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The Walking Dead: The Lucky Ones – The Commonwealth’s Charm Offensive, Maggie’s Resistance, and Ezekiel’s Secret Deal (Season 11, Episode 12)

Originally aired: March 13, 2022. Viewership held steady at 1.70 million, proving that even political intrigue can be exciting in the apocalypse! Written by Vivian Tse and directed by Tawnia McKiernan.

The Commonwealth’s Roadshow: “We’re Here to Help (and Take Over)”:

“The Lucky Ones” shifts the focus from the bloody battles and walker guts to the more subtle (but no less dangerous) world of politics and power struggles. Pamela Milton, the charismatic leader of the Commonwealth, is on a mission to expand her territory, and she’s got her sights set on Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside.

Key Plot Points:

• Pamela’s PR Tour: “Smile and Wave, Boys!”: Pamela Milton, accompanied by Lance Hornsby (the Commonwealth’s resident slimeball) and a squad of stormtroopers (I mean, soldiers), embarks on a tour of the surrounding communities. She’s putting on her best politician smile, promising safety, resources, and a better way of life. But it’s clear that she sees these communities as nothing more than potential assets to be absorbed into the Commonwealth’s grand scheme. Pamela Milton: the politician who’s got more charm than a walker horde has teeth.
• Maggie’s Not Buying It: “Hilltop’s Not for Sale!”: Maggie, who’s always been a bit of a rebel (and a mama bear), is not impressed by Pamela’s promises. She’s seen the dark side of power, and she’s not about to give up the Hilltop’s independence without a fight. Her defiance of Pamela’s offer creates tension and sets the stage for a potential conflict between the two communities. Maggie Rhee: the woman who’s not afraid to stand up to a politician (or a walker, or a Savior, or basically anyone).!
• Ezekiel’s Secret Deal: “I’ll Take That Surgery Now, Please”: Ezekiel, who’s been struggling with his cancer diagnosis, gets some good news (with a side of moral compromise). Carol, ever the resourceful one, has made a deal with Lance Hornsby to get Ezekiel moved up on the surgery waitlist. Ezekiel is grateful, but he’s also uneasy about the favoritism and the corruption that’s clearly at play in the Commonwealth. Ezekiel: the king who’s learning that even in the apocalypse, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
• Eugene’s Heartbreak (Part 2): “Stephanie, You Lied to Me!”: Eugene is still reeling from the revelation that “Stephanie” was a fake, a Commonwealth agent sent to manipulate him. But his heartbreak is soon replaced by a new spark of hope when he meets Max, the real Stephanie, who was the voice on the radio all along. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s finally found his true love (or at least, the real version of her).!
• Lance Hornsby’s Power Play: “I’m the Puppet Master Now”: Lance Hornsby, who’s clearly got his own ambitions for power, is frustrated by Maggie’s resistance to the Commonwealth’s offer. He’s been manipulating events behind the scenes, hoping to expand the Commonwealth’s territory and increase his own influence. But Maggie’s defiance throws a wrench in his plans, and it’s clear that he’s not going to take it lying down. Lance Hornsby: the politician who’s always got a plan (and a backup plan, and a backup plan for his backup plan).!

Themes and Deeper Meanings:

• Choice: The Illusion of Freedom: The Commonwealth’s offer of assimilation might seem like a good deal, but it comes at a cost – independence and self-determination. Maggie’s resistance to the Commonwealth’s rule highlights the importance of autonomy and the right to choose your own path, even in the apocalypse. The Walking Dead: where freedom is worth fighting for (even if it means fighting your supposed saviors).!
• Politics: The Game Never Ends: “The Lucky Ones” is a reminder that even in a world overrun by walkers, politics and power struggles are still a thing. Pamela Milton’s charm offensive and Lance Hornsby’s manipulative tactics show the different ways that people can try to gain control and influence others. The Walking Dead: where the real zombies are sometimes the politicians.
• Leadership: The Clash of Ideals: Maggie’s belief in self-reliance and community-driven leadership clashes with the Commonwealth’s top-down approach and its emphasis on order and hierarchy. This conflict of ideologies is sure to create tension and conflict in the future, as the survivors grapple with the challenges of integrating into a new society while also trying to maintain their own values and beliefs. The Walking Dead: where leadership is a balancing act between pragmatism and idealism.

Small Details You Might Have Missed:

• Pamela Milton’s casual hunting trip during her tour of the communities is a subtle but significant detail. It shows her sense of entitlement and her belief that she’s above the struggles of ordinary survivors. Pamela Milton: the leader who’s got a taste for venison (and power).!
• Lance Hornsby’s growing frustration and his increasingly aggressive behavior suggest that he’s not content with being second-in-command. He’s ambitious and power-hungry, and he’s likely to make a play for control in the future. Lance Hornsby: the man who’s always lurking in the shadows (and waiting for his chance to strike).!
• Max’s introduction as the real Stephanie is a twist that adds a new layer of intrigue to the Commonwealth storyline. She’s clearly an intelligent and capable woman, and her connection to Eugene could be a key factor in uncovering the truth about the Commonwealth’s secrets and challenging its corrupt leadership. Max: the woman who’s got Eugene’s heart (and maybe the key to the Commonwealth’s downfall).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Commonwealth Population: ~50,000 (that’s a lot of people to keep in line!).
• Communities Under Commonwealth Influence: Alexandria (undecided), Hilltop (rejected), Oceanside (likely to follow Hilltop’s lead).
• Survival Rate for Commonwealth Surgery Patients: Unknown, but Ezekiel’s treatment highlights the inequality and favoritism within the community.

My Final Verdict:

“The Lucky Ones” is a tense and politically charged episode that explores the complexities of power, leadership, and the challenges of rebuilding a society in the apocalypse. Maggie’s defiance, Ezekiel’s moral dilemma, and Eugene’s emotional rollercoaster all contribute to the drama and intrigue of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most thought-provoking, reminding us that even in a world filled with walkers and Whisperers, the human conflicts and the struggle for control are just as dangerous and unpredictable. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Maggie’s decision? Let’s discuss in the comments!