Carl, while out scavenging for supplies, encounters Siddiq, a lone survivor who’s killing walkers to “free their souls.” Carl, despite his initial skepticism, is drawn to Siddiq’s kindness and his unique perspective on the apocalypse. He decides to bring Siddiq back to Alexandria, showing his compassion and his willingness to help others, even strangers. Carl Grimes: the kid who’s still got a heart of gold (even after everything he’s been through).!
• Michonne and Rosita: The Dynamic Duo (of Destruction): Michonne and Rosita, who are both eager to contribute to the fight against the Saviors, team up on a mission to find a weapons cache. They encounter some Saviors guarding the stash, and they don’t hesitate to take them out. Rosita even gets to use an RPG launcher (because who doesn’t love a good explosion?). But their victory is bittersweet, as they realize that the Saviors are still a formidable enemy with plenty of resources.¹ Michonne and Rosita: the badass duo who’s not afraid to blow stuff up.

Themes and Meanings:

• Leadership: The Challenges of Command: “The King, the Widow, and Rick” explores the different challenges that leaders face in the apocalypse. Rick’s willingness to take risks, Maggie’s moral dilemmas, and Ezekiel’s retreat into isolation all highlight the complexities of leadership and the toll it can take on a person. Leadership: it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about carrying the weight of those decisions.
• Compassion: The Humanity Within: Carl’s decision to help Siddiq, a stranger who’s clearly struggling, shows that even in the midst of war and chaos, compassion and empathy can still exist. It’s a reminder that the survivors are not just fighting to stay alive; they’re also fighting to preserve their humanity. The Walking Dead: where even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• Isolation: The Enemy Within: Ezekiel’s withdrawal from his community and his refusal to lead highlight the dangers of isolation and despair. He’s lost his confidence and his sense of purpose, and he’s struggling to find his way back. His story is a reminder that even the strongest leaders can be vulnerable, and that sometimes, the biggest battles are fought within. Ezekiel: the king who needs to find his roar again.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The Scavengers’ focus on creating art and sculptures out of trash is a reflection of their unique worldview and their attempt to find beauty and meaning in a world that’s often ugly and chaotic. The Scavengers: they’re not just survivors; they’re artists.
• Siddiq’s belief in freeing walkers’ souls by killing them offers a different perspective on the undead. He sees them as trapped and suffering, and he believes that by killing them, he’s releasing them from their torment. Siddiq: the man who’s trying to find peace for the dead (and maybe for himself).!
• Rosita’s skillful use of the RPG launcher shows her resourcefulness and her determination to fight back against the Saviors.² She’s not just a skilled fighter; she’s also a strategic thinker who’s not afraid to use any means necessary to achieve her goals.³ Rosita Espinosa: the woman who’s always ready for a fight (and a good explosion).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 20+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: Several Saviors (the war is still raging).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the challenges are mounting.

My Final Verdict:

“The King, the Widow, and Rick” is a character-driven episode that explores the complexities of leadership, morality, and survival in the apocalypse. Rick’s imprisonment, Maggie’s dilemma, Ezekiel’s despair, and Carl’s compassion all contribute to the emotional depth and intrigue of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most introspective, reminding us that even in the midst of war and chaos, the human spirit can endure, and there’s always hope for a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you worried about Rick’s fate? Let’s discuss in the comments!