Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: A New Deal – The Commonwealth’s Crumbling, Sebastian’s Swan Song, and Eugene’s in Trouble (Again) (Season 11, Episode 18)

Originally aired: October 2, 2022. Viewership numbers are a bit tricky to track down for these final episodes, but let’s just say that fans were glued to their screens for this penultimate chapter of “The Walking Dead.” Directed by Jeffrey F. January.

The Commonwealth: Where the Champagne Flows (and the Blood is About to Spill):

“A New Deal” picks up with the aftermath of Lance Hornsby’s power grab and the survivors’ uneasy truce with Pamela Milton. The Commonwealth is trying to maintain its facade of order and stability, but the cracks are starting to show, and the tension is thicker than walker guts in a dumpster.

Key Plot Points:

• Pamela’s Power Play: “I’m Still in Charge, Bitches!”: Pamela Milton, the queen bee of the Commonwealth, might have made a deal with the survivors, but she’s not about to let them forget who’s boss. She’s still pulling the strings, manipulating the situation to her advantage, and making sure that the Commonwealth’s interests come first (even if it means sacrificing a few pawns along the way). Pamela Milton: the politician who’s got more faces than a hall of mirrors.
• Lance Hornsby’s Time Out: “Don’t Worry, I’ll Be Back”: Lance Hornsby, the Commonwealth’s former deputy governor and resident slimeball, has been stripped of his power and thrown in jail. But he’s not giving up without a fight. His chilling smirk and his constant coin-flipping suggest that he’s still got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he’s just waiting for the right moment to make his move. Lance Hornsby: the villain who’s always got a backup plan (and maybe a secret stash of weapons in his cell).!
• Founders’ Day: The Party That Goes South (Literally): The Commonwealth is celebrating Founders’ Day, a joyous occasion that’s supposed to showcase the community’s unity and prosperity. But the festivities take a dark turn when Sebastian Milton, Pamela’s spoiled and entitled son, meets a gruesome end. He’s cornered by a walker during the parade, and the Commonwealth citizens, who’ve long resented his arrogance and cruelty, stand by and watch as he’s devoured. It’s a symbolic moment that shows the cracks in the Commonwealth’s facade and the growing discontent among its people. Sebastian Milton: the spoiled brat who finally got his just desserts (with a side of walker guts).!
• Eugene’s Oops Moment: “I Didn’t Mean to Start a Revolution!”: Eugene, who’s been trying to navigate the complexities of the Commonwealth’s social hierarchy, inadvertently sets off a chain of events that leads to Sebastian’s demise. He’s now public enemy number one in Pamela’s eyes, and he’s about to learn that even in the apocalypse, you can’t always escape the consequences of your actions. Eugene Porter: the nerd who accidentally became a revolutionary.

Themes and Symbolism:

• Control: The Illusion of Power: “A New Deal” explores the theme of control and the ways in which those in power try to maintain their grip on society. Pamela Milton’s manipulation of the survivors and her attempts to maintain the status quo show the lengths that leaders will go to to protect their own interests. But the episode also suggests that control is often an illusion, and that even the most powerful figures can be overthrown when the people rise up against them. The Walking Dead: where power is a game of thrones (and the throne is always wobbly).!
• Justice: The Price of Revenge: Sebastian Milton’s death, though gruesome, is also a moment of poetic justice. He’s been a symbol of the Commonwealth’s corruption and inequality, and his demise is a sign that the system is starting to crumble. But the episode also raises questions about the cost of revenge and whether violence can ever truly bring justice. The Walking Dead: where the line between good and evil is as blurry as a walker’s vision.
• Community: The Fragile Bonds: The Founders’ Day celebration, with its forced smiles and its carefully orchestrated displays of unity, is a stark contrast to the simmering tensions and the growing discontent within the Commonwealth. The episode suggests that even in a seemingly civilized society, there are still divisions and conflicts that threaten to tear it apart. The Walking Dead: where even the most perfect communities have their secrets.

Small Details You Might Have Missed:

• Lance Hornsby’s constant coin-flipping, even in his prison cell, is a reminder of his manipulative nature and his belief that he can control fate. He’s not giving up on his quest for power, and his actions suggest that he’s still a threat to the survivors. Lance Hornsby: the man who’s always got a coin toss up his sleeve.
• Carol’s pragmatism and her willingness to negotiate with Pamela Milton, even though she doesn’t trust her, show her evolution as a strategist and a leader. She’s learned from her past mistakes, and she’s now more cautious and calculating in her approach to conflict. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s not afraid to play the long game.
• Mercer’s growing discomfort with the Commonwealth’s corruption and his subtle defiance of Pamela Milton’s orders suggest that he’s starting to question his loyalty to the system. He’s a man of honor and integrity, and he might be a valuable ally for the survivors in the coming rebellion. Mercer: the soldier who’s ready to break ranks.

Stats and Stuff:

• Viewer Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb) (a strong episode that’s got fans talking).
• Total Deaths: 4 (including Sebastian Milton, the spoiled brat who finally got his comeuppance).
• Biggest Power Shift: The fall of Sebastian Milton (the Commonwealth’s elite are starting to crumble).
• Most Shocking Moment: The Commonwealth citizens watching Sebastian get devoured (a sign that the people are no longer afraid of the ruling class).

My Final Verdict:

“A New Deal” is a tense and suspenseful episode that sets the stage for an explosive final chapter in “The Walking Dead.” The Commonwealth’s facade is crumbling, the survivors are preparing for a rebellion, and the lines between good and evil are blurrier than ever. This episode is a reminder that even in a seemingly civilized world, there’s still room for betrayal, violence, and the struggle for power. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Sebastian’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!