Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: How It’s Gotta Be – Alexandria Falls, Ezekiel’s Sacrifice, and Carl’s Bite (Season 8, Episode 8 – Midseason Finale)

Originally aired: December 10, 2017. 7.89 million viewers tuned in for this intense and heartbreaking episode. Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Angela Kang, and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

The War Takes a Turn (for the Worse):

“How It’s Gotta Be” picks up with the aftermath of the attack on the Sanctuary.¹ Negan and the Saviors, having escaped the walker herd, are out for revenge, and they’re not holding back. This episode is all about the devastating consequences of war, the sacrifices that have to be made, and the heartbreaking losses that the survivors endure.

Key Plot Points:

• The Saviors Strike Back: “Surprise, Suckers!”: Negan and his crew launch a coordinated counterattack on Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom. They’re using their superior firepower and strategic advantage to wreak havoc on the communities, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. The Saviors: they’re like the bullies who always get the last laugh (for now).!
• Rick vs. Negan: Round Two (and It’s Not Pretty): Rick, who’s returned to Alexandria to find it under siege, confronts Negan in a brutal hand-to-hand brawl. They’re both skilled fighters, and they’re both fueled by rage and a desire for revenge. But Negan, being the slippery snake that he is, manages to escape, leaving Rick wounded and frustrated. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty (or his face smashed in).!²
• Carl’s Sacrifice: The Boy Who Became a Man: Carl, who’s always been the moral compass of the group, makes a selfless decision. He realizes that the Alexandrians are outnumbered and outgunned, and he decides to sacrifice himself to buy them time to escape. He writes heartfelt letters to his loved ones, preparing for the worst, and then he sets out to distract the Saviors. Carl Grimes: the kid who grew up too fast (and is about to pay the ultimate price).!
• Daryl’s Exodus: Leading the Way to Safety: Daryl, ever the resourceful and protective leader, takes charge of the evacuation of Alexandria. He uses explosives to create diversions and clear a path for the survivors to escape. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s always got a plan (and a knack for blowing stuff up).!
• Ezekiel’s Redemption: The King Who Sacrificed Himself for His People: At the Kingdom, Ezekiel faces a similar dilemma. The Saviors are attacking, and his people are in danger. He decides to stay behind and distract the Saviors, giving his community a chance to escape. He’s captured, but his actions inspire hope and loyalty in his followers. Ezekiel: the king who finally earned his crown.
• The Bite: Carl’s Secret (and Rick’s Worst Nightmare): In a shocking and heartbreaking twist, it’s revealed that Carl has been bitten by a walker.³ He was bitten during his mission to rescue Siddiq, the lone survivor he encountered in the previous episode. He kept his injury a secret, hoping to protect his father and Michonne from the pain. But now, the truth is out, and Rick and Michonne are devastated. Carl! Noooooo! (Someone pass the tissues and the zombie apocalypse therapist).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice: The Price of Leadership: Carl and Ezekiel’s selfless acts of sacrifice highlight the true meaning of leadership in the apocalypse. It’s not about power or control; it’s about putting the needs of your people above your own, even if it means risking your life or facing your own mortality. Leadership: it’s a heavy crown to wear.
• Survival: The Will to Endure: The allied communities’ resilience in the face of the Saviors’ brutal attacks shows the strength of the human spirit. They’ve lost their homes, they’ve lost friends, and they’re facing overwhelming odds, but they’re not giving up. They’re fighting for their survival, for their freedom, and for the hope of a better future. The Walking Dead: where survival is a verb, not a noun.
• Mortality: The Fragility of Life: Carl’s impending death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the apocalypse. No one is safe, not even the children. His fate forces Rick and Michonne to confront their own mortality and the legacy they want to leave behind. The apocalypse: it’s a world where every day could be your last.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Carl’s letters to his loved ones are filled with hope and optimism for the future. He envisions a world where the communities can live together in peace, and he urges his family and friends to never give up on that dream. Carl Grimes: the boy who dreamed of a better tomorrow.
• Ezekiel’s willingness to be captured by the Saviors rather than risk the lives of his people shows his growth as a leader. He’s finally learned to put the needs of his community above his own, and he’s willing to face any consequences to protect them. Ezekiel: the king who found his true calling.
• Negan’s strategic and coordinated attacks on the communities highlight his intelligence and his ruthlessness. He’s a formidable enemy, and the survivors are going to have to use all their cunning and strength to defeat him. Negan: the villain who’s always one step ahead.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 15+ (the walkers are still a constant threat, even amidst the human conflict).
• Human Deaths: Numerous casualties on both sides (the war is taking its toll).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the stakes are higher than ever.

My Final Verdict:

“How It’s Gotta Be” is a gut-wrenching and action-packed midseason finale that leaves you reeling from the emotional blows and the shocking twists. Carl’s bite, Ezekiel’s sacrifice, and the Saviors’ devastating counterattack all contribute to the intensity and drama of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most heartbreaking and suspenseful, reminding us that even in the fight for freedom, there are no guarantees, and the cost of survival can be unbearably high. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Carl’s revelation? Let’s discuss in the comments!