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The Walking Dead: Go Getters – Maggie’s Rise, Gregory’s Fall, and a Hilltop Takeover (Season 7, Episode 5)

Originally aired: November 20, 2016. 11.00 million viewers tuned in to see what happened to Maggie and Sasha after the Saviors’ attack. Written by Channing Powell and directed by Darnell Martin.

The Hilltop: Where Hope Grows (and Cowards Get Weeded Out):

“Go Getters” shifts the focus away from Rick and Alexandria to give us a glimpse into life at the Hilltop Colony. Maggie and Sasha are trying to find their footing in this new community, while also dealing with their grief and the looming threat of the Saviors.

Key Plot Points:

• Maggie’s Recovery: The Mama Bear is Back: Maggie wakes up at the Hilltop after the traumatic events of the season premiere. She’s lost Glenn, but she’s still carrying their child, and that gives her a reason to keep fighting. Dr. Carson, the Hilltop’s resident physician, assures her that the baby is healthy, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s not going to let grief break her (or her baby).!
• Sasha and Jesus: The Support System: Sasha and Jesus, bless their compassionate hearts, are there for Maggie every step of the way. They offer her comfort, support, and a safe place to heal. They also encourage her to stay at the Hilltop and become a leader for the community. Sasha and Jesus: the friends you need when the world’s gone to hell.
• Gregory: The Cowardly Leader Who Needs a Time Out: Gregory, the leader of the Hilltop, is a spineless weasel who’s more concerned with his own safety than with the well-being of his people. He tries to force Maggie and Sasha to leave, fearing that the Saviors will retaliate if they find out they’re harboring members of Rick’s group. Gregory: the leader who needs a lesson in courage (and maybe a kick in the pants).!
• The Saviors’ Visit: Simon Says, “Give Us Your Stuff”: The Saviors, led by Negan’s smarmy lieutenant, Simon, pay a visit to the Hilltop. They’re there to collect their tribute, and they’re not afraid to use intimidation tactics to get what they want. Simon might not be as brutal as Negan, but he’s still a menacing figure who reminds everyone of the Saviors’ power. Simon: the smarmy sidekick who’s trying to fill Negan’s shoes (but they’re just too big).!
• Walker Invasion: The Hilltop’s Trial by Fire: The Saviors, just to prove their point, unleash a horde of walkers on the Hilltop.¹ The residents are caught off guard, but Maggie and Sasha step up to the plate. They rally the community, organize a defense, and manage to defeat the walkers. Their actions show their leadership potential and their ability to inspire others. Maggie and Sasha: the women who are ready to lead the rebellion.
• Maggie’s Power Move: The Watch and the Warning: After saving the Hilltop from the walker invasion, Maggie confronts Gregory. She reclaims Glenn’s pocket watch, which Gregory had taken from her, and she makes it clear that she’s not going to be pushed around anymore. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and she’s ready to take her place as a leader of the Hilltop. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s not afraid to stand up to a bully (even if that bully is the leader of her community).!
• Carl and Enid’s Adventure: The Kids Are Alright (and Sneaky): Meanwhile, back in Alexandria, Carl and Enid decide to sneak out and head to the Hilltop. They’re both dealing with their own grief and their own questions about the future. Their journey together strengthens their bond, and Carl’s determination to find a way to fight back against Negan foreshadows his future role in the resistance. Carl Grimes: the kid who’s not afraid to take risks (and maybe break a few rules along the way).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Grief and Strength: Turning Pain into Power: Maggie’s ability to channel her grief over Glenn’s death into action and leadership is a powerful message of resilience and hope. She’s not letting her sorrow consume her; she’s using it as fuel to fight for a better future. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s turning her tears into triumphs.
• Leadership: The Courage to Lead: “Go Getters” contrasts Gregory’s cowardice and self-preservation with Maggie and Sasha’s bravery and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of the community. It’s a reminder that true leadership is not about power or position; it’s about courage, compassion, and the ability to inspire others. Leadership: it’s not a title; it’s a responsibility.
• Resistance: The Spark of Rebellion: The episode hints at the growing resistance against the Saviors. Maggie and Sasha’s actions at the Hilltop, Carl’s determination to fight back, and even Rick’s quiet defiance in Alexandria all suggest that the survivors are not going to accept Negan’s rule forever. The seeds of rebellion are being sown, and it’s only a matter of time before they blossom into a full-fledged uprising. The Walking Dead: where hope never dies (and neither does the fight for freedom).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Maggie reclaiming Glenn’s pocket watch is a symbolic moment. It represents her connection to Glenn’s memory and her determination to carry on his legacy. It’s also a sign that she’s ready to step into a leadership role and fight for the future that Glenn would have wanted. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s keeping Glenn’s memory alive.
• Simon’s casual cruelty and his condescending attitude towards the Hilltop residents highlight the Saviors’ systemic oppression and their disregard for human life. They’re not just bullies; they’re a cult of personality built on fear and intimidation. The Saviors: they’re the bullies you never wanted to meet in the schoolyard (or the apocalypse).!
• The reappearance of the green balloons from Glenn’s escape in the previous episode is a subtle but poignant reminder of his survival and his connection to Maggie. It’s a symbol of hope and continuity in a world that’s constantly changing and full of loss. Green balloons: the symbol of hope that keeps floating on.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 15+ (Maggie and Sasha are proving to be quite the walker-slaying duo).
• Human Deaths: None (but the emotional wounds are deep).
• Survivor Count: Stable, and the Hilltop is becoming a haven for those who are ready to fight back.

My Final Verdict:

“Go Getters” is a powerful and hopeful episode that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the beginnings of resistance against the Saviors. Maggie’s emergence as a leader, Sasha’s unwavering support, and the introduction of the Hilltop Colony as a potential stronghold for the rebellion all contribute to the excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for a better future, and the fight for freedom is never truly over. What did you think of the episode? Were you inspired by Maggie’s strength? Let’s discuss in the comments!