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The Walking Dead: Dead or Alive Or – Swamp Things, Savior Schemes, and a Crisis of Faith (Season 8, Episode 11)

Originally aired: March 11, 2018. 6.60 million viewers tuned in for this tense and character-driven episode. Written by Eddie Guzelian and directed by Michael Satrazemis.

The Swamp: Where Hope Goes to Die (and Mosquitoes Thrive):

“Dead or Alive Or” picks up with the fallout from the Saviors’ devastating attacks on Alexandria and the Kingdom. The survivors are scattered, vulnerable, and facing new challenges as they try to regroup and continue the fight against Negan.

Key Plot Points:

• Daryl’s Swamp Romp: The Mosquitoes are the Least of Their Worries: Daryl, ever the resourceful leader, guides the remaining Alexandrians through a treacherous swamp. They’re exhausted, hungry, and surrounded by walkers (and probably a few alligators too). But Daryl, bless his determined heart, keeps them moving, even when tensions rise and their faith in the cause starts to waver. Daryl Dixon: the man who can navigate a swamp (and a group of grumpy survivors) with equal ease.
• Gabriel’s Fever Dream: The Priest Who Sees the Light (and Maybe a Few Hallucinations): Father Gabriel, who was accidentally infected with walker guts while escaping the Sanctuary with Negan, is in bad shape. He’s feverish, delirious, and losing his vision. But despite his physical suffering, he maintains a surprisingly optimistic outlook, attributing their survival to divine intervention. Gabriel: the priest who’s found his faith (or maybe just a really good fever dream).!
• Eugene’s Savior Makeover: The Nerd Who Embraced the Dark Side: Eugene, who’s fully embraced his role as Negan’s “Dr. Smartypants,” is busy making bullets for the Saviors. He’s using his intelligence and his skills to secure his position within the Sanctuary, but his conscience is starting to gnaw at him. He’s aware of the harm that his actions are causing, and he’s struggling to reconcile his desire for survival with his moral compass. Eugene Porter: the man who’s traded his integrity for a steady supply of pickles (and maybe a bulletproof vest).!
• Tara’s Vendetta: Dwight’s Redemption Arc (or is it?): Tara, still furious with Dwight for killing Denise, is looking for revenge. She gets her chance when Dwight is captured by the Alexandrians, but just as she’s about to kill him, Dwight risks his own life to save the group from a walker attack. Tara, conflicted and confused, spares his life, but her grudge against him is far from over. Dwight: the Savior who’s trying to earn his redemption (one risky move at a time).!
• Maggie’s Leadership: The Hilltop’s Last Stand: Maggie, who’s now in charge of the Hilltop, is preparing for the inevitable Savior attack. She’s rationing food, fortifying the defenses, and trying to maintain morale among the residents. But with dwindling supplies and growing tensions, her leadership is being put to the test. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s not afraid to lead (even when the odds are stacked against her).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Moral Conflict: The Struggle to Stay Human: “Dead or Alive Or” explores the moral dilemmas that the survivors face in the midst of war. Eugene’s guilt over his actions, Tara’s desire for revenge, and Gabriel’s unwavering faith all highlight the different ways that people grapple with the complexities of survival and the choices they have to make. The apocalypse: it’s a world where the line between right and wrong can get as blurry as a swamp monster’s vision.
• Leadership: The Burden of Responsibility: Daryl and Maggie’s leadership roles in this episode emphasize the sacrifices and the challenges that come with being in charge. They’re both trying to protect their people and guide them through a dangerous and uncertain world, and it’s not an easy task. Leadership: it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about carrying the weight of those decisions on your shoulders.
• Hope: The Power of Faith: Gabriel’s unwavering faith in the face of his illness offers a glimmer of hope in a dark time. While others are losing their faith and succumbing to despair, Gabriel finds strength in his belief in a higher power and the conviction that they’re not alone in this fight. Hope: it’s the light that shines even in the darkest of swamps.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Gabriel’s belief that their survival is divinely guided is a reflection of his spiritual journey and his newfound faith. He’s found a way to make sense of the chaos and suffering in the world, and he’s clinging to that belief as a source of strength. Gabriel: the priest who’s found his calling (in the middle of a zombie apocalypse).!
• Dwight’s willingness to risk his life to protect the group, even though Tara is still hostile towards him, suggests that he’s genuinely trying to redeem himself for his past actions. He’s still a complex and morally ambiguous character, but his actions in this episode hint at a potential change of heart. Dwight: the Savior who might just have a hero complex after all.
• Maggie’s decision to ration food and prioritize the needs of the fighters foreshadows the growing strain on the Hilltop’s resources and the challenges they’ll face in the coming battles. The Hilltop: the community that’s about to be tested.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 25+ (the survivors are still wading through a sea of walkers).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Dr. Carson, the Hilltop’s healer, who’s captured and killed by the Saviors).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the stakes are rising.

My Final Verdict:

“Dead or Alive Or” is a tense and emotional episode that explores the moral dilemmas, the leadership struggles, and the personal sacrifices of the survivors in the war against the Saviors. Daryl’s leadership, Gabriel’s faith, and Eugene’s internal conflict all contribute to the depth and complexity of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most human, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos and violence, there’s still room for hope, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. What did you think of the episode? Were you moved by Gabriel’s faith? Let’s discuss in the comments!