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The Walking Dead: Squeeze – Claustrophobia, Carol’s Meltdown, and a Cave-In of Emotions (Season 10, Episode 9 – Midseason Premiere)

Originally aired: February 23, 2020. Viewership dipped a bit to 3.52 million, but the tension was definitely rising! Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Cave: Where Hope Goes to Die:

“Squeeze” picks up right where that cliffhanger ending of “The World Before” left us, with Daryl, Carol, Aaron, Jerry, Magna, and Connie trapped in a dark and creepy cave with Alpha’s walker horde. This episode is all about survival, desperation, and the consequences of letting your emotions get the best of you.

Key Plot Points:

• The Cave of Doom: “Get Me Outta Here!”: The survivors find themselves in a tight spot (literally). They’re surrounded by walkers, the air is thick with the stench of death, and the only way out is through a series of narrow tunnels and treacherous ledges. It’s a claustrophobic nightmare, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife (or a Whisperer’s skinning tool). The survivors: they’re not just fighting walkers anymore; they’re fighting their own fear (and maybe a few bats).!
• Carol’s Crazy Train: “I’m Gonna Blow This Joint!”: Carol, who’s still obsessed with getting revenge on Alpha, is not thinking clearly. She’s impulsive, she’s reckless, and she’s making decisions that are putting the entire group at risk. She decides to use dynamite to try and collapse the cave and destroy the walker horde, but her plan backfires spectacularly. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always got a plan (even if that plan involves blowing everyone to smithereens).!
• The Sacrifice: Connie and Magna’s Uncertain Fate: As the group tries to escape the collapsing cave, disaster strikes. A cave-in separates Connie and Magna from the others, and it’s unclear if they’ve survived. Daryl is devastated, as he’s grown close to Connie, and the loss of two more friends is a heavy blow to the group’s morale. The cave: it’s not just a place of darkness; it’s also a place of heartbreak.
• Alpha and Negan: The Odd Couple (Part 4): Outside the cave, Alpha and Negan continue their strange and twisted relationship. Negan, who’s always been a master manipulator, tries to play Alpha at her own game, but she’s not easily fooled. She sees through his charm and his attempts to gain her trust, and their interactions are filled with tension and a strange kind of respect. Alpha and Negan: the power couple of the apocalypse (if you’re into creepy and manipulative).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Vengeance: The Cost of Obsession: Carol’s actions in this episode highlight the dangers of letting vengeance consume you. Her desire to kill Alpha has blinded her to the risks she’s taking, and her impulsive decision to blow up the cave nearly costs them their lives. It’s a reminder that in the apocalypse, revenge is a dish best served cold (or maybe not at all). The Walking Dead: where vengeance is a double-edged sword.
• Leadership: The Struggle to Maintain Control: Daryl’s frustration with Carol’s recklessness and his attempts to keep the group together show the challenges of leadership in the apocalypse. He’s trying to balance his loyalty to Carol with his responsibility to the others, and it’s not an easy task. Daryl Dixon: the leader who’s learning that sometimes, the hardest battles are fought within the group.
• Hope vs. Despair: The Battle Within: “Squeeze” contrasts the hope and resilience of characters like Jerry and Connie with the despair and obsession of Carol. Jerry’s determination to protect his friends and Connie’s quick thinking in the cave show the power of hope in the face of adversity. Carol’s actions, on the other hand, are driven by her grief and her anger, and they threaten to consume her and destroy everything she’s worked for. The Walking Dead: where hope and despair are constantly at war.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The muffled sound effects after the explosion in the cave simulate Carol’s disoriented state and her emotional turmoil. It’s a subtle but effective way of showing the impact that her actions have had on her mental and physical well-being. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s falling apart at the seams.
• Jerry’s strength and resilience, despite his size being a disadvantage in the narrow cave, highlight his loyalty and his determination to protect his friends. He’s a ray of hope in a dark and claustrophobic situation, and his presence is a reminder that even in the most desperate of circumstances, there’s still room for courage and compassion. Jerry: the gentle giant who’s always got your back.
• Alpha’s unwavering confidence when discussing the walker horde shows her belief in her own power and her control over the situation. She’s a master manipulator who uses fear and intimidation to get what she wants, and she’s not afraid to sacrifice her own people to achieve her goals. Alpha: the queen who’s playing a deadly game.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Count: The cave scenes are packed with walkers, creating a sense of claustrophobia and overwhelming dread.
• Deaths/Injuries: No confirmed deaths among the main group (yet), but Connie and Magna’s fate is uncertain.
• Screen Time: The cave scenes dominate the episode, emphasizing the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.

My Final Verdict:

“Squeeze” is a nerve-wracking and emotionally charged episode that puts the survivors through the wringer (literally and figuratively). The cave escape sequence is claustrophobic and suspenseful, Carol’s meltdown is heartbreaking, and the cliffhanger ending with Connie and Magna’s uncertain fate leaves you on the edge of your seat. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is a dangerous and unpredictable place, where even the most experienced survivors can make mistakes that have devastating consequences. What did you think of the episode? Were you worried about Connie and Magna? Let’s discuss in the comments!