The Walking Dead: Ep. 704 Service
Service finally shifts the narrative back to Alexandria and the repercussions of what transpired between Negan and the group are still being felt. Rick’s leadership is called into question and the unity of Alexandria’s citizens start to show tiny fissures.
Negan and the Saviors find their way to Alexandria’s gates and it doesn’t take long for the tension to ramp up between the rival groups. With a new territory to claim for his own, Negan has brought the Saviors along on a well-armed scouting and salvage mission. If your hatred of Negan and the Saviors haven’t reached a zenith yet then Service should elevate it somewhere close to that level.
If anything is certain about the season so far it’s that Jeffrey Dean Morgan is having way too much fun as Negan. Every scene he’s in crackles as they teeter unevenly with off color humor, charisma and fear. Negan’s brand of terror is openly embraced by his lieutenants and further increases the sense of helplessness that seems to have been exacerbated by his oppressive rule.
There is some pushback among the group and an interesting dynamic, one already established in the comics, is beginning to be established between Negan and one of the members in Rick’s group. Rick however continues to be Negan’s punching bag, although considering one of the episode’s revelations, he may not be as meek as he seems.
Considering how this season is unfolding so far, something will have to give soon. Negan has neutered The Walking Dead’s two alpha males, the seeds of a potential mutiny are hinted at and the customary fight for survival that has been a symbol of the series so far has taken a decidedly submissive tone. Things are always darkest before the dawn and it doesn’t appear that things can get much worse for the group.
Service contains some startling revelations and shifts in characterization. The scenes between Michonne and Rick are particularly poignant, and it’s the quiet moments in their scenes together that really deliver. The episode is filled with emotional terror, doubt, despair and a tiny sliver of hope. With Glenn and Abraham’s murders, a void has been created. By the end of the Service’s nearly 60 minute running time it appears that there may be at least one member of the group willing to fill their shoes. That shift along with the people at the Kingdom and those at the Hilltop could potentially offer some pushback against Negan. How and if that happens will hopefully offer some redemption for Rick and the group.
