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The Walking Dead: Sing Me a Song – Carl’s Close Call, Negan’s Karaoke Night, and Michonne’s on a Mission (Season 7, Episode 7)

Originally aired: December 4, 2016. 10.48 million viewers tuned in for this intense and revealing episode. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Rosemary Rodriguez.

The Sanctuary: Where the Saviors Sing (and Suffer):

“Sing Me a Song” takes us deep into the heart of the Saviors’ compound, giving us a glimpse into their bizarre and brutal way of life. We see Negan’s iron-fisted rule, Daryl’s continued captivity, and the surprising defiance of one Carl Grimes.

Key Plot Points:

• Carl’s Teenage Rebellion: The Boy Who Tried to Kill Negan: Carl, who’s clearly inherited his father’s rebellious streak (and maybe a touch of his crazy), decides to take matters into his own hands. He and Jesus stow away on a Savior truck heading to the Sanctuary. Jesus, being the sensible one, sneaks off to gather intel. But Carl, bless his impulsive heart, stays on the truck and launches a one-boy assault on the Saviors, killing two of them and almost taking out Negan himself. Carl Grimes: the kid who’s not afraid to go rogue (even if it means facing a baseball bat named Lucille).!
• Negan’s Twisted Playtime: “Sing for Me, Carl!”: Negan, instead of killing Carl for his attempted assassination, is strangely amused by the boy’s audacity. He takes Carl under his wing (in a creepy, manipulative kind of way) and gives him a tour of the Sanctuary.¹ He shows off his power, his harem of “wives,” and his twisted sense of humor.² He even makes Carl sing a song while he swings Lucille around, taunting him about his missing eye. Negan: the villain who’s equal parts charming and terrifying.
• Daryl’s Humiliation: The Prisoner Who Won’t Break: Negan uses Carl’s presence to further torment Daryl, who’s still locked up in that dark and dingy cell. He tries to break Daryl’s spirit by showing him how easily he can manipulate Carl, but Daryl, bless his stubborn soul, refuses to give Negan the satisfaction. He remains silent and defiant, even in the face of Negan’s cruelty. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s got more grit than a zombie’s teeth.
• Negan’s Kingdom: The Rules of the Sanctuary: We get a closer look at the inner workings of the Sanctuary, and it’s not a pretty picture. Negan rules with an iron fist, demanding absolute loyalty and obedience from his followers. He’s created a system of fear and intimidation, where any sign of dissent is met with swift and brutal punishment. The Sanctuary: where freedom goes to die (and “Easy Street” plays on repeat).!
• Michonne’s on a Mission: “Take Me to Your Leader!”: Michonne, who’s been quietly plotting her revenge against Negan, takes a bold step. She sets a trap for a Savior, kills her, and then demands to be taken to Negan. Her actions show her determination to fight back and her willingness to put herself in harm’s way for the sake of her people. Michonne: the warrior who’s not afraid to face the enemy (even if that enemy is Negan).!
• Rick and Aaron: The Scavenging Duo: Rick and Aaron, meanwhile, are on a supply run for the Saviors. They’re forced to venture into dangerous territory, risking their lives to fulfill Negan’s demands. It’s a reminder of the precarious position they’re in and the lengths they have to go to in order to protect Alexandria. Rick and Aaron: the scavengers who are risking their lives to keep the peace (for now).!
• Rosita’s Request: “Make Me a Bullet, Eugene!”: Rosita, who’s also eager to fight back against the Saviors, pressures Eugene to make her a bullet.³ She’s not going to let Negan and his crew get away with what they’ve done, and she’s willing to take matters into her own hands. Rosita Espinosa: the woman who’s not afraid to take aim (and maybe take down Negan herself).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Power and Defiance: The Battle of Wills: Carl’s defiance of Negan and the Saviors’ unquestioning obedience highlight the complex dynamics of power and control in the apocalypse. Negan might be the one in charge, but there are still those who are willing to resist his rule, even if it means risking their lives. The Walking Dead: where rebellion is a spark that can ignite a fire.
• Psychological Manipulation: Negan’s Mind Games: Negan’s treatment of Carl is a masterclass in psychological manipulation. He uses a combination of charm, intimidation, and cruelty to try and break Carl’s spirit and bend him to his will. But Carl, despite his young age, proves to be a formidable opponent, refusing to be cowed by Negan’s tactics. Negan: the master manipulator who met his match in a teenage boy.
• Resistance: The Seeds of Hope: Michonne and Rosita’s actions in this episode show the growing resistance against Negan’s rule. They’re not going to sit back and let him control their lives, and they’re willing to fight for their freedom, even if it means facing overwhelming odds. The Walking Dead: where hope is a weapon (and the survivors are loading up).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Negan’s “wives” are a disturbing example of his control and his abuse of power.⁴ He’s created a harem of women who are forced to cater to his every whim, and it’s a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within even the most charismatic leaders. Negan’s wives: the women who are trapped in a gilded cage.
• Negan’s fascination with Carl’s missing eye is a creepy and unsettling detail. It shows his sadistic tendencies and his enjoyment of others’ pain. Negan: the villain who gets off on making people uncomfortable.
• The contrast between the orderly and fear-driven hierarchy of the Sanctuary and the more egalitarian and hopeful community of Alexandria highlights the different approaches to survival in the apocalypse. The Sanctuary: where fear is the rule (and “Easy Street” is the anthem).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 3+ (Carl’s got some serious walker-slaying skills).
• Human Deaths: Several Saviors (Carl’s not playing around).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the tension is building.

My Final Verdict:

“Sing Me a Song” is a tense and revealing episode that takes us deep into the heart of the Saviors’ world. Carl’s defiance, Negan’s manipulation, and Michonne’s determination to fight back all contribute to the drama and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most thrilling, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for courage, resistance, and the hope for a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Carl’s actions? Let’s discuss in the comments!