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The Walking Dead: The Lost and the Plunderers – Trash Talkers Turned Trash, Negan’s Got a Mutiny, and Rick’s Still Grieving (Season 8, Episode 10)

Originally aired: March 4, 2018. 6.82 million viewers tuned in for this emotionally charged episode. Written by Angela Kang and directed by David Boyd.

The Aftermath of the Aftermath (Part 4):

“The Lost and the Plunderers” picks up with the fallout from the Saviors’ counterattack and Carl’s devastating death. The survivors are scattered, grieving, and trying to make sense of a world that seems to be spinning out of control. This episode is all about the different ways people cope with loss, the shifting power dynamics within the Saviors’ ranks, and the enduring hope for a better future.

Key Plot Points:

• Michonne’s Mourning: The Warrior Who Lost Her Way: Michonne, heartbroken by Carl’s death, is struggling to reconcile his vision of peace with the harsh realities of the war against the Saviors. She returns to Alexandria, hoping to find some solace in preserving what remains of their community and honoring Carl’s memory. Michonne: the woman who’s trying to find peace in a world at war.
• Simon’s Screw-Up: The Savior Who Went Rogue: Negan, ever the strategist, orders Simon to handle the Scavengers diplomatically, hoping to bring them back into the fold. But Simon, being the hotheaded and impulsive Savior that he is, decides to take matters into his own hands. He leads a group of Saviors to the junkyard and massacres the Scavengers, leaving only Jadis alive (barely). Simon: the Savior who’s about to learn that you don’t mess with Negan’s plans.
• Jadis’s Despair: The Queen of Trash Becomes the Queen of Sorrow: Jadis, who’s witnessed the brutal slaughter of her people, is left alone and devastated. She lures walkers into a giant trash compactor, grinding up the bodies of her former friends and community.¹ It’s a chilling scene that shows the depths of her despair and the emotional toll of the war. Jadis: the woman who lost everything (including her trash-loving friends).!
• Negan’s Power Play: Putting Simon in His Place: Negan, upon learning of Simon’s disobedience, is not happy. He confronts Simon, reminding him that he’s the one in charge, and that his brutal methods are not the way to maintain control. He then proceeds to choke Simon to death, reasserting his dominance and sending a clear message to his followers – don’t cross Negan. Negan: the villain who’s always got a plan (and a backup plan to kill anyone who messes with it).!
• Enid and Aaron’s Mission: Oceanside or Bust: Enid and Aaron, hoping to find new allies for the fight against the Saviors, head to Oceanside. They try to convince the women to join the rebellion, but their mission takes a tragic turn when Natania, the leader of Oceanside, is accidentally killed during a scuffle. Enid and Aaron: the ambassadors who brought bad news (and maybe a potential war).!
• Rick’s Phone Call: “Carl’s Dead, Negan. And I’m Coming for You”: Rick, still grieving Carl’s death, contacts Negan on the walkie-talkie.² He tells Negan about Carl’s fate, hoping to appeal to his humanity and maybe even find a way to end the war peacefully. But Negan, though surprisingly saddened by the news, is not ready to back down. He taunts Rick, blames him for Carl’s death, and vows to continue the fight. Rick Grimes: the father who’s fueled by grief and vengeance.

Themes and Meanings:

• Grief: The Many Faces of Loss: “The Lost and the Plunderers” explores the different ways that people cope with grief and loss in the apocalypse. Michonne’s quiet mourning, Jadis’s descent into despair, and Rick’s anger and determination all highlight the emotional toll of the war and the challenges of moving forward. Grief: it’s a monster that can consume you (or it can fuel your fight for survival).!
• Leadership: The Balance of Power: Simon’s defiance of Negan and Negan’s subsequent punishment emphasize the importance of control and order in a community, even a twisted one like the Saviors. Negan’s willingness to kill Simon shows that he’s not afraid to use violence to maintain his power, but it also hints at the potential cracks forming within his ranks. Leadership: it’s a game of chess, and Negan is always playing to win.
• Isolation: The Consequences of Betrayal: Jadis’s transformation from a confident leader to a solitary survivor reflects the devastating consequences of betrayal and loss. She’s lost her people, her community, and her sense of purpose. Her isolation is a reminder that in the apocalypse, trust is a precious commodity, and betrayal can leave you completely alone. Jadis: the woman who learned the hard way that you can’t always trust your allies.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Jadis’s art, made from walker body parts, is a macabre reflection of her own emotional state. She’s surrounded by death and destruction, and her art is a way of expressing her grief and her anger. Jadis: the artist who’s painting a picture of despair.
• Negan’s genuine sadness and regret over Carl’s death show a surprising depth to his character. He’s not just a one-dimensional villain; he’s a complex and conflicted individual who’s capable of feeling emotions, even if he tries to hide them behind a mask of bravado. Negan: the villain who’s not entirely heartless.
• Enid’s actions at Oceanside, where she takes charge and makes difficult decisions, show her growth as a leader. She’s learning to navigate the moral gray areas of the apocalypse and to do what’s necessary to protect her people. Enid: the young woman who’s finding her voice (and her strength).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 30+ (Jadis is giving those walkers a makeover they won’t soon forget).
• Human Deaths: The entire Scavenger community (RIP, trash-loving friends) and Natania (the leader who lost her life trying to protect her people).
• Survivor Count: The numbers are dwindling, and the war is taking its toll.

My Final Verdict:

“The Lost and the Plunderers” is a somber and emotionally charged episode that explores the fallout from Carl’s death and the shifting power dynamics in the war against the Saviors. Jadis’s transformation, Simon’s massacre, and Rick’s heartbreaking conversation with Negan all contribute to the intensity and drama of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most raw and unflinching, reminding us that even in the fight for freedom, there are no guarantees, and the cost of victory can be devastating. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Simon’s actions? Let’s discuss in the comments!