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The Walking Dead: The Storm – Snowpocalypse, Sad Kings, and a Mysterious Voice on the Radio (Season 9, Episode 16 – Season Finale)

Originally aired: March 31, 2019. 5 million viewers tuned in to see how the survivors would weather this literal and figurative storm. Written by Scott M. Gimple and directed by Greg Nicotero.

Alexandria, Hilltop, and the Kingdom: Winter is Coming (and It’s Bringing the Feels):

“The Storm” picks up with the aftermath of the devastating pike massacre. The survivors are reeling from their losses, and they’re facing a new challenge – a brutal winter storm that’s threatening to wipe them out. But amidst the freezing temperatures and the emotional turmoil, there are also moments of resilience, redemption, and the promise of a new beginning.

Key Plot Points:

• Border Crossing: Alpha’s Gonna Be Pissed!: The survivors, desperate to escape the storm, are forced to make a risky decision – they cross into Whisperer territory. It’s a bold move, and it’s sure to have consequences. But they’re willing to risk Alpha’s wrath to protect their people and find a safe haven from the blizzard. The survivors: they’re not afraid to break the rules (or cross a few lines) when it comes to survival.
• Snowpocalypse: The Walking Dead: Winter Edition: The storm hits hard, bringing freezing temperatures, snow drifts, and a whole new set of challenges for the survivors. They’re struggling to stay warm, find food, and avoid becoming popsicles (or walker snacks). They eventually find refuge in the Sanctuary, the former Savior stronghold, which is a haunting reminder of their past battles and the losses they’ve endured. The Sanctuary: it’s not exactly a winter wonderland, but it’s better than freezing to death.
• Negan’s Redemption Arc: The Babysitter Who Saves the Day: Negan, who’s been locked up in Alexandria for over a year, continues to show signs of change. When Judith runs off into the storm to save her dog, Negan risks his own life to find her and bring her back safely. His actions earn him begrudging respect from Michonne and the others, and it’s clear that he’s on the path to redemption (or at least, a slightly less villainous version of himself). Negan: the bad guy who’s learning to be a good guy (or at least a decent babysitter).!
• The King and Queen’s Breakup: “It’s Not You, It’s Me (and the Apocalypse)”: Ezekiel and Carol, who’ve been the picture-perfect couple of the apocalypse, are facing some serious relationship problems. The weight of their grief over Henry’s death and the stress of leadership have taken their toll, and they’re starting to drift apart. Carol, realizing that she needs to find her own way, decides to leave the Kingdom and give Ezekiel back his ring. Ezekiel and Carol: the royal couple who’s facing a royal pain in the you-know-what.
• Alpha’s Winter Wonderland: “I’m So Cold, I Could Kill Someone”: Alpha, being the tough-as-nails leader that she is, is not fazed by the snowstorm. She and Beta are preparing the Whisperers for future conflicts, and Alpha demonstrates her resilience by subjecting herself to pain and cold, reinforcing her dominance over her followers. Alpha: the woman who’s tougher than a frozen walker.
• The Mysterious Voice: “Hello? Is Anyone Out There?”: The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as a mysterious voice comes through the radio at the Hilltop. The identity of the voice is not revealed, but it’s clear that it’s someone from outside the communities, and they might have information or resources that could help the survivors. The radio: the new source of hope (or maybe just more trouble).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Resilience: Weathering the Storm: The snowstorm in “The Storm” is not just a weather event; it’s a metaphor for the challenges and hardships that the survivors are facing. They’ve lost loved ones, they’re facing new threats, and they’re struggling to rebuild their lives. But they’re also showing incredible resilience, refusing to give up and finding ways to endure, even in the bleakest of moments. The Walking Dead: where survival is a matter of weathering the storms (both literal and figurative).!
• Relationships: The Fragility of Bonds: Ezekiel and Carol’s separation is a reminder that even the strongest relationships can be strained by the pressures of the apocalypse. Grief, loss, and the constant threat of danger can take their toll on even the most loving couples. The Walking Dead: where love is a battlefield.
• Hope: The Light in the Darkness: The mysterious radio transmission at the end of the episode offers a glimmer of hope for the survivors. It suggests that there might be other communities out there, other people who are also trying to rebuild and create a better world. Hope: it’s the spark that can ignite a fire (or maybe just a radio signal).!

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• The survivors’ return to the Sanctuary, the place where they once faced Negan’s tyranny, is a visual reminder of how far they’ve come and how much they’ve overcome. It’s also a symbol of their ability to adapt and repurpose the remnants of the past for their own needs. The Sanctuary: from a symbol of oppression to a shelter from the storm.
• Carol cutting her hair is a subtle callback to earlier seasons, when she would change her appearance after traumatic events as a way of shedding the past and embracing a new identity. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s always reinventing herself.
• Judith giving Negan the compass earlier in the season is a sign of her trust in him and her belief in his potential for redemption. It’s a small but significant gesture that foreshadows Negan’s role in saving her life during the storm. Judith Grimes: the girl who sees the good in everyone (even Negan).!
• Alpha’s ritualistic self-harm is a disturbing reminder of the Whisperers’ twisted ideology and their embrace of pain and suffering as a way of life. It’s a stark contrast to the survivors’ values and their belief in the importance of human connection and compassion. Alpha: the leader who’s more comfortable with pain than with love.

Stats and Stuff:

• Viewership: 5 million viewers (the apocalypse is still a popular destination).
• Critical Ratings: IMDb score of 7.5/10 and an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes for the season (critics and fans agree – Season 9 is a winner!).
• Deaths: No major character deaths (a welcome change of pace after the pike massacre!).

My Final Verdict:

“The Storm” is a fitting end to a season of change and transition in “The Walking Dead.” The survivors have faced new challenges, new enemies, and new losses, but they’ve also found new strength, new alliances, and new hope for the future. This episode is a reminder that even in the bleakest of times, the human spirit can endure, and the fight for survival is always worth fighting. What did you think of the season finale? Were you surprised by Negan’s actions? Let’s discuss in the comments!