Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: The Cell – Daryl’s Prison Blues, Dwight’s Dilemma, and Negan’s Mind Games (Season 7, Episode 3)

Originally aired: November 6, 2016. 11.72 million viewers tuned in to witness Daryl’s ordeal. Written by Angela Kang and directed by Alrick Riley.

The Sanctuary: Where Hope Goes to Die (and “Easy Street” Plays on Repeat):

“The Cell” shifts the focus away from Rick and the Alexandrians to give us a glimpse into the Saviors’ inner workings. We see Daryl, stripped of his freedom and his dignity, locked in a dark and dingy cell. This episode is all about psychological manipulation, the struggle to maintain your identity, and the moral compromises people make to survive.

Key Plot Points:

• Daryl’s Detention: Solitary Confinement: Daryl is locked up in a tiny cell, with nothing but a bucket and a mattress. He’s subjected to sleep deprivation, starvation, and the constant torture of a ridiculously upbeat song called “Easy Street” playing on repeat. Seriously, who knew that a cheesy pop song could be so darn effective as torture? Negan’s men are trying to break Daryl’s spirit and force him to submit to their twisted rules. The Saviors: they’re not just bullies; they’re also DJs from hell.
• Dwight: The Savior with a Secret: Dwight, one of Negan’s top lieutenants, is in charge of Daryl’s “rehabilitation.” He’s a complex character, torn between his loyalty to Negan and his own sense of morality. We get some flashbacks that reveal Dwight’s backstory, showing how he and his wife, Sherry, were forced to make a deal with Negan to survive. Dwight: the man who’s trying to justify his actions (and maybe his terrible haircut).!
• Negan’s Offer: “Join the Club (or Die): Negan, being the charismatic and manipulative leader that he is, offers Daryl a chance to join the Saviors. He paints a picture of a life of comfort and power, where Daryl can have anything he wants (as long as he’s willing to do Negan’s dirty work). But Daryl, bless his loyal heart, refuses. He’s not about to betray Rick and the others, even if it means enduring more torture. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s not afraid to stand up to a bully (even if that bully has a baseball bat named Lucille).!
• Dwight’s Dilemma: The Weight of Compromise: Dwight’s actions in this episode reveal his internal conflict. He’s trying to convince Daryl to submit to Negan, but he’s also starting to question the Saviors’ methods and his own role in their brutality. He kills a fellow Savior who tries to escape, showing his loyalty to Negan, but his expression suggests that he’s not entirely comfortable with what he’s doing. Dwight: the man who’s walking a tightrope between loyalty and rebellion.
• Daryl’s Defiance: “I Ain’t Saying It!”: Despite the torture and the psychological manipulation, Daryl refuses to break. He won’t say “I am Negan,” and he won’t betray his friends. His defiance frustrates Negan and Dwight, and it’s a testament to his strength and his loyalty. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s got more backbone than a walker horde.

Themes and Meanings:

• Resilience: The Power of the Human Spirit: Daryl’s refusal to submit to Negan’s torture is a powerful example of resilience. He’s been beaten, starved, and psychologically manipulated, but he still refuses to break. His strength and his loyalty to his friends are what keep him going. Daryl Dixon: the survivor who won’t be broken.
• Identity: The Struggle to Stay True to Yourself: “The Cell” explores the theme of identity in the apocalypse. Daryl’s defiance of Negan is not just about loyalty; it’s about maintaining his sense of self in a world that’s trying to strip him of his humanity. The apocalypse: it’s a battle for your soul, as well as your survival.
• Power and Submission: The Dynamics of Control: The episode highlights the power dynamics within the Saviors’ compound. Negan is the ultimate authority figure, and his followers are expected to obey his every command. But Dwight’s internal conflict suggests that there are cracks in this facade of control, and that rebellion might be brewing beneath the surface. The Saviors: they might seem invincible, but even the most powerful empires can crumble.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The repeated use of the song “Easy Street” as a form of torture is a twisted and effective tactic. The upbeat and cheerful tune contrasts sharply with Daryl’s grim reality, creating a sense of dissonance and psychological distress. Easy Street: the song that’s anything but easy to listen to.
• The difference between Dwight’s hearty sandwich and Daryl’s meager dog food offering is a subtle but significant detail. It highlights the hierarchy within the Saviors’ ranks and the privileges that come with loyalty to Negan. The Saviors: where loyalty gets you a better lunch.
• Daryl’s brief attempt to escape, even though it’s doomed to fail, shows his unwavering determination and his refusal to give up hope. Daryl Dixon: the man who always tries to find a way out (even if it’s through a locked door and a horde of walkers).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 10+ (Dwight’s keeping busy).
• Human Deaths: 1 (the unlucky Savior who tried to escape).
• Survivor Count: Stable (for now), but Daryl’s fate is uncertain.

My Final Verdict:

“The Cell” is a dark and intense episode that delves into the psychological and emotional toll of captivity and the struggle to maintain your identity in the face of oppression. Daryl’s resilience and defiance are inspiring, while Dwight’s internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to the Saviors’ world. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure, and hope can flicker even in the most hopeless of situations. What did you think of the episode? Were you impressed by Daryl’s strength? Let’s discuss in the comments!