‘The Walking Dead’ season 7, episode 2: Carol and Morgan meet King Ezekiel
After what could be described as a “Walking Dead” slaughter on the season 7 premiere, we are still mourning the deaths of two major characters. We went into the premiere thinking we were only going to lose one, but Negan was only getting started. Not only that, but he has actually succeeded in breaking Rick down (along with most of the group). The one person that has found some serious inner strength is Maggie, who has easily had the most heartbreaking journey since we met her in season 2. Is she going to be the one to emerge as the new leader while Rick tries to find his way? Also, Negan has Daryl! Not a good situation for our group.
This week we are leaving the Negan situation aside and we are focusing on Carol and Morgan. When we last saw them, Carol had left the group again and was going on her own again, but Morgan felt an obligation to follow her and make things right.
After Carol was injured, Morgan was able to find people to help them and when she awakes after a few days she learns that she’s in a place called The Kingdom. Morgan has been helping this group out since they’ve helped Carol and once she’s better they will head back to Alexandria.
Now that Carol is up she’s meeting the man in charge… King Ezekiel. Oh yeah and he has a pet tiger. After meeting Negan, we didn’t know what to expect from King Ezekiel, but he turned out to be a fair ruler – if you drink from the well, you replenish the well. Basically, enjoy the kingdom, but contribute as well.
After meeting King Ezekiel, Carol thinks everyone is nuts and that this is a circus that she wants no part of. She tells Morgan privately that once she’s well, she’s out of there. Morgan on the other hand really likes this society, especially King Ezekiel who not only rules, but also participates.
After going on a supply run and feeding the pigs he finds on rotting flesh, we see King Ezekiel give the pigs to Negan’s group as part of the “weekly payment” to be left alone. Even when Negan is not around, he still influences all.
Carol finally finds her moment to try and leave, but King Ezekiel finds her before she has a chance, calling her out on her sweet and innocent act. He opens up to her about who he is and how making himself into something that’s larger then life has helped to give the people someone to follow – helping them feel safe. After being open with Carol about who he really is, he tries to get her to stay saying that he thinks he can help her. He offers to fill a pack for her and give her one of his men as a guide if she really wants to leave, but hopes that there is enough time for her to think about staying. She ends up staying, but in a house that’s quiet and out of the way of the main part of the camp.
The premiere of “The Walking Dead” was so violent and different then a lot of what we have seen in the past, but tonight’s episode was mirrored with a lot more of the subject matter that we are used to (tiger aside). There were walkers, supply runs and Carol trying to isolate herself with her pain. What we are really interested to see is how Carol deals with Daryl being taken by Negan. While Maggie is motivated to be a leader by revenge, Carol could be motivated to lead the group by wanting to protect Daryl. Episode grade: B-
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