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The Walking Dead: Warlords – The Commonwealth’s Dirty Deeds, Negan’s New Crew, and Maggie’s Ready for a Fight (Season 11, Episode 13)

Originally aired: March 20, 2022. Viewership held steady at 1.77 million, proving that even in the final season, there’s still plenty of action and intrigue to keep us hooked! Written by Jim Barnes & Erik Mountain, and directed by Loren Yaconelli.

The Commonwealth’s True Colors: They’re Not Just Bureaucrats, They’re Also Killers:

“Warlords” takes a dark turn, as we see the Commonwealth’s expansionist ambitions take a violent turn. Aaron and Gabriel, who thought they were on a diplomatic mission, find themselves caught in the middle of a massacre, and Maggie, Lydia, and Elijah are about to learn that the Commonwealth is not to be trusted.

Key Plot Points:

• The Messenger: “They’re All Dead!”: The episode opens with a bang (literally), as a bloodied messenger arrives at Hilltop with a dire warning – the Commonwealth has attacked a group of survivors and slaughtered them all. Maggie, Lydia, and Elijah are shocked and horrified, but they also know that they have to act fast to prevent further bloodshed. The Walking Dead: where even the messengers get caught in the crossfire.
• Flashback Friday (Again, Again, Again): We’re taken back in time a few hours to see what led to this tragic event. Aaron and Gabriel, along with a group of Commonwealth soldiers, are on a mission to meet with a religious community and convince them to join the Commonwealth. But the mission is a trap, orchestrated by Lance Hornsby, the Commonwealth’s power-hungry deputy governor. Lance Hornsby: the politician who’s got more skeletons in his closet than a graveyard.
• The Massacre: “Diplomacy? Nah, Let’s Just Shoot ‘Em!”: Just when it seems like the negotiations with the religious group are going smoothly, the Commonwealth soldiers open fire. They massacre the community, leaving Aaron and Gabriel stunned and horrified. Carlson, the leader of the soldiers, is revealed to be a ruthless killer who enjoys his work a little too much. Carlson: the Commonwealth’s version of a Terminator.
• Negan’s New Pad: “Welcome to My Crib (It’s Not the Sanctuary)”: Aaron and Gabriel, trying to escape the carnage, are rescued by a mysterious group of survivors. It turns out to be Negan and his new community! Negan, who’s been laying low since leaving Alexandria, has found a new group of people to protect, and he’s clearly not the same villain he once was. He helps Aaron and Gabriel, providing them with information about the massacre and sending the dying messenger to warn Maggie. Negan: the villain who’s trying to be a hero (or at least, a less terrible person).!
• Maggie’s Ready for War: “Let’s Show These Commonwealth Jerks What We’re Made Of!”: Maggie, after learning about the Commonwealth’s betrayal, is ready to fight back. She rallies her people, including Lydia and Elijah, and prepares for a showdown with the Commonwealth soldiers. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what’s going to happen next. Maggie Rhee: the woman who’s not afraid to take on the Commonwealth (or anyone else who threatens her people).!

Themes and Deeper Meanings:

• The Commonwealth: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: “Warlords” exposes the true nature of the Commonwealth. They’re not just a benevolent and civilized society; they’re also a ruthless and power-hungry force that’s willing to use violence and deception to achieve its goals. This episode shatters the illusion of the Commonwealth as a utopia and sets the stage for a conflict between the survivors and their supposed saviors. The Walking Dead: where even the most promising communities can have dark secrets.
• Morality: The Price of Survival: Aaron and Gabriel’s moral conflict highlights the challenges of maintaining your values in the apocalypse. They believed in the Commonwealth’s promise of peace and cooperation, but they’re now forced to confront the reality of their brutal methods. The Walking Dead: where the line between good and evil is constantly being blurred.
• Negan’s Redemption: The Long Road Back: Negan’s actions in this episode suggest that he’s continuing his journey towards redemption. He’s no longer the tyrannical leader of the Saviors; he’s now a protector, a leader who’s trying to do right by his people. His willingness to help Aaron and Gabriel and his warning to Maggie show that he’s changed, even if he’s still got a long way to go. Negan: the villain who might just become a hero (or at least, a less terrible person).!
• Maggie’s Defiance: The Rebel Leader: Maggie’s refusal to submit to the Commonwealth’s rule and her determination to fight for her community’s independence highlight her strength and her leadership qualities. She’s not going to let anyone, not even the seemingly benevolent Pamela Milton, dictate her people’s fate. Maggie Rhee: the woman who’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

Small Details You Might Have Missed:

• Carlson’s brutal efficiency in killing the religious group members suggests that he’s not just a soldier; he’s a trained killer who enjoys his work. His past as a CIA agent adds a layer of darkness to his character and foreshadows the lengths he’s willing to go to to achieve his goals. Carlson: the Commonwealth’s secret weapon.
• Negan’s new group is different from the Saviors in several ways. They’re not as numerous, they don’t seem to be as oppressive, and they’re clearly loyal to Negan, suggesting that he’s earned their respect and trust. This contrast highlights Negan’s potential for change and his ability to inspire loyalty without resorting to fear and intimidation. Negan: the leader who’s learning a new way.
• Gabriel’s hesitation to kill Carlson, even though he has the opportunity, shows that he’s still struggling with his own morality and his aversion to violence. He’s come a long way from the cowardly priest he once was, but he’s still not comfortable with taking a life, even if it’s to protect his people. Gabriel: the man who’s still searching for his moral compass.
• The dying messenger’s arrival at the Hilltop foreshadows the escalating conflict between the survivors and the Commonwealth. It’s a reminder that the war is far from over, and the survivors are about to face a new and dangerous enemy. The messenger: the harbinger of doom.

Stats and Stuff:

• Number of Casualties in the Massacre: 20+ (the Commonwealth’s brutality is on full display).
• Aaron & Gabriel’s Survival Rate: Miraculously high (they’re lucky to be alive).
• Negan’s Group Size: Unclear, but they could be a valuable ally in the fight against the Commonwealth.
• Commonwealth Soldiers Lost: A few, but the civilian casualties are what really matter.

My Final Verdict:

“Warlords” is a tense and action-packed episode that pulls back the curtain on the Commonwealth’s dark side and sets the stage for a rebellion against their oppressive rule. The massacre, the betrayals, and the unexpected alliances all contribute to the drama and suspense of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most morally ambiguous and thrilling, reminding us that even in a world that’s supposed to be civilized, there’s still room for violence, deception, and the struggle for power. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by the Commonwealth’s actions? Let’s discuss in the comments!