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The Walking Dead: Bonds – Carol’s Gone Rogue (Again), Negan’s Whisperer Wannabe, and Eugene’s Got a New Friend (Season 10, Episode 6)

Originally aired: November 10, 2019. Viewership holding steady at 3.16 million, proving that even without Rick, the drama is still alive and well! Written by Eli Jorné and directed by Laura Belsey.

The Whisperers, the Kingdom, and Alexandria: A World of Secrets:

“Bonds” splits its focus between Carol and Daryl’s mission to track down the Whisperers, Eugene’s attempts to reach out to the world beyond their communities, and Negan’s surprising new adventure among the Whisperers. It’s an episode that’s full of intrigue, suspense, and a few moments of heartwarming connection (because even in the apocalypse, you need a little bit of love).

Key Plot Points:

• Carol’s Secret Mission: “I’m Not Just Here for the Scenery, Daryl”: Carol, who’s still obsessed with getting revenge on Alpha for Henry’s death, convinces Daryl to go on a scouting mission with her. But she’s not just looking for walkers; she’s hoping to capture a Whisperer and get some intel on Alpha’s plans. Daryl, bless his perceptive heart, starts to sense that Carol’s hiding something, and their usually unshakeable bond is put to the test. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always got a plan (and a secret weapon).!
• Eugene’s Radio Romance: “Is Anyone Out There?”: Eugene, the resident tech whiz of the apocalypse, is tinkering with the radio equipment, hoping to make contact with other survivors. And guess what? He actually succeeds! He starts chatting with a mysterious woman on the other end, and their conversations are surprisingly sweet and hopeful. They bond over their shared experiences and their dreams for the future, and it’s clear that Eugene’s found a new friend (and maybe a potential love interest?). Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s got a knack for finding love (and radio frequencies) in the apocalypse.
• Negan’s Whisperer Makeover: “I Can Be Creepy Too!”: Negan, who’s been trying to figure out his place in the world since Rick spared his life, decides to take a walk on the wild side (again). He crosses into Whisperer territory and tries to join their ranks. But Alpha and Beta aren’t exactly welcoming. They put Negan through a series of tests and challenges, pushing him to his limits to see if he’s truly worthy of becoming a Whisperer. Negan, being the charismatic and adaptable guy that he is, plays along, enduring humiliation and pain to prove his loyalty. But is he really buying into their philosophy, or is he just playing a long game? Negan: the chameleon who’s always got a trick up his sleeve.
• Siddiq’s Struggles: The Trauma That Won’t Go Away: Siddiq, who witnessed the horrific pike massacre, is still haunted by the experience. He’s having flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks, and it’s clear that he’s suffering from PTSD. Dante, the new doctor at Alexandria, tries to help him, but his efforts are sometimes misguided and even make things worse. Siddiq: the survivor who’s fighting a battle within.
• Carol and Daryl: The Bond That’s Breaking?: Carol’s obsession with revenge and her secrecy with Daryl are putting a strain on their friendship. Daryl, who’s always been loyal to Carol, is starting to question her motives and her methods. He’s worried that she’s going to do something reckless that will endanger herself and the others. Carol and Daryl: the friends who are walking a tightrope.

Themes and Meanings:

• Obsession vs. Justice: The Fine Line: Carol’s relentless pursuit of revenge against Alpha raises questions about the difference between justice and obsession. Is she seeking justice for Henry’s death, or is she driven by a darker impulse? Her secrecy with Daryl and her willingness to put herself and others at risk suggest that she might be crossing a line. The Walking Dead: where the pursuit of justice can easily turn into a quest for vengeance.
• Adaptation: The Key to Survival: Negan’s ability to adapt to the Whisperers’ way of life, even though it means enduring humiliation and pain, shows his resilience and his survival instincts. He’s a chameleon who can blend in with any environment, and his willingness to play the long game suggests that he might have a bigger plan in mind. Negan: the survivor who’s always one step ahead.
• Trauma: The Invisible Scars: Siddiq’s PTSD and his struggles with mental health are a reminder that the apocalypse leaves scars that aren’t always visible. The survivors have all been through traumatic experiences, and those experiences can have a lasting impact on their mental and emotional well-being. The Walking Dead: where survival is not just about staying alive; it’s about staying sane.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Carol’s subtle pill-popping throughout the episode suggests that she’s self-medicating to cope with her insomnia and her emotional pain. It’s a sign that she’s not as strong as she appears to be, and that she’s struggling to deal with the trauma she’s endured. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s hiding her pain behind a mask of strength.
• Beta’s hostility towards Negan foreshadows a potential conflict between the two. Beta is fiercely loyal to Alpha, and he’s suspicious of Negan’s motives.¹ Their clash of personalities and their different approaches to leadership could create a power struggle within the Whisperers’ ranks. Beta: the muscle who’s not afraid to challenge Negan.
• The woman on the radio’s description of her community as safe and organized hints at the Commonwealth, a major faction from the comics that’s likely to be introduced in the TV series soon. This connection suggests that the survivors might eventually find a way to connect with other communities and rebuild a larger society. The radio: a symbol of hope and connection.
• Alpha’s silent nods of approval during Negan’s tests show her manipulative nature and her ability to control her followers. She’s using Negan’s desire to join the Whisperers to her advantage, testing his loyalty and pushing him to his limits. Alpha: the puppet master who’s pulling Negan’s strings.

Stats and Stuff:

• Viewership: 3.16 million viewers (the apocalypse is still a popular TV destination).
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% (critics are loving Negan’s redemption arc!).
• Comic Adaptation Notes: This episode borrows elements from issues #153-156 of the comics, particularly Negan’s interactions with the Whisperers.

My Final Verdict:

“Bonds” is a suspenseful and character-driven episode that explores the themes of obsession, adaptation, and the psychological toll of the apocalypse. Carol’s secret mission, Negan’s Whisperer initiation, and Eugene’s radio romance all contribute to the intrigue and drama of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most unpredictable, reminding us that even in a world filled with danger and despair, there’s still room for hope, connection, and the possibility of change. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Negan’s decision to join the Whisperers? Let’s discuss in the comments!