Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Trust – Lance Hornsby’s Power Play, Daryl’s Dilemma, and Maggie’s Ready to Rumble (Season 11, Episode 15)

Originally aired: April 3, 2022. Viewership dipped slightly to 1.67 million, but the tension was thicker than walker guts! Written by Kevin Deiboldt and directed by Lily Mariye.

The Commonwealth: Where the Smiles are Fake (and the Threats are Real):

“Trust” picks up with the fallout from the Riverbend massacre, as Lance Hornsby tries to cover his tracks and tighten his grip on the surrounding communities. Meanwhile, Daryl and Rosita are caught in the crossfire of the Commonwealth’s corruption, and Maggie is preparing for a showdown with the powers that be.

Key Plot Points:

• Lance Hornsby’s Cover-Up: “Nothing to See Here, Folks!”: Lance, being the slimy politician that he is, arrives at the scene of the Riverbend massacre and immediately starts spinning the narrative to his advantage. He claims that the survivors who fought back against his soldiers are dangerous and must be brought to justice. But his true intentions are clear – he wants to eliminate any threat to his power and control over the communities. Lance Hornsby: the politician who’s more slippery than a walker covered in guts.
• Daryl’s Tightrope Walk: “Which Side Am I On Again?”: Daryl, who’s now a soldier in the Commonwealth army, is caught between a rock and a hard place (and maybe a Lance and a Maggie). He’s forced to accompany Lance and his troops to Hilltop, where they interrogate Maggie and try to intimidate her into submission. Daryl, bless his loyal heart, tries to subtly warn Maggie about Lance’s true intentions, but he also has to be careful not to blow his cover. Daryl Dixon: the man who’s always playing both sides (and hoping he doesn’t get caught in the crossfire).!
• Mercer’s Crisis of Faith: “This System’s Broken!”: Mercer, the Commonwealth’s stoic and imposing head of security, is starting to have doubts about the system he’s sworn to protect. Princess, who’s never been one to shy away from speaking her mind (or calling out BS), challenges Mercer’s loyalty to the Commonwealth, pointing out the corruption and the injustice that’s rampant within the community. Mercer, who’s always been a man of honor and duty, is clearly conflicted, and his growing disillusionment suggests that he might be ready to join the resistance. Mercer: the soldier who’s about to become a rebel (with a really cool red suit of armor).!
• Ezekiel’s Underground Railroad: “The Doctor Will See You Now (Secretly)”: Ezekiel, who’s been struggling to get proper medical care for his cancer, finds an unexpected ally in Tomi, Pamela Milton’s brother and a skilled surgeon. They start an underground clinic, secretly treating those who are being neglected by the Commonwealth’s healthcare system. Carol, who’s always got a knack for finding loopholes (and manipulating situations to her advantage), helps to cover their tracks, showing her willingness to work within the system to help those in need. Ezekiel and Carol: the dynamic duo who’s fighting for healthcare reform (apocalypse edition).!
• Lance’s Dirty Deal: “Leah, I’ve Got a Job for You (It Involves Killing Maggie)”: In a shocking twist that will leave you gasping, Lance Hornsby makes a deal with Leah, the former Reaper leader who’s now a mercenary for hire. He wants Leah to eliminate Maggie and take control of Hilltop, showing his ruthless ambition and his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. Lance Hornsby: the politician who’s more dangerous than a walker with a briefcase (and a secret army).!

Themes and Deeper Meanings:

• Loyalty: The Ultimate Test: “Trust” explores the theme of loyalty in the apocalypse, as characters are forced to make difficult choices that challenge their allegiances and their values. Daryl’s struggle to balance his role in the Commonwealth military with his loyalty to Maggie, Mercer’s growing disillusionment with the system he’s sworn to uphold, and Leah’s return as a mercenary for hire all highlight the complexities of loyalty in a world where survival often means compromising your beliefs. The Walking Dead: where loyalty is a matter of life and death (and sometimes, betrayal).!
• Power: The Corrupting Influence: Lance Hornsby’s increasingly tyrannical behavior and his willingness to resort to violence and manipulation to achieve his goals show the corrupting influence of power in the apocalypse. He’s become the very thing he was supposed to be fighting against, and his actions threaten to destabilize the entire Commonwealth and plunge the communities into another war. Lance Hornsby: the villain who’s wearing a suit (and a mask of respectability).!
• Justice: The Fight for Equality: Ezekiel’s underground clinic and the revelation of the Commonwealth’s discriminatory healthcare system highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the apocalypse. Even in a seemingly civilized society, there are still those who are marginalized and oppressed, and the survivors are learning that the fight for survival is also a fight for a more just and equitable world. The Walking Dead: where the fight for freedom is also a fight for fairness.

Small Details You Might Have Missed:

• Lance Hornsby’s carefully maintained poker face during his visit to Hilltop masks his true intentions. He’s playing a game of deception, trying to lull Maggie into a false sense of security while secretly plotting her demise. Lance Hornsby: the man who’s always got a smile on his face (and a knife in his back pocket).!
• Hershel’s instinctive grabbing of his father’s hat when questioned by Lance is a symbolic moment that shows his connection to Glenn’s legacy and his own potential for bravery and defiance. Hershel Rhee: the boy who’s carrying his father’s torch.
• Princess’s ability to see through Mercer’s stoic facade and her encouragement for him to question his loyalty to the Commonwealth suggest that she might become a catalyst for his rebellion. She’s a free spirit who’s not afraid to challenge authority, and her influence on Mercer could be a game-changer in the fight against the Commonwealth’s corruption. Princess: the wildcard who might just spark a revolution.
• Leah’s survival after the Reaper War and her return as Lance’s hired gun adds another layer of complexity to the story. She’s a skilled and ruthless fighter who’s still angry at Daryl for betraying her, and her presence is sure to create more conflict and danger for the survivors. Leah: the woman who’s back for revenge.

Stats and Stuff:

• Lance Hornsby’s Kill Count: He’s indirectly responsible for dozens of deaths, making him one of the most dangerous villains in the series.
• Daryl’s Loyalty: His loyalties are divided, putting him in a precarious position.
• Hilltop’s Population: Their small numbers make them vulnerable to attack.
• Leah’s Survival Rate: She’s the only known survivor of the Reapers, making her a wildcard in the conflict.

My Final Verdict:

“Trust” is a tense and suspenseful episode that exposes the Commonwealth’s dark side and sets the stage for an explosive showdown between the survivors and their new oppressors. Lance Hornsby’s machinations, Daryl’s moral dilemma, and Maggie’s defiant spirit all contribute to the drama and intrigue of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most politically charged, reminding us that even in a world ravaged by walkers, the human struggle for power and control can be just as dangerous and unpredictable. What did you think of the episode? Were you surprised by Lance’s alliance with Leah? Let’s discuss in the comments!