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The Walking Dead: Hearts Still Beating – Negan’s Dinner Party, Daryl’s Escape, and a Spark of Rebellion (Season 7, Episode 8 – Midseason Finale)¹

Originally aired: December 11, 2016. 10.58 million viewers tuned in for this extended and emotionally charged episode. Written by Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell, and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

Alexandria: From Humiliation to Hope:

“Hearts Still Beating” picks up with Negan still lording it over Alexandria, making himself at home and generally being a thorn in Rick’s side. But this episode is not just about Negan’s reign of terror; it’s about the small acts of defiance, the unexpected reunions, and the growing sense of hope that’s starting to flicker within the survivors.

Key Plot Points:

• Negan’s Home Cooking: The Dinner Party from Hell: Negan, never one to miss an opportunity to assert his dominance, decides to cook dinner for Rick and the Alexandrians. But this is no ordinary potluck; it’s a tense and uncomfortable affair, with Negan’s constant taunts and threats hanging heavy in the air. Negan: the chef who serves up fear with a side of humiliation.
• Spencer’s Stupidity: The Gutless Wonder: Spencer, that whiny and ambitious Alexandrian, tries to make a power play. He approaches Negan privately and suggests that Rick is a terrible leader, offering himself as a replacement. Negan, unimpressed by Spencer’s cowardice and lack of loyalty, guts him right there in the street. Spencer: the guy who literally had no guts.
• Rosita’s Rebellion: The Bullet That Backfired: Rosita, fueled by anger and grief over Abraham’s death, decides to take matters into her own hands. She uses the bullet that Eugene made to shoot at Negan, but she only manages to graze Lucille. Negan, enraged by this act of defiance, orders Arat, one of his Saviors, to kill Olivia as punishment. Rosita: the woman who’s not afraid to take a shot (even if it’s a long shot).!
• Rick’s Return: The Leader Who’s Had Enough: Rick and Aaron return from their supply run, only to find Alexandria in chaos. They witness Spencer’s death and Rosita’s failed assassination attempt, and it’s clear that they’ve reached a breaking point. Rick’s patience with Negan is wearing thin, and he’s starting to realize that they can’t live under the Saviors’ rule any longer. Rick Grimes: the man who’s about to unleash his inner beast.
• Daryl’s Escape: The Reunion We’ve Been Waiting For: With the help of Sherry and Dwight (who are secretly working against Negan), Daryl manages to escape from the Sanctuary. He kills a Savior along the way (because that’s how he rolls) and makes his way to the Hilltop, where he’s reunited with Rick and the others. It’s a joyous and hopeful moment, and it signals the beginning of the resistance. Daryl Dixon: the comeback kid who always knows how to make an entrance.
• The Hilltop: Maggie’s Rising: Maggie, Sasha, and Enid have become the leaders of the Hilltop, offering a safe haven for those who are fleeing the Saviors’ tyranny. Maggie’s strength and compassion inspire the residents, and her growing influence suggests that the Hilltop will play a key role in the fight against Negan. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s leading the charge (and carrying the future of the apocalypse in her belly).!
• The Kingdom’s Call to Arms: “Join the Fight!”: Richard, one of Ezekiel’s soldiers, secretly approaches Carol and Morgan, urging them to convince Ezekiel to join the resistance against the Saviors. He believes that together, the communities can overthrow Negan and reclaim their freedom. The Kingdom: the sleeping giant that’s about to awaken.
• Rick’s Decision: “We’re Gonna Fight!”: The episode ends with Rick and the group gathering at the Hilltop. They’ve all suffered losses, they’ve all endured humiliation, and they’ve all reached their breaking point. Rick, with tears in his eyes and determination in his voice, declares that they’re going to fight back against Negan and the Saviors. It’s a powerful and emotional moment, and it sets the stage for an epic showdown in the second half of the season. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s ready to rally the troops (and take down Negan once and for all).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Defiance: The Spark of Rebellion: Rosita’s attempt to kill Negan and Daryl’s escape from the Sanctuary are acts of defiance that symbolize the growing resistance against the Saviors. The survivors are starting to realize that they can’t live under Negan’s oppressive rule any longer, and they’re willing to risk everything to fight for their freedom. The Walking Dead: where rebellion is a fire that’s about to burn bright.
• Unity: The Power of Community: The growing alliance between Alexandria, the Hilltop, and potentially the Kingdom highlights the importance of unity in the face of a common enemy. The survivors are learning that they’re stronger together than they are alone, and that together, they can overcome even the most formidable foes. The apocalypse: it’s a team sport, and the survivors are forming a league of their own.
• Leadership: The Courage to Inspire: Rick’s decision to fight back against Negan and Maggie’s growing influence at the Hilltop show the different facets of leadership in the apocalypse. Rick is the warrior, the one who’s willing to lead the charge into battle. Maggie is the compassionate and inspiring figure who rallies the people and gives them hope. Together, they represent the two sides of leadership that are necessary to survive and rebuild in this broken world. The Walking Dead: where leadership is a symphony (and Rick and Maggie are the conductors).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Rick’s lingering glance at Lucille during Negan’s visit is a subtle but powerful moment. It shows his simmering anger and his determination to eventually take down Negan and reclaim his power. Rick Grimes: the man who’s biding his time (and sharpening his machete).!
• The note and the key that Sherry and Dwight leave for Daryl suggest that they’re not as loyal to Negan as they seem. They’re secretly helping the resistance, and their actions could have major consequences in the future. Dwight and Sherry: the double agents who are playing a dangerous game.
• Maggie’s natural leadership at the Hilltop and the residents’ growing respect for her show that she’s becoming a powerful figure in the community. She’s not just Glenn’s widow anymore; she’s a leader in her own right, and she’s ready to inspire others to fight for their freedom. Maggie Greene: the woman who’s rising to the occasion.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a backseat to the human drama this week).
• Human Deaths: 2 (Spencer and Olivia, the victims of Negan’s wrath).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the war is brewing.

My Final Verdict:

“Hearts Still Beating” is a powerful and emotional midseason finale that marks a turning point in the fight against Negan and the Saviors. The deaths of Spencer and Olivia are heartbreaking, but Daryl’s escape and Rick’s decision to fight back offer a glimmer of hope for the future. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure, and the desire for freedom can ignite a rebellion that will change the course of history. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Spencer’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!