The Walking Dead 915 – The Calm Before
Ezekiel’s sermon on the balcony kicks off the Fair of New Beginnings and it’s a moment filled with hope. The chasm between the various communities is highlighted by a reunion where it’s noted that Judith hasn’t seen Carol or Ezekiel since she was a child. The good feelings don’t last long however as there are other forces at work to tip the scales in favor of chaos.
Lydia’s presence continues to cause friction. Tara bristles when she discovers that she is part of the group entering the Kingdom. Michonne’s recent epiphany, as well as the words of some of the other community leaders, helps to calm Tara’s fears even though her concern about a potential attack from the Whisperers is a legitimate one. The Calm Before starts with a reconciliation and the promise of new beginnings, things that will be necessary for everyone to meet the challenges at their collective doorsteps.
On the way back to the Hilltop, Michonne, Daryl, and Carol run across Ozzy and the Highwaymen. Ozzy and his crew show them the aftermath of the Whisperers attack on a group that was on their way from the Hilltop to the fair. This leads them to split up and move into the woods to see if they can track down those responsible for the attack. Things go from bad to worse when Carol and Co. are surrounded by a well armed group of Whisperers, led by Beta.
Meanwhile back at the Kingdom, a disappointed Lydia becomes the center of attention on a couple of fronts, including her mother’s, who has slithered her way behind enemy lines. Alpha’s a piece of work but there’s a method to her madness. Although she may not be able to control her daughter, she does exert a considerable hold on her followers not to mention a walker hoard the likes not seen since the Season 6 premiere. Her final warning to Daryl yields shocking results that will no doubt have viewers lighting up social media for some time.
The Calm Before will send shockwaves through the Walking Dead universe. Does this episode elevate Alpha to Negan status in terms of being a big bad? Perhaps not as Negan’s initial acts of violence set a very high bar and may have desensitized viewers to the carnage this new world holds. Either way Alpha isn’t one to be trifled with and the stage has been set for a charged conclusion to the season.
