Walking Dead Ep. 611 “Knots Untie”
“Confrontation is something we’ve never had trouble with”
After last week’s episode veered humorously away from The Walking Dead formula and into buddy cop territory, Knots Untie returned the series to its familiar roots. Knots Untie is an apt title for an episode that sees things begin to unravel for some of the characters on The Walking Dead. During the episode romantic aspirations ebb and flow, life after Alexandria is explored and we’re introduced to a new set of characters that help set the table for the final episodes of Season 6.
To kick things off Jesus prompts a gathering of the group after walking in on Rick and Michone at the conclusion of last week’s episode. He’s the closest thing to a ninja in The Walking Dead universe and his uncanny abilities make him a formidable figure for the group to handle. Knots Untie reveals some of Jesus’ back story and his tales and experience suggest that there’s more out there past the walls of Alexandria.
Once again, the interaction between cast members is one of the highlights of the episode. Daryl and Denise’s short scenes together continue to delight and contain some of the best dialogue on the show. The same can be said of a poignant scene between Abe and Glenn that touches on one of the main themes of the The Walking Dead. As Abe struggles through some romantic conflict, he turns to Glenn to talk about Maggie’s pregnancy. Abe questions their decision to have a child and marvels at the balls it took to do so considering the world they live in. Glenn, displaying the resolve that kept him alive while being trapped under the garbage dumpster, calmly states that he and Maggie are going ahead with her pregnancy because they are both trying to build something.
A road trip to meet Jesus’ people brings Rick and the group to the Hilltop Colony, a community that exists beyond Alexandria. The power dynamic in Rick’s group shifts as Maggie and Gregory, the Hilltop’s leader, have some great scenes as they go head to head to try to figure out how both communities can coexist. Knots Untie also features another classic Rick moment that harkens back to Season 5.
It also shifts Maggie into a new role, one that goes well with her as a symbol of hope, carrying a member of a new generation, and as a power broker in Rick’s group. The spectre of Negan is also touched upon. The next big bad in The Walking Dead universe appears to have his tentacles reaching far and wide as more is revealed and hints are dropped regarding the extent of his power.
Knots Untie, while light on walkers and mayhem, is deep on character development particularly where Abe and Maggie are concerned. It’s a satisfying return to The Walking Dead formula and sets the stage for the final episodes of Season 6.
