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The Walking Dead: Crossed – Rescue Plans, Hospital Drama, and Abraham’s Meltdown (Season 5, Episode 7)

Originally aired: November 23, 2014. 13.33 million viewers tuned in to see if Rick and the gang could pull off a daring rescue. Written by Seth Hoffman and directed by Billy Gierhart.

Atlanta and Beyond: The Rescue Mission Begins:

“Crossed” splits its focus between Rick’s group in Atlanta, trying to save Beth and Carol, and Abraham’s group on the road, dealing with the fallout of Eugene’s big fat lie. It’s a tense and emotional episode, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Key Plot Points:

• Rick’s Rescue Rangers: Operation Save Beth and Carol: Rick, Daryl, Tyreese, Noah, and Sasha are in Atlanta, ready to bust Beth and Carol out of Grady Memorial Hospital. Their plan? Capture some Grady cops and use them as bargaining chips. They manage to snag three officers, but Rick is torn between using force and trying to negotiate peacefully. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s trying to balance his inner Rambo with his inner Gandhi.
• Beth: The Hospital Heroine: Beth, bless her brave little heart, is still trying to survive in that crazy hospital. She’s secretly taking care of Carol, who’s still unconscious, and she’s gathering intel on Dawn and her goons. She’s not just a damsel in distress anymore; she’s a resourceful and determined survivor who’s ready to fight back. Beth Greene: the girl who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty (or bloody) to save her friends.
• Abraham’s Lost It: The Big Guy’s Big Breakdown: Abraham, who’s still reeling from Eugene’s confession about the cure, is having a full-on meltdown. He’s shut down, he’s refusing to move, and he’s basically become a statue of despair. Maggie, Glenn, Rosita, and Tara are trying to keep things together, but it’s not easy when your leader is catatonic. Abraham Ford: the soldier who lost his mission (and his mind).!
• Sasha’s Slip-Up: Grief Makes You Gullible: Sasha, who’s still grieving Bob’s death, makes a mistake. She lets her guard down and forms a bond with one of the captured officers, Lamson. He plays on her emotions and manages to escape, putting the entire rescue mission in jeopardy. Sasha, honey, you need a hug (and maybe a better judge of character).!
• Rosita: The Resourceful One: Rosita, who’s often overlooked, proves her worth in this episode. She’s a skilled survivor, and she helps the group find water and catch fish. She’s also a voice of reason, trying to keep the peace and encourage everyone to work together. Rosita Espinosa: the woman who’s always got your back (and a fishing rod).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice and Loyalty: The Price of Friendship: The group’s willingness to risk their lives to save Beth and Carol shows the depth of their loyalty and the importance of human connection in the apocalypse. They’re not just a group of survivors; they’re a family, and they’ll do anything to protect each other. Loyalty: it’s what separates the humans from the walkers.
• Moral Ambiguity: The Gray Areas of Survival: Rick’s internal conflict about whether to use force or diplomacy to rescue Beth and Carol highlights the moral dilemmas that the survivors face. There are no easy answers in the apocalypse, and sometimes, you have to make tough choices that might compromise your values. The apocalypse: it’s not a place for black and white thinking.
• Resilience: The Will to Keep Going: Beth and Rosita’s actions in this episode show the power of resilience in the face of adversity. They’re both facing challenges and setbacks, but they refuse to give up. They’re adapting, they’re learning, and they’re finding ways to contribute to the group’s survival. Resilience: it’s what separates the survivors from the victims.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Lamson’s manipulation of Sasha’s grief shows how easily people can be exploited in the apocalypse. He preys on her vulnerability to escape, and it’s a reminder that you can’t always trust those who seem friendly. Lamson: the wolf in cop’s clothing.
• Beth’s actions to help Carol, even though she’s putting herself at risk, show her growth as a character. She’s no longer the passive and timid girl from the farm; she’s a woman who’s willing to fight for what she believes in. Beth Greene: the girl who’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right.
• Abraham’s silence and isolation after Eugene’s confession hint at his internal struggle with guilt and the loss of purpose. He’s trying to come to terms with the fact that his mission was based on a lie, and it’s not an easy process. Abraham Ford: the soldier who’s lost his battle (but not the war).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 20+ (the survivors are still keeping those walker-slaying skills sharp).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is building).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the rescue mission is hanging in the balance.

My Final Verdict:

“Crossed” is a tense and emotional episode that sets the stage for the midseason finale. The rescue mission is fraught with danger, the hospital drama is intense, and Abraham’s breakdown is heartbreaking. This episode is a reminder that the apocalypse is a complex and unpredictable world, where the survivors are constantly faced with challenges that test their loyalty, their morality, and their resilience. What did you think of the episode? Were you worried about Sasha’s vulnerability? Let’s discuss in the comments!