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The Walking Dead: Rock in the Road – Kingdom Come, Cable Chaos, and Rick’s Recruitment Drive (Season 7, Episode 9)

Originally aired: February 12, 2017. 12.00 million viewers tuned in to see Rick’s plan for rebellion take shape. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Road to Rebellion: It’s Paved with Good Intentions (and Walker Guts):

“Rock in the Road” picks up with Rick and the gang on a mission to unite the communities against Negan. They’re hitting the road, making deals, and facing some unexpected obstacles along the way. But with their determination and their growing network of allies, they might just have a fighting chance against the Saviors.

Key Plot Points:

• Kingdom Come: Rick’s Pitch Perfect (Almost): Rick and the gang head to the Kingdom to try and convince King Ezekiel to join their rebellion. They lay out their plan, emphasizing the importance of unity and the strength in numbers. Ezekiel, however, is hesitant. He’s a cautious leader who prioritizes the safety of his people, and he’s not sure if going to war with the Saviors is the right move. But he does agree to shelter Daryl, who’s now a fugitive from the Saviors. Rick Grimes: the salesman who’s trying to sell a rebellion (and maybe a timeshare in Alexandria).!
• Morgan’s Doubts: The Pacifist Who’s Not So Peaceful Anymore: Morgan, who’s been struggling with his pacifist beliefs, is not on board with Rick’s plan. He’s worried about the violence and the potential consequences of war. His reluctance to join the fight creates tension within the group, as they try to balance their desire for freedom with their moral compass. Morgan Jones: the man who’s trying to find a middle ground (between killing walkers and killing people).!
• The Cable Guy: The Saviors’ Trap (That Backfires): On their way back from the Kingdom, Rick and the gang encounter a booby trap set by the Saviors. It’s a cable strung across the road, designed to trip up walkers (and unsuspecting survivors). But Rick, being the resourceful leader that he is, sees an opportunity. They use the trap to their advantage, luring a massive herd of walkers into it and wiping them out. They also manage to collect some explosives from the Saviors’ stash, which will come in handy later. Rick Grimes: the man who can turn a trap into a triumph.
• Simon Says, “Where’s Daryl?”: The Saviors Pay a Visit: Simon, Negan’s smarmy lieutenant, shows up at Alexandria with a group of Saviors. They’re looking for Daryl, and they’re not afraid to rough up the Alexandrians to get what they want. But Rick and the group manage to keep their cool and hide Daryl’s whereabouts. The Saviors: they’re like the neighborhood bullies, always trying to push people around.
• Gabriel’s Gone Rogue: The Priest with a Secret: Father Gabriel, who’s been acting strangely lately, disappears from Alexandria. He takes supplies and a car, leaving behind a cryptic note that suggests he might be in trouble. Gabriel, honey, what are you up to? (And where did you learn to hotwire a car?)
• The Scavengers: The New Kids on the Block: Rick and the group follow the clues left by Gabriel and encounter a new group of survivors – the Scavengers. They’re a rough-looking bunch, and their leader, Jadis, speaks in broken sentences and riddles. It’s not clear if they’re friend or foe, but Rick sees an opportunity to expand their alliance against the Saviors. The Scavengers: they’re like the trash-talking, dumpster-diving cousins of the apocalypse.

Themes and Meanings:

• Unity: The Power of Collaboration: “Rock in the Road” emphasizes the importance of uniting different communities to fight a common enemy. Rick’s efforts to build an alliance with the Kingdom and the Scavengers show his understanding that they’re stronger together than they are alone. The apocalypse: it’s a team sport, and the survivors are forming a league of their own.
• Leadership: The Art of Persuasion: Rick’s ability to inspire and negotiate with other communities highlights his growing leadership skills. He’s not just a fighter anymore; he’s a diplomat, a strategist, and a unifier. Rick Grimes: the leader who’s learning to use his words (and his weapons) to get what he wants.
• Resourcefulness: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: The cable trap sequence is a great example of the survivors’ resourcefulness and their ability to adapt to any situation. They take the Saviors’ weapon and turn it against them, wiping out a walker herd and gaining valuable supplies in the process. The apocalypse: it’s a test of creativity, and the survivors are passing with flying colors.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Ezekiel’s hesitation to join the fight against the Saviors stems from his desire to protect his people and maintain the peace in the Kingdom. He’s a cautious leader who’s not willing to risk everything on a risky rebellion. Ezekiel: the king who’s playing the long game.
• Gabriel’s cryptic note suggests that he might be acting under duress or as part of a larger plan. His disappearance is a mystery, and it’s unclear what his motives are. Gabriel: the priest who’s got more secrets than the Bible.
• Rick’s uncharacteristic grin when he meets the Scavengers shows his recognition of an opportunity to expand their alliance. He’s a leader who’s always looking for ways to strengthen his position and increase his chances of success. Rick Grimes: the man who’s always got a plan (and a backup plan).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 100+ (the survivors are making a dent in the walker population).
• Human Deaths: None (but the tension is building).
• Survivor Count: Stable, and the alliance is growing.

My Final Verdict:

“Rock in the Road” is a pivotal episode that sets the stage for the rebellion against Negan and the Saviors. Rick’s leadership, the group’s resourcefulness, and the introduction of new allies all contribute to the momentum of the story. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure, and the fight for freedom is never truly over. What did you think of the episode? Were you intrigued by the Scavengers? Let’s discuss in the comments!