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The Walking Dead: A Certain Doom – Whisperer War Finale, Beta’s Last Stand, and Maggie’s Back! (Season 10, Episode 16)

Originally aired: October 4, 2020. 2.73 million viewers tuned in for this epic conclusion to the Whisperer War. Written by Corey Reed and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Tower: The Final Stand (and a Whole Lotta Walkers):

“A Certain Doom” picks up right where “The Tower” left off, with Beta and his massive walker horde surrounding the hospital where the survivors have taken refuge. This episode is all about the final battle, the sacrifices that have to be made, and the uncertain future that awaits the survivors in the aftermath of the war.

Key Plot Points:

• Gabriel’s Got This (and a Prayer): Gabriel, who’s become a surprisingly brave and capable leader, rallies the Alexandrians inside the hospital. He reminds them of their strength, their resilience, and their ability to overcome any obstacle. But even with his words of encouragement, the tension is palpable, as everyone knows that the odds are stacked against them. Gabriel: the priest who’s not afraid to fight (and maybe even die) for his people.
• The Whisperers Breach: “Let the Games Begin!”: Beta and his Whisperers launch their attack on the hospital, and it’s a bloodbath. The survivors fight back fiercely, but they’re outnumbered and outgunned. Gabriel, in a selfless act of bravery, stays behind to cover the others’ escape, even though it means facing certain death. Gabriel: the hero who’s always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
• Maggie to the Rescue!: “The Widow’s Back!”: Just when it seems like Gabriel is about to become walker chow, Maggie Rhee makes a triumphant return! She’s accompanied by a mysterious masked warrior (who we’ll later learn is named Elijah), and they take down the Whisperers who are attacking Gabriel. It’s a thrilling moment that brings a much-needed boost of hope to the survivors. Maggie Rhee: the woman who always shows up when you need her most (and usually with a badass weapon).!
• Operation: Distract the Horde: Daryl, Carol, Jerry, and the others embark on a daring mission to lure the walker horde away from the hospital. They cover themselves in walker guts (because that’s how you roll in the apocalypse) and use a sound system to draw the walkers away. It’s a tense and chaotic sequence, with close calls and near-death experiences, but they ultimately succeed in diverting the horde. Daryl Dixon: the man who can herd walkers like a pro (and maybe even teach them a few dance moves).!
• Beta’s Last Stand: “I’m Not Going Down Without a Fight (and a Song)”: Daryl and Negan (yes, Negan!) team up to take down Beta. Their fight is brutal and intense, with Beta refusing to go down without a fight. But Daryl, being the badass that he is, eventually gets the upper hand, stabbing Beta in the eyes with his knives. As Beta dies, we get glimpses of his past life as a famous country singer, adding a layer of tragedy to his character. Beta: the villain who went out with a whimper (and a flashback to his glory days).!
• Carol’s Redemption: “I’m Not Giving Up”: Carol, still struggling with her guilt and her desire for revenge, is ready to sacrifice herself to lead the walker horde over a cliff. But Lydia, who’s finally found a place among the survivors, steps in to save her. She reminds Carol that she’s not alone and that they need her. It’s a powerful moment of redemption and healing for both characters. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s learning to forgive herself.
• Maggie’s Reunion: “I’ve Got a Secret (and a New Friend)”: Maggie’s return to the communities is a joyous occasion, but it’s also shrouded in mystery. She’s been away for a long time, and she’s not ready to reveal where she’s been or who the masked warrior by her side is. But it’s clear that she’s bringing new challenges and new possibilities to the survivors’ world. Maggie Rhee: the woman who’s always got a few surprises up her sleeve.
• The Commonwealth: “Knock, Knock! Who’s There?”: Eugene, Ezekiel, Yumiko, and Princess finally reach their rendezvous point to meet Stephanie and her community. But instead of a warm welcome, they’re greeted by a group of heavily armed soldiers in white armor. These are the Commonwealth soldiers, and their arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in “The Walking Dead.” The Commonwealth: the mysterious new community that’s about to change everything.

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice: The Price of Survival: “A Certain Doom” is a reminder that in the apocalypse, survival often requires sacrifice. Gabriel’s willingness to risk his life to protect the others, Carol’s near-sacrifice to destroy the horde, and Lydia’s bravery in saving Carol all highlight the selfless acts that the survivors are willing to make for the sake of their community and their loved ones. The Walking Dead: where heroism comes in all shapes and sizes.
• Identity: The Masks We Wear (and the Ones We Shed): Beta’s death and Lydia’s actions in this episode explore the theme of identity and the choices we make that define who we are. Beta, consumed by his loyalty to Alpha and the Whisperers’ ideology, dies as a monster, unable to let go of his mask or his twisted beliefs. Lydia, on the other hand, chooses to embrace her humanity and reject her mother’s legacy, finding a new family and a new identity among the survivors. The Walking Dead: where identity is a choice (and sometimes, a matter of life and death).!
• New Beginnings: The Hope for a Better Future: Maggie’s return and the introduction of the Commonwealth offer a glimmer of hope for the survivors. They’ve overcome the Whisperer threat, but the war has taken its toll, and they’re facing new challenges and uncertainties. But with new allies and new possibilities on the horizon, there’s also a sense of optimism and the belief that they can rebuild their world and create a better future for themselves and their children. The Walking Dead: where even in the darkest of times, there’s always a chance for a new beginning.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Gabriel’s transformation into a brave and selfless leader is a testament to his character development throughout the series. He’s come a long way from the cowardly priest who locked his congregation out of the church, and his actions in this episode show his growth and his commitment to protecting his people. Gabriel: the priest who found his calling (and his courage).!
• The use of the song “Burning Down the House” during the horde distraction scene is a symbolic choice. It represents the destruction of the Whisperer threat and the survivors’ determination to burn away the past and build a new future. The Walking Dead: where even the music can be a weapon.
• Negan’s quip about recognizing Beta’s face is a fun little Easter egg for comic book fans, as Beta’s identity as a former celebrity was revealed in the comics. It’s also a reminder that even in the apocalypse, there’s still room for humor and a bit of pop culture trivia. Negan: the villain who’s always got a one-liner (and maybe a secret love for country music).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Deaths: Beta, multiple Whisperers, and a whole lot of walkers (it’s a zombie massacre!).
• Episode Run Time: ~50 minutes (an extended episode to wrap up the Whisperer War).
• Viewer Ratings: 2.73 million viewers (the apocalypse is still a popular TV destination).
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% (critics are loving this epic finale!).
• Fun Fact: The Commonwealth soldiers’ armor is one of the most comic-accurate elements in the show’s history.

My Final Verdict:

“A Certain Doom” is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Whisperer War arc, delivering everything that “Walking Dead” fans love – action, drama, and emotional gut punches. The battle scenes are intense, the character moments are poignant, and the ending leaves us with a sense of hope and anticipation for what’s to come. This is “The Walking Dead” at its best, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure, and the fight for survival is always worth fighting. What did you think of the finale? Were you surprised by Maggie’s return? Let’s discuss in the comments!