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The Walking Dead: Open Your Eyes – Whisperer Whispers, Siddiq’s Struggles, and a Betrayal That’ll Make You Scream (Season 10, Episode 7)

Originally aired: November 17, 2019. 3.16 million viewers tuned in for this intense and twisty episode. Written by Corey Reed and directed by Michael Cudlitz.

Alexandria: Where the Walls Can’t Keep Out the Crazy:

“Open Your Eyes” picks up with the aftermath of the Whisperers’ border crossing and the chilling encounter with Alpha. The survivors are on edge, and the tension in Alexandria is thicker than a horde of walkers. This episode explores the consequences of fear, the challenges of leadership, and the ongoing struggle to define what it means to be human in the apocalypse.

Key Plot Points:

• The Whisperer Prisoner: “Sing Like a Canary!”: Carol, ever the resourceful and slightly terrifying one, has captured a Whisperer and brought him back to Alexandria for interrogation. She’s determined to get information about Alpha’s plans, and she’s not afraid to push the boundaries of morality to get what she wants. Daryl, who’s always been Carol’s voice of reason (or at least, her slightly less ruthless counterpart), is by her side, but even he’s starting to question her methods. Carol Peletier: the woman who can bake a cake and torture a Whisperer with the same smile.
• Siddiq’s Breakdown: The Trauma That Won’t Quit: Siddiq, who witnessed the horrific pike massacre, is still struggling to cope with his PTSD. His flashbacks are getting worse, his anxiety is through the roof, and he’s starting to lose his grip on reality. Dante, the new doctor in town, tries to help him, but his efforts are misguided and only seem to make things worse. Siddiq: the survivor who’s fighting a losing battle with his own mind.
• Dante’s Double Life: The Whisperer Next Door: In a shocking twist that will leave you gasping, it’s revealed that Dante, the seemingly friendly and helpful doctor, is actually a Whisperer spy! He’s been sabotaging Alexandria from within, poisoning the water supply and manipulating Siddiq’s fragile mental state. His betrayal is a chilling reminder that even in a community that’s supposed to be safe, danger can lurk in the most unexpected places. Dante: the wolf in doctor’s scrubs.
• Carol’s Manipulation: Using Lydia as Bait: Carol, desperate to get information from the Whisperer captive, brings Lydia to the interrogation. She’s hoping that seeing his former comrade will break the captive’s loyalty to Alpha, but her plan backfires. Lydia feels betrayed and used, and she accuses Carol of sacrificing their relationship for the sake of the community. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s willing to do whatever it takes (even if it means hurting the people she cares about).!
• The Whisperers’ Grip: “Alpha is the Light”: The Whisperer captive, despite the torture and the psychological manipulation, remains loyal to Alpha. He calls her “the light” and refuses to betray her, even when his own life is on the line. His unwavering devotion is a chilling reminder of the cult-like hold that Alpha has over her followers. The Whisperers: they’re not just a group; they’re a cult.

Themes and Meanings:

• Trust: The Fragile Foundation (Again): Dante’s betrayal is a devastating blow to the survivors’ trust in each other. It shows how easily the Whisperers can infiltrate their communities and manipulate their vulnerabilities. It’s a reminder that in the apocalypse, you can never truly let your guard down, even with those you think you can trust. The Walking Dead: where trust is a luxury you can’t always afford.
• Trauma: The Invisible Scars: Siddiq’s ongoing struggle with PTSD highlights the lasting impact of trauma on the human psyche. The horrors he witnessed at the pike massacre have left deep scars, and he’s finding it hard to heal and move on. His story is a reminder that even the strongest survivors can be broken by their experiences, and that mental health is just as important as physical survival in the apocalypse. The Walking Dead: where the biggest battles are often fought within.
• Morality: The Gray Areas of Survival: Carol’s actions in this episode raise questions about the morality of her methods. Is it okay to torture and manipulate someone to get information, even if it’s to protect your community? Where do you draw the line between doing what’s necessary and becoming the very thing you’re fighting against? The Walking Dead: where the ends don’t always justify the means.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The symbolism of water in this episode is significant. Siddiq’s anxiety around water and his flashbacks to the pike massacre, where the victims were killed near a river, suggest that water has become a trigger for his trauma. Siddiq: the man who’s drowning in his own memories.
• Dante’s subtle verbal cues throughout the episode, like his comments about loyalty and his seemingly innocuous questions, foreshadow his betrayal. He’s been playing a long game, manipulating Siddiq’s trust and gathering information about Alexandria’s defenses. Dante: the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
• The Whisperer captive’s unwavering devotion to Alpha and his belief that she is “the light” reinforce the cult-like mentality that she’s fostered within her group. She’s not just a leader; she’s a messiah figure, and her followers are willing to do anything for her. Alpha: the queen who’s got her followers under her spell.

Stats and Stuff:

• Episode Air Date: November 17, 2019.
• Viewership: 3.16 million viewers (the Whisperer War is still keeping viewers hooked!).
• Critical Reception: Positive reviews, with praise for Avi Nash’s performance as Siddiq and the shocking Dante twist.

My Final Verdict:

“Open Your Eyes” is a tense and emotionally charged episode that delivers a shocking twist and explores the complexities of trust, trauma, and morality in the apocalypse. Siddiq’s struggles with PTSD, Carol’s desperate measures, and Dante’s betrayal all contribute to the drama and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most unsettling, reminding us that even in a community that’s supposed to be safe, danger can lurk around every corner, and the people you think you can trust might be the ones who hurt you the most. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Dante’s betrayal? Let’s discuss in the comments!