The Walking Dead 907 – Stradivarius
Stradivarius gives viewers their first post-Rick look at the Hilltop and at first glace the years have been kind to the community. Crops are flourishing, people are getting along and preoccupied with the mundanity of life. Jesus is in charge, although on a temporary basis, and Enid and Tara have assumed positions of responsibility. Although there is still a degree of co-operation between the Hilltop and Alexandria there appears to be some distance between the principles in each community.
While taking the Magna and the newcomers to the Hilltop, Michonne reveals that she hasn’t set foot there in some time. Another infrequent visitor appears to be Carol, although she is taking Henry there so the young lad can get some training in. Before reaching her destination though, Carol and Henry pay a visit to Daryl who has become a recluse and lives on his own in the wilderness. Haunted by never finding Rick’s body, Daryl has been searching for him ever since to the point that he’s cut off contact from the others.
The talking walkers from last episode have Rosita on the run and with that viewers get another look at the Whisperers, one of the more popular antagonists from the comic book. Using the husks of the undead to blend in with the hoards, the Whisperers wreck havoc on those who stand in their way. Separated from Eugene and in desperate need of help, Rosita luckily runs across Aaron and Jesus who happen to be engaged in one of their frequent, yet clandestine meetings.
Stradivarius opens up several questions surrounding why the once tight knit communities are now so estranged. What transpired to cause Maggie and Michonne to want to avoid each other? What caused Maggie to leave the Hilltop with Herschel? Why do Aaron and Jesus have to meet in secret? And what happened to Daryl and Michonne now that we know they have the same x-shaped scars?
Rosita and Eugene’s dilemma kick-starts a reunion of sorts bringing Daryl, Carol and Michonne towards the Hilltop. With Eugene still unaccounted for a search party is formed and it’s just like old times. New alliances are also being forged, albeit cautiously. Even after working together to dispatch a bunch of walkers, Michonne and Magna don’t really trust each other. Magna’s crew is a formidable bunch though, whose skills will be needed in the inevitable battle with the Whisperers.
