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The Walking Dead: Walk With Us – Hilltop Goes Up in Flames, Alpha Gets Hers, and Negan’s a Double Agent (Season 10, Episode 12)

Originally aired: March 1, 2020. Viewership was strong at 3.49 million, proving that the Whisperer War was keeping fans glued to their screens! Written by Channing Powell and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Hilltop: From Haven to Hot Mess:

“Walk With Us” picks up right where “Morning Star” left off, with the Hilltop engulfed in flames and the survivors fighting for their lives.¹ This episode is all about survival, sacrifice, and the realization that even in the apocalypse, you can’t always trust the people you think are on your side.

Key Plot Points:

• Hilltop’s Last Stand: “Every Man for Himself!”: The Hilltop is a scene of utter chaos, as the survivors try to escape the burning buildings and the relentless walker horde. Ezekiel, Daryl, Carol, and the others are fighting their way through the flames and the flesh-eating fiends, hoping to make it out alive. The Hilltop: where the barbecue is always lit (and the walkers are always hungry).!
• Magna’s Back (But Where’s Connie?): Magna, who was presumed dead after the cave-in, emerges from the walker horde covered in guts (because that’s how you roll in the apocalypse). She’s alive, but she’s also traumatized and heartbroken, as she lost track of Connie during the escape. She reunites with Yumiko, who’s overjoyed to see her alive but devastated by the news about Connie. Magna and Yumiko: the couple who’s been through hell and back (and maybe a few sewers).!
• Carol’s Guilt Trip: “It’s All My Fault!”: Carol, who’s still obsessed with getting revenge on Alpha, is blaming herself for Connie’s disappearance. She’s spiraling into despair, and her reckless actions are putting the group at risk. Daryl tries to comfort her and remind her that they’re a team, but Carol’s not listening. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
• Eugene’s Love Connection: “Stephanie, I’m Coming for You!”: Eugene, bless his nerdy heart, is still trying to contact Stephanie on the radio. He’s determined to meet her, even though the world is falling apart around him. His optimism and his belief in the possibility of finding love (or at least a friend) in the apocalypse is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for hope. Eugene Porter: the romantic who’s not afraid to let his freak flag fly (even if it attracts walkers).!
• Negan’s Big Betrayal: “Surprise, Alpha!”: Negan, who’s been playing the role of the loyal Whisperer, finally reveals his true colors. He leads Alpha to a secluded cabin, pretending to be fulfilling her vision for their future together. But just when Alpha thinks she’s got him under her thumb, Negan strikes. He slits her throat, killing her instantly and ending her reign of terror. Negan: the villain who just became a hero (or maybe just a more complicated villain).!
• Carol’s Master Plan: “I’ve Been Playing the Long Game”: It’s revealed that Negan’s betrayal was all part of Carol’s plan. She’s been manipulating him, using his desire to join the Whisperers to get close to Alpha and take her down. It’s a shocking twist that shows Carol’s cunning and her willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her people. Carol Peletier: the mastermind who’s always one step ahead.

Themes and Symbolism:

• Change: The Burning of the Old: The destruction of the Hilltop is not just a physical loss; it’s also a symbolic one. It represents the end of an era, the burning away of the old ways of life and the beginning of a new chapter for the survivors. They’re going to have to adapt, rebuild, and find a new way to survive in this ever-changing world. The Walking Dead: where the only constant is change.
• Power: The Rise and Fall of Leaders: Alpha’s death marks a significant shift in the power dynamics of the apocalypse. The Whisperers, who were once a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable force, are now leaderless and vulnerable. Negan’s betrayal and his potential alliance with the survivors could change the course of the war and create new possibilities for the future. The Walking Dead: where power is a game of thrones (and the Iron Throne is made of walker bones).!
• Loyalty: The Ties That Bind (and Betray): Negan’s actions in this episode raise questions about loyalty and betrayal. He was once the ultimate villain, but now, he’s seemingly turned against his former allies and joined forces with the survivors. Is he truly loyal to Rick’s group, or is he just playing another game? Only time will tell. Negan: the wildcard who’s always keeping us guessing.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The scorched children’s drawings in the ruins of the Hilltop are a haunting reminder of the innocence that’s been lost in the war against the Whisperers. It’s a visual representation of the emotional toll that the conflict has taken on the survivors, especially the younger generation. The Walking Dead: where even the children are scarred by the apocalypse.
• Magna’s shell-shocked demeanor and her difficulty in recounting her experiences in the cave suggest that she’s suffering from PTSD. It’s a reminder that the trauma of the apocalypse can have lasting effects on the survivors’ mental and emotional well-being. Magna: the survivor who’s fighting a battle within.
• The symmetry between Negan killing Alpha and Alpha killing Siddiq is a subtle but significant detail. It suggests a kind of poetic justice, as Negan’s actions avenge Siddiq’s death and bring a sense of closure to that tragic chapter. Negan: the villain who’s become an instrument of justice (or maybe just another kind of monster).!

Stats and Stuff:

• First Appearance of Alpha’s Death: This episode marks the first time that Alpha’s death has been depicted in the TV series (though it differs from the comics).
• Final Episode for Alpha: Samantha Morton’s reign as the Whisperer queen comes to an end.
• Total On-Screen Deaths: Over 30 (it’s a bloodbath!).
• Negan’s Kill Count: 1 major character (Alpha).
• Burned Hilltop Status: Officially abandoned (the Hilltop’s had its last hoedown).

My Final Verdict:

“Walk With Us” is a pivotal and unforgettable episode that delivers a shocking twist, a major character death, and a whole lot of emotional turmoil. The destruction of the Hilltop, Negan’s betrayal of Alpha, and the survivors’ desperate fight for survival all contribute to the intensity and drama of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most unpredictable and game-changing, leaving us wondering what the future holds for the survivors and how they’ll navigate the new world order. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Alpha’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!