Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Rendition – Daryl’s in Hot Water (Literally), Leah’s a Reaper, and Pope’s Got a God Complex (Season 11, Episode 4)

Originally aired: September 12, 2021. Viewership held steady at 1.76 million, proving that the final season was still keeping fans on the hook! Written by Nicole Mirante-Matthews and directed by Frederick E.O. Toye.

The Reapers’ Lair: Where the Fire Burns Bright (and the Rules are Twisted):

“Rendition” picks up right where “Hunted” left off, with Daryl separated from Maggie’s group and trying to evade the Reapers. But these guys are like the ninjas of the apocalypse, and Daryl soon finds himself captured and facing a whole new level of crazy.

Key Plot Points:

• Daryl’s Captured: “Surprise! You’re Now a Reaper Recruit (Whether You Like It or Not)”: Daryl, bless his stealthy heart, tries to stay hidden in the woods, but the Reapers are too good. They track him down, capture him, and bring him back to their camp, where he’s greeted with a less-than-warm welcome. Daryl Dixon: the man who can’t catch a break (or a nap).!
• Leah’s Back (and She’s a Reaper!): “Surprise! (Again)”: Daryl is shocked to discover that Leah, the woman he fell for (and then lost) during his solitary years in the woods, is now one of the Reapers. She’s changed, hardened by her experiences and fully committed to Pope’s twisted ideology. Their reunion is a tense and emotional one, as Daryl tries to figure out where her loyalties lie and whether she can be trusted. Leah: the woman who broke Daryl’s heart (and might just break his spirit too).!
• Interrogation Time: “Sing Like a Canary, Daryl!”: The Reapers, convinced that Daryl is part of Maggie’s group, try to break him. They douse him with water (because apparently, waterboarding is still a thing in the apocalypse), they beat him, and they try to extract information about Maggie’s plans. But Daryl, being the tough and loyal guy that he is, refuses to crack. He feeds them false information, protecting his friends and buying himself some time. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s got more grit than a walker’s teeth.
• Pope’s Pep Talk: “We’re God’s Chosen Warriors! (and Also a Little Bit Crazy)”: We finally meet Pope, the leader of the Reapers, and he’s a real piece of work. He’s got a charismatic but menacing presence, and he preaches a twisted gospel of survival and divine purpose. He believes that the Reapers are God’s chosen warriors, and their brutality is justified by their faith. Pope: the villain who’s got a God complex (and maybe a few screws loose).!
• Trial by Fire: “Let’s See if You’re Flammable, Daryl!”: Pope, in a truly sadistic move, forces Daryl to endure a “trial by fire.” He locks him in a burning cabin, believing that if Daryl survives, it’s a sign that he’s meant to be one of them. Daryl, bless his fire-resistant hide, manages to escape the flames, but he’s clearly shaken by the experience. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s not afraid of fire (or walkers, or crazy cult leaders).!
• Pope’s Power Move: “This is How We Do Things in the Apocalypse”: Pope, in a shocking display of brutality, kills one of his own men, Bossie, by holding his head in a fire.¹ He claims that Bossie showed weakness, and in the Reapers’ world, weakness is not tolerated. It’s a chilling moment that reinforces Pope’s ruthlessness and his twisted sense of justice. Pope: the leader who’s not afraid to burn his own bridges (or his own followers).!
• Daryl’s Fake Conversion: “I’m a Reaper Now! (Just Kidding)”: Daryl, realizing that he’s got no other choice, pretends to embrace Pope’s ideology and join the Reapers. He plays along with their rituals, he feigns loyalty to Leah, and he tries to gather as much information as he can about their plans. But it’s a dangerous game he’s playing, and it’s unclear how long he can keep up the charade. Daryl Dixon: the undercover agent who’s infiltrated the heart of darkness.

Themes and Symbolism:

• Deception: The Art of Survival: Daryl’s ability to deceive the Reapers and maintain his cover highlights the importance of adaptability and cunning in the apocalypse. He’s not just a skilled fighter; he’s also a master manipulator who’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people. Daryl Dixon: the man who can lie with a straight face (and a crossbow in his hand).!
• Extremism: The Danger of Blind Faith: The Reapers’ cult-like devotion to Pope and their twisted religious beliefs make them a uniquely terrifying enemy. They’re not just driven by survival; they’re driven by a warped sense of righteousness and a belief that they’re fulfilling God’s will. The Reapers: they’re like the Crusaders of the apocalypse, except with less chivalry and more murder.
• Fire: The Symbol of Purification (and Pain): Pope’s use of fire as a test of loyalty and his brutal execution of Bossie show the Reapers’ fascination with fire as a symbol of purification and strength. They believe that enduring pain and suffering is a way to prove your worth and your devotion to the cause. The Walking Dead: where fire is both a destroyer and a purifier.
• Relationships: The Ties That Bind (and Betray): Daryl’s complex relationship with Leah is a reminder that even in the apocalypse, love and loyalty can be complicated. Leah, despite her feelings for Daryl, is now a Reaper, and she’s torn between her past connection with him and her commitment to Pope’s ideology. Daryl has to navigate this treacherous territory carefully, as one wrong move could expose his true intentions and put his life in danger. Daryl and Leah: the star-crossed lovers of the apocalypse.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Dog’s immediate recognition of Leah and his affectionate behavior towards her reinforce the bond they formed during Daryl’s solitary years. It’s a subtle reminder that even in the apocalypse, animals can offer companionship and unconditional love. Dog: the best boy (and maybe the only one who truly understands Daryl).!
• The Reapers’ tactics and their military-style organization suggest that they were once soldiers or mercenaries before the apocalypse. Their skills and their discipline make them a formidable enemy, and the survivors are going to have to be at their best to defeat them. The Reapers: they’re not just playing army; they’re the real deal.
• Daryl’s clever deception in portraying Maggie’s group as weak and desperate is a strategic move that protects his friends while also playing into Pope’s ego. He’s using his knowledge of the Reapers’ mentality to his advantage, buying himself time and gathering intel. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s always one step ahead.
• The biblical references in Pope’s dialogue and the Reapers’ rituals emphasize their religious zealotry and their belief in divine purpose. They see themselves as righteous warriors, chosen by God to cleanse the world of the weak and the unworthy. The Reapers: they’re not just killers; they’re crusaders.

Stats and Stuff:

• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 (a solid episode, but not without its critics).
• First Appearance of Pope: Ritchie Coster makes his debut as the charismatic and terrifying leader of the Reapers.
• Filming Locations: Primarily shot in Georgia, with the outdoor sequences emphasizing the eerie and desolate atmosphere of the apocalypse.
• Daryl’s First Major Encounter with the Reapers: This episode delves deep into the Reapers’ world and their twisted ideology.

My Final Verdict:

“Rendition” is a tense and thrilling episode that takes us deep into the heart of Reaper territory. Daryl’s capture, his reunion with Leah, and the introduction of Pope all contribute to the drama and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most intense, reminding us that even in the final season, the survivors are still facing new threats, new challenges, and new moral dilemmas. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Pope’s brutality? Let’s discuss in the comments!