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The Walking Dead: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life – Betrayal, Battles, and a Brave Sacrifice (Season 7, Episode 16 – Season Finale)

Originally aired: April 2, 2017. 11.31 million viewers tuned in for this epic and emotionally charged finale. Written by Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, and Matthew Negrete, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Alexandria: The Battleground:

“The First Day of the Rest of Your Life” is where all the planning, the alliances, and the simmering tensions of Season 7 come to a head. The survivors are finally ready to fight back against Negan and his Saviors, but they’re about to learn that the road to freedom is paved with sacrifice and betrayal.

Key Plot Points:

• Sasha’s Choice: The Suicide Queen: The episode opens with Sasha in captivity at the Sanctuary. She’s been captured after her infiltration attempt, and Negan, ever the manipulator, offers her a deal – join the Saviors and help him take down Rick’s group. Sasha, bless her cunning heart, pretends to agree, but she’s got a secret plan. She’s swallowed a suicide pill that Eugene gave her, and she’s going to use her own death to help her friends. Sasha Williams: the warrior who chose death over submission.
• The Scavengers: Trash Talkers and Traitors: Rick and the group, believing they have the Scavengers on their side, prepare to ambush the Saviors at Alexandria. But just when they think they’ve got the upper hand, Jadis and her trash-loving crew turn on them. They’ve made a better deal with Negan, and they’re not afraid to betray Rick and the others to save their own skins. The Scavengers: they’re like the raccoons of the apocalypse – always looking for the easiest way to get a meal (or a deal).!
• Sasha’s Surprise: The Walker in the Coffin: Negan, thinking he’s got Sasha under his control, brings her to Alexandria in a coffin, planning to use her as leverage against Rick. But when he opens the coffin, he’s met with a surprise – Sasha has turned into a walker! Her sacrifice creates chaos, allowing Rick and the group to fight back against the Saviors and the Scavengers. Sasha Williams: the hero who came back from the dead (to kick some Savior butt).!
• The Battle of Alexandria: All-Out War!: The streets of Alexandria erupt in a bloody battle, as Rick’s group, the Saviors, and the Scavengers clash. It’s a chaotic and intense fight, with bullets flying, walkers swarming, and emotions running high. Michonne nearly dies at the hands of a Scavenger, but she manages to escape with a little help from her friends (and a well-aimed bullet). Alexandria: the community that’s finally fighting for its freedom.
• Negan’s Last Stand (for Now): Negan, realizing that he’s outnumbered and outgunned, retreats with his remaining Saviors. But before he goes, he vows revenge, promising to return and destroy everything Rick and the others hold dear. Negan: the villain who always gets the last word (even when he’s running away).!
• The Alliance: Stronger Together: The episode ends with Rick, Ezekiel, and Maggie standing together, rallying their communities and preparing for the long and bloody war that lies ahead. They’ve lost friends, they’ve faced betrayal, but they’re more determined than ever to fight for their freedom and build a better future for their people. The alliance: the hope of the apocalypse.

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice: The Legacy of Heroes: Sasha’s selfless sacrifice is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who are willing to give their lives for the greater good. Her actions inspire the others to keep fighting and to never give up hope. Sasha Williams: the hero who died so that others could live.
• Unity: The Power of Trust (and the Pain of Betrayal): The betrayal of the Scavengers highlights the challenges of building trust in the apocalypse. But the unwavering bond between Rick’s group, the Kingdom, and the Hilltop shows the strength that comes from unity and cooperation. The apocalypse: it’s a world where trust is a precious commodity (and betrayal can be a death sentence).!
• Hope: The Fire That Burns Brightest: The survivors’ ability to rally together and face the Saviors, even after suffering setbacks and betrayals, is a testament to their resilience and their unwavering hope for a better future. They’re not going to let Negan and his crew crush their spirits, and they’re determined to fight for the world they want to live in. The Walking Dead: where hope is a weapon (and the survivors are armed and dangerous).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The use of Donny Hathaway’s song “Someday We’ll All Be Free” during Sasha’s flashbacks adds a layer of poignancy to her sacrifice.¹ It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still a dream of freedom and a hope for a better tomorrow. Sasha Williams: the woman who dreamed of a world without Negan.
• Jadis’s betrayal of Rick’s group hints at the Scavengers’ opportunistic nature and their willingness to switch sides whenever it suits their interests. They’re a wildcard in the war against the Saviors, and it’s unclear where their loyalties truly lie. The Scavengers: they’re like the vultures of the apocalypse, always circling and waiting for the right moment to strike.
• Negan’s sarcastic “thumbs up” after Sasha’s walker attack shows his ability to maintain his composure even in the face of chaos and surprise. He’s a master manipulator who’s always in control, even when it seems like he’s losing his grip. Negan: the villain who always has a trick up his sleeve.

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 20+ (the walkers are always happy to join the party).
• Human Deaths: 1 (Sasha, the brave hero) and numerous Saviors and Scavengers.
• Survivor Count: The alliance is strong, but the war is just beginning.

My Final Verdict:

“The First Day of the Rest of Your Life” is an epic and emotional season finale that marks the beginning of “All-Out War” in “The Walking Dead.” Sasha’s sacrifice, the Scavengers’ betrayal, and the explosive battle at Alexandria all contribute to the intensity and drama of the episode. This finale is a reminder that the fight for freedom is never easy, and the survivors are going to have to endure more heartbreak and loss before they can finally defeat Negan and his Saviors. What did you think of the finale? Were you shocked by Sasha’s death? Let’s discuss in the comments!