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The Walking Dead: Mercy – The War Begins, the Saviors Scramble, and Gabriel’s in a Pickle (Season 8, Episode 1)

Originally aired: October 22, 2017. 11.44 million viewers tuned in for this action-packed season premiere. Written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Sanctuary: No Longer a Safe Haven (for the Saviors):

“Mercy” picks up where Season 7 left off, with Rick and the gang ready to unleash their pent-up rage on Negan and his Saviors. They’ve formed an alliance with the Hilltop and the Kingdom, and they’re prepared to risk everything to reclaim their freedom.

Key Plot Points:

• Rick’s Pep Talk: “We’re Taking Back Our World!”: Rick, ever the inspiring leader, rallies the troops with a rousing speech about hope, freedom, and the future they’re fighting for.¹ He’s got that determined glint in his eye, and it’s clear that he’s not backing down from this fight. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s got more speeches than a politician (and more guts than a walker).!
• Operation Savior Takedown 2.0: This Time, It’s Personal: The allied forces launch their attack on the Sanctuary, and it’s a sight to behold. They’ve got cars with metal plating (because who needs tanks when you’ve got ingenuity?), they’ve got walkers on leashes (because why not use the enemy against itself?), and they’ve got a whole lot of firepower. The Saviors are caught off guard, and they’re scrambling to defend themselves. The survivors: they’re not just fighting for survival anymore; they’re fighting for revenge.
• Negan’s Not Impressed: “You Call This a War?”: Rick, along with a small team, confronts Negan at the Sanctuary. Negan, ever the cocky villain, taunts Rick and tries to undermine his confidence. But Rick’s not falling for it this time. He’s got a plan, and it involves herding a massive walker horde into the Sanctuary, trapping Negan and his Saviors inside. Negan: the villain who’s about to learn that you can’t always talk your way out of a fight.
• Gabriel’s Good Deed (and Gregory’s Bad One): Father Gabriel, bless his compassionate soul, tries to help Gregory, the cowardly leader of the Hilltop, escape the chaos. But Gregory, being the ungrateful weasel that he is, abandons Gabriel to the walkers. Gabriel, in a moment of bad luck (and maybe bad judgment), finds himself trapped in a trailer with Negan. Gabriel: the priest who’s always in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Flash-Forward Friday (Again): We get glimpses of a future where Rick is older, grayer, and seemingly at peace. He’s walking with a cane, he’s surrounded by a thriving community, and he’s got a twinkle in his eye. These flash-forwards offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the survivors might actually have a chance to rebuild a better world. The future: it’s uncertain, but it’s also full of possibilities.

Themes and Meanings:

• Strategy: The Art of War (and Walker Wrangling): The coordinated attack on the Sanctuary highlights the importance of strategy and planning in the apocalypse. Rick and the group have learned from their past mistakes, and they’re not just charging into battle blindly anymore. They’re using their brains as well as their brawn, and they’re turning the walkers into weapons against the Saviors. The Walking Dead: where survival is a game of chess (with zombies as the pawns).!
• Hope: The Fuel of Rebellion: Rick’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous future is a powerful motivator for the survivors. It gives them something to fight for, something to believe in, and it reminds them that even in the darkest of times, there’s still a possibility of a better tomorrow. Hope: it’s the light that guides you through the darkness (and maybe helps you grow a really awesome beard).!
• Betrayal: The Price of Selfishness: Gregory’s abandonment of Gabriel is a stark reminder that even in the apocalypse, some people are more concerned with their own survival than with the well-being of others.² His actions highlight the moral decay that can occur when people are pushed to their limits. The apocalypse: it’s a test of character, and not everyone passes.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Rick’s watch, which he keeps glancing at throughout the episode, symbolizes the passage of time and his desire to rebuild a stable future for his family and his community. Rick Grimes: the man who’s always looking ahead (and maybe hoping for a world where he can finally retire).!
• Gabriel’s decision to save Gregory, even though it puts him in danger, shows his growth as a character. He’s no longer the cowardly and self-serving priest from earlier seasons; he’s become a compassionate and selfless individual who’s willing to risk his life for others. Father Gabriel: the man who’s found redemption in the apocalypse.
• Negan’s calm and confident demeanor, even when he’s trapped in the Sanctuary with walkers closing in, suggests that he’s not going down without a fight. He’s a resourceful and cunning leader, and he’s sure to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Negan: the villain who always has a plan (and a backup plan).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 50+ (the survivors are making good use of those walker-herding skills).
• Human Deaths: Numerous Saviors (it’s a bloodbath!).
• Survivor Count: Stable (for now), but the war is just getting started.

My Final Verdict:

“Mercy” is an explosive and action-packed season premiere that sets the stage for “All-Out War” in “The Walking Dead.” The coordinated attack on the Sanctuary, the introduction of new characters, and the glimpses of a hopeful future all contribute to the excitement and anticipation for the season to come. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure, and the fight for freedom is always worth fighting. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Gregory’s betrayal? Let’s discuss in the comments!