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The Walking Dead: Knots Untie – Hilltop, Handshakes, and a Hint of Negan (Season 6, Episode 11)

Originally aired: February 28, 2016. 12.79 million viewers tuned in to see what adventures awaited Rick and the gang. Written by Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell, and directed by Michael E. Satrazemis.

Alexandria: It Takes a Village (or at Least a Hilltop):

“Knots Untie” is all about expanding the survivors’ horizons. They’re not just stuck in Alexandria anymore; they’re venturing out into the world, making new connections, and learning that there’s more to the apocalypse than just surviving within their own little bubble.

Key Plot Points:

• Jesus: The Matchmaker (of Communities): Remember Jesus, the mysterious stranger who stole Rick’s truck and then charmed his way into Alexandria? Well, it turns out he’s not just a thief with a knack for parkour; he’s also a diplomat. He reveals that he’s a member of the Hilltop Colony, a nearby community that’s got plenty of resources and a thriving barter system. He proposes a meeting between Rick’s group and the Hilltop leaders, hoping to forge an alliance that will benefit both communities. Jesus: the man who’s bringing people together (and maybe stealing a few hearts along the way).!
• Road Trip!: The Gang’s All Here: Rick, Michonne, Maggie, Glenn, Abraham, and Daryl decide to take a road trip to the Hilltop with Jesus. Along the way, they encounter some Hilltop residents who are in trouble, and they step in to help, showcasing their badassery and their willingness to lend a hand (or a machete). The survivors: they’re not just good at killing walkers; they’re also good at making friends (and influencing people).!
• The Hilltop: Welcome to Suburbia 2.0: The group arrives at the Hilltop, and it’s like stepping into a time warp. The community is clean, organized, and surprisingly peaceful. They’ve got crops, livestock, and even a blacksmith (because who doesn’t need a good blacksmith in the apocalypse?). But there’s also a sense of unease, as the Hilltop’s leader, Gregory, is a bit of a pompous jerk who seems more interested in maintaining his own power than in the well-being of his people. Gregory: the leader who needs a lesson in humility (and maybe a walker bite to the ego).!
• Negan’s Name Drop: Uh Oh!: The Hilltop residents reveal that they’re under the thumb of a group called the Saviors, led by a mysterious and fearsome man named Negan. The Saviors demand half of the Hilltop’s supplies in exchange for “protection,” and they’re not afraid to use violence to get what they want. This is our first real introduction to Negan, and it’s clear that he’s going to be a major threat in the future. Negan: the boogeyman of the apocalypse (and he’s coming for Alexandria).!
• Maggie the Negotiator: The Art of the Deal: When one of the Hilltop residents, Ethan, tries to kill Gregory under orders from Negan, Rick steps in and takes care of the problem (with his trusty knife, of course). But it’s Maggie who really shines in this episode. She takes charge and negotiates a deal with Gregory. In exchange for eliminating the Saviors, Alexandria will get half of the Hilltop’s supplies. It’s a win-win situation, and it marks the beginning of a new alliance between the two communities. Maggie Greene: the woman who can talk her way out of (or into) anything.
• Abraham’s Love Triangle: The Soldier with a Soft Spot: Abraham, who’s always been a bit of a tough guy, is struggling with his feelings for Sasha and Rosita. He’s torn between his loyalty to Rosita and his growing attraction to Sasha. It’s a classic love triangle, with an apocalyptic twist. Abraham Ford: the soldier who’s fighting a battle on two fronts (and maybe losing both).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Diplomacy: The Art of Making Deals (and Avoiding War): The meeting between Alexandria and the Hilltop highlights the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in the apocalypse. In a world where resources are scarce and trust is hard to come by, forming alliances can be the key to survival. But it’s not always easy, as different communities have different priorities and different ways of doing things. Diplomacy: it’s like walking a tightrope over a pit of walkers (but with less blood and guts).!
• Leadership: Stepping Up to the Plate: Maggie’s negotiation with Gregory shows her growth as a leader. She’s confident, she’s assertive, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She’s proving that she’s more than just Glenn’s wife; she’s a capable and resourceful woman who can hold her own in the apocalypse. Maggie Greene: the leader who’s ready to take charge.
• Strength in Numbers: The Power of Community: The introduction of the Hilltop Colony expands the world of “The Walking Dead” and shows the potential for collaboration and mutual support between communities. The survivors are learning that they’re not alone in this fight, and that together, they can overcome even the most daunting challenges. The apocalypse: it’s a lonely place, but it’s easier to survive with friends (and allies).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Gregory’s cowardice and his reluctance to stand up to Negan’s group foreshadow the challenges that the alliance between Alexandria and the Hilltop will face. He’s not a strong leader, and he’s more concerned with his own safety than with the well-being of his people. Gregory: the leader who needs a backbone (and maybe a pair of running shoes).!
• Jesus’s honesty about the Hilltop’s situation with the Saviors builds trust with Rick’s group. He’s not trying to hide anything, and he’s upfront about the challenges they face. This transparency makes him a valuable ally and a key figure in the fight against Negan. Jesus: the honest broker who’s got everyone’s best interests at heart.
• The necklace that Rosita gives Abraham is a symbol of their relationship and his emotional conflict. He’s torn between his feelings for Rosita and Sasha, and the necklace is a reminder of the ties that bind him to his past. Abraham Ford: the soldier who’s fighting a battle within.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: Minimal (the walkers are taking a break this week, but don’t worry, they’ll be back with a vengeance).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Ethan, the Hilltop resident who made a bad deal with Negan).
• Survivor Count: Stable, and the alliance with the Hilltop offers new possibilities.

My Final Verdict:

“Knots Untie” is a pivotal episode that expands the world of “The Walking Dead” and introduces new characters, new alliances, and new threats. The journey to the Hilltop, the conflict with Negan’s group, and Maggie’s impressive negotiation skills all contribute to the excitement and intrigue of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its world-building best, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in the survivors’ journey. What did you think of the episode? Were you impressed by Maggie’s leadership? Let’s discuss in the comments!