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The Walking Dead: What It Always Is – Negan’s Walkabout, Ezekiel’s Diagnosis, and Kelly’s Lost in the Woods (Season 10, Episode 5)

Originally aired: November 3, 2019. 3.21 million viewers tuned in for this character-driven episode. Written by Eli Jorné and directed by Laura Belsey.

The Road to Redemption (or Ruin?):

“What It Always Is” picks up with several storylines unfolding simultaneously. We follow Negan on his journey outside the walls of Alexandria, Ezekiel and Carol dealing with a devastating diagnosis, and Daryl and Connie searching for a missing Kelly. It’s an episode that balances moments of hope with reminders of the harsh realities of the apocalypse.

Key Plot Points:

• Negan’s Walk on the Wild Side: The Savior Who’s Trying to Save Himself: Negan, who’s been enjoying his newfound freedom (and his gardening skills), decides to take a walk on the wild side. He leaves Alexandria and ventures out into the world, hoping to figure out what his place is in this new era. He encounters a young Whisperer named Brandon, who’s a bit of a Negan fanboy (awkward!). Brandon sees Negan as a hero, a symbol of strength and power. But Negan, who’s trying to shed his Savior persona and embrace a more peaceful way of life, is conflicted by Brandon’s admiration. Negan: the villain who’s trying to outrun his past (and maybe his fan club).!
• Brandon’s Fanboy Fail: “I’ll Kill to Impress You!”: Brandon, in a misguided attempt to impress Negan, kills a mother and son who had shown Negan kindness. Negan, horrified by Brandon’s actions and the senseless violence, snaps. He kills Brandon, showing that he’s not the same ruthless leader he once was. But the incident also highlights the lingering darkness within him and the challenges of escaping his past. Negan: the man who’s still wrestling with his demons (and maybe a few fanboys).!
• Kelly’s Lost in the Woods (and Losing Her Hearing): Kelly, one of the newcomers from Magna’s group, is facing a new challenge – her hearing loss is getting worse. She struggles to keep up with the others during a scavenging mission, and she eventually gets separated from the group. Daryl and Connie, who’ve formed a close bond with Kelly, set out to find her, and their search leads to some tense moments and a heartwarming reunion. Kelly: the survivor who’s not letting her disability define her.
• Ezekiel’s Secret: The King’s Cancer: Ezekiel, who’s always been a beacon of hope and optimism, reveals a devastating secret to Siddiq – he has thyroid cancer. In the world before the apocalypse, it would have been a treatable condition, but now, it’s a potential death sentence. Ezekiel’s diagnosis adds a layer of sadness and vulnerability to his character, and it’s a reminder that even the strongest leaders can be brought down by forces beyond their control. Ezekiel: the king who’s facing his mortality.
• Daryl and Connie: The Silent Romance?: Daryl and Connie, who communicate through sign language, continue to grow closer. They work together seamlessly to find Kelly, and their interactions are filled with quiet understanding and mutual respect. There’s a spark between them, a hint of a potential romance that’s both heartwarming and unexpected. Daryl and Connie: the couple who’s communicating through more than just words.
• Negan’s New Adventure: Welcome to the Whisperers!: The episode ends with Negan stumbling upon the Whisperers’ camp. He’s face-to-face with Beta, Alpha’s imposing second-in-command, and it’s clear that Negan’s arrival is going to shake things up. Negan: the wildcard who’s about to disrupt the Whisperers’ twisted game.

Themes and Meanings:

• Identity: The Struggle to Change: Negan’s journey in this episode is all about identity and the struggle to redefine yourself after years of living a certain way. He’s trying to leave his Savior persona behind, but the world keeps pulling him back. His killing of Brandon is a turning point, showing that he’s not the same ruthless man he once was, but it also highlights the challenges of escaping your past. Negan: the villain who’s trying to become the hero (or at least, less of a villain).!
• Survival vs. Morality: The Gray Areas: “What It Always Is” explores the tension between survival and morality in the apocalypse. Negan’s internal conflict, Kelly’s vulnerability, and Ezekiel’s diagnosis all raise questions about how far you can go to survive and whether there’s still room for compassion and empathy in a world that’s gone mad. The Walking Dead: where the line between right and wrong is as blurry as a walker’s vision.
• Vulnerability: The Human Condition: Kelly’s hearing loss and Ezekiel’s cancer are reminders that even in the apocalypse, the survivors are still human, and they’re still vulnerable to illness, disability, and the fragility of life. These challenges test their resilience and their ability to adapt, but they also highlight the importance of community and support in overcoming adversity. The Walking Dead: where even the strongest can be brought down by the unexpected.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The reappearance of a bat resembling Lucille, Negan’s infamous weapon, is a symbolic reminder of his past and the violence he’s inflicted on others. His refusal to take the bat from Brandon shows his desire to distance himself from that past and embrace a new path. Lucille: the bat that’s become a symbol of Negan’s past (and maybe his future redemption).!
• Brandon’s comments about his father and his idolization of Negan shed light on the impact that Negan’s leadership had on the Saviors and the people who followed him. Even years later, his legacy of violence and control continues to influence those who were once under his thumb. Negan: the leader who cast a long shadow.
• Connie and Kelly’s communication through notes and gestures is a testament to their bond and their ability to adapt to Kelly’s hearing loss. It’s a reminder that even in the apocalypse, there are ways to connect with others and overcome challenges together. Connie and Kelly: the sisters who are finding strength in each other.
• Ezekiel clutching the charm from Shiva’s collar is a poignant reminder of his lost companion and the sacrifices he’s made. It’s also a symbol of his hope for the future and his belief that even in the darkest of times, there’s still beauty and connection to be found. Ezekiel: the king who’s still mourning his queen (and his tiger).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Episode Ratings: 3.21 million viewers (the apocalypse is still a popular TV destination).
• Negan’s Screen Time: Nearly 50% of the runtime (Negan’s stealing the show!).
• Trivia: Brandon’s character is a composite of several minor characters from the comics, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) has said that this episode was one of his favorites to film.

My Final Verdict:

“What It Always Is” is a complex and emotionally resonant episode that delves into the themes of identity, redemption, and the challenges of survival in the apocalypse. Negan’s journey, Ezekiel’s vulnerability, and Kelly’s struggle with her hearing loss all contribute to the depth and richness of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most human, reminding us that even in a world filled with walkers and Whisperers, there’s still room for hope, connection, and the possibility of change. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Negan’s actions? Let’s discuss in the comments!