The Walking Dead 815 – Worth
Worth marks the penultimate episode of The Walking Dead’s 8th season. A voiceover of Carl’s letter to Rick opens the episode and functions as the calm before the storm. The futility of war and Carl’s ability to cut through the pain and loss brings a tear to his father’s eye. A return to normalcy, to a world where Judith can experience the joys of growing up like her brother did is what Carl hopes for. His words, while powerful, can’t on their own push back the tide of war but they can effect change.
Eugene continues to oversee the production of bullets for the Saviors and some imperfections in the product lead him to Father Gabriel. Apparently Gabriel has been sabotaging the munitions and Eugene admonishes him for it. If getting berated by Eugene wasn’t enough, whatever sickness has taken hold of Gabriel seems to be getting worse. Eugene then heads outside to see what kind of damage Gabriel did to the bullets and runs straight in Daryl and Rosita.
Negan’s back, at least elements of the character viewers have come to love and hate. His subtle menace is on display when he corners Dwight at the Sanctuary and squeezes him for some intel. Seems like the Savior’s famous leader has abandonment and loyalty issues and even has Simon asking for forgiveness. Negan’s return does little to quell the growing coup against him. Simon’s quest to take control remains firm and he needs Dwight on board to complete the task.
With Negan’s bullet maker in Rosita and Daryl’s clutches the sins of his past come back to smack Eugene right in the face. The only thing keeping him alive is his skill set and he soon realizes that he’s a man without a home. His defection has cost him friends and his survival under Negan only goes as far as he is of use to him. While some of Eugene’s words carry weight and the harsh reality of truth he’s in no position to claim moral superiority.
Aaron even makes an appearance and comes to the aid of some of the ladies, including their leader Cyndie from Oceanside. They don’t need his help, and despite his efforts, they leave him weakened and dehydrated in the woods.
Worth has a few twists and turns before the screen goes black but it lacks the necessary tension required to raise expectations for next week’s finale. Negan’s reemergence as the smartest cat in the compound, even with a double dose of “Brutus”, making life difficult for him is welcome but how long knows it lasts is anyone’s guess. The bookends provided by Carl’s letters, combined with the images of the future earlier in the season can’t be discounted. Hopefully next week’s finale to ”All Out War” is worth the wait.
