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The Walking Dead: New Haunts – Welcome to the Commonwealth, Where the Wine Flows Freely (and the Secrets Run Deep) (Season 11, Episode 10)

Originally aired: February 27, 2022. Viewership climbed back up to 1.97 million, proving that even a change of scenery can be exciting in the apocalypse! Written by Magali Lozano and directed by Jon Amiel.

The Commonwealth: It’s Like “The Truman Show” with Zombies:

“New Haunts” is all about the survivors’ integration into the Commonwealth, a seemingly utopian community that’s a stark contrast to the harsh realities they’ve been facing for the past decade. But as we all know, in the world of “The Walking Dead,” nothing is ever as perfect as it seems, and there are always cracks in the facade.

Key Plot Points:

• Welcome to Paradise (with a Side of Classism): The episode jumps forward several months, showing the survivors settling into their new lives in the Commonwealth. Daryl and Rosita have joined the military (because apparently, even in the apocalypse, you can’t escape the draft), Carol’s schmoozing with the upper crust, and Judith and RJ are trying to adjust to a world where kids play with toys instead of weapons. But the Commonwealth is not without its problems. There’s a strict class system, with the elites enjoying a life of luxury while the working class struggles to make ends meet. The Commonwealth: where the 1% still exists (and they’ve got better haircuts).!
• Pamela Milton: The Queen Bee of the Commonwealth: We meet Pamela Milton, the governor of the Commonwealth, and she’s basically the Regina George of the apocalypse. She’s got power, she’s got charisma, and she’s got a whole lot of rules. She throws a lavish masquerade ball for the community’s elite, while the rest of the residents are stuck with rations and curfews. Pamela Milton: the leader who’s got more secrets than a Whisperer’s wardrobe.
• Daryl’s Training Montage: “I’m a Soldier Now? (This is Weird)”: Daryl and Rosita are undergoing some intense military training under the watchful eye of Mercer, the Commonwealth’s red-armored commander.¹ Daryl, being the rebellious badass that he is, clashes with Mercer’s strict rules and by-the-book methods. Rosita, on the other hand, is more adaptable and quickly proves her skills. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s more comfortable with a crossbow than a uniform.
• Eugene’s Doubts: “Something’s Not Right Here”: Eugene, who’s been enjoying his new life in the Commonwealth (and his budding romance with Stephanie), starts to notice some cracks in the facade. People are disappearing, those who question the system are punished, and there’s a general sense of unease beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect society. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s always one step ahead (of the apocalypse, and maybe the Commonwealth’s secrets).!
• Carol’s Political Maneuvering: “I’ll Play Your Game, Pamela”: Carol, ever the cunning strategist, quickly figures out how the power structure works in the Commonwealth. She starts schmoozing with the elites, using her charm and her resourcefulness to gain favor and access to information. She’s not just a survivor anymore; she’s a political player, and she’s ready to use her skills to protect her people (and maybe even take down the system from within). Carol Peletier: the woman who can bake a cake and overthrow a government with the same smile.

Themes and Symbolism:

• Utopia: The Illusion of Perfection: The Commonwealth, with its clean streets, its functioning infrastructure, and its abundance of resources, seems like a dream come true for the survivors. But the episode also hints at the darker side of this community, the strict rules, the social inequality, and the potential for corruption and abuse of power. The Commonwealth: it’s like a shiny new car with a faulty engine.
• Conformity vs. Rebellion: Daryl’s Struggle: Daryl’s resistance to the Commonwealth’s rigid structure and his clashes with Mercer highlight the tension between conformity and rebellion. Daryl, who’s always been an outsider and a free spirit, is not comfortable with the idea of blindly following orders and conforming to a system that he doesn’t trust. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s not afraid to buck the system (even if it means getting a few bruises along the way).!
• Social Injustice: The Seeds of Dissent: The growing divide between the elites and the working class in the Commonwealth suggests that this seemingly perfect society is not as stable as it appears. The seeds of dissent are being sown, and it’s only a matter of time before the oppressed rise up against their oppressors. The Commonwealth: where the revolution is brewing (and it’s probably going to be televised).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Ezekiel’s position as a low-ranking citizen in the Commonwealth, despite his past leadership role in the Kingdom, is a reminder that the apocalypse can be a great equalizer (or maybe just a great humiliator). Ezekiel: the king who’s been dethroned (and maybe needs a new career path).!
• Pamela Milton’s speech about the Commonwealth being the last true civilization and the importance of following the rules echoes the rhetoric of real-world politicians and dictators. It’s a subtle reminder that even in the apocalypse, power structures and manipulative tactics can be used to control and oppress people. Pamela Milton: the politician who’s got a silver tongue (and maybe a few skeletons in her closet).!
• Max’s warning to Eugene about being careful who he trusts suggests that there’s a resistance movement brewing within the Commonwealth. It’s a glimmer of hope in a seemingly oppressive society, and it hints at potential allies for the survivors. Max: the rebel who’s fighting for change from within.
• Lance Hornsby’s attempts to recruit Carol show his manipulative nature and his desire to control the key players in the community.² He’s clearly a dangerous and ambitious character, and his actions suggest that he might have his own plans for the future of the Commonwealth. Lance Hornsby: the man who’s always playing the angles.

Stats and Stuff:

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 (a solid episode that sets the stage for the Commonwealth arc).
• First Full Appearance of Pamela Milton: Laila Robins makes her debut as the enigmatic leader of the Commonwealth.
• Daryl and Rosita as Soldiers: A new role for these veteran survivors, showcasing their adaptability.³
• The Masquerade Ball: A direct reference to the comics, where the Commonwealth uses social events to distract from its problems.
• Max: A key character from the comics who plays a role in uncovering the Commonwealth’s corruption.

My Final Verdict:

“New Haunts” is a fascinating transition episode that takes “The Walking Dead” in a new direction. The Commonwealth, with its structured society and its complex power dynamics, offers a fresh and intriguing setting for the survivors’ final chapter. Daryl and Rosita’s struggles with conformity, Carol’s political maneuvering, and Eugene’s growing suspicions all contribute to the drama and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most thought-provoking, reminding us that even in a seemingly utopian society, there are still conflicts, betrayals, and the constant struggle to define what it means to be human. What did you think of the episode? Were you impressed by Carol’s political skills? Let’s discuss in the comments!