Over the course of five-and-a-half seasons of The Walking Dead, weve seen survivors settle into prisons, hospitals, churches, farms, small towns, and gated communities. And in this weeks episode Knots Untie we visit someplace entirely new: The Hilltop, an agrarian society built around a Colonial Williamsburg-like living history museum. Thats something this show has always done well. Sure, nearly every storyline ends with half the characters dead and our heroes starting over. But at least the writers are kind enough to change the scenery.
After the relatively relaxing downshift and reset of last weeks episode, this latest installment picks up the pace, building smartly on what came before. Nearly the entire hour is spent with Rick, Michonne, Glenn, Maggie, Daryl, and Abraham, as they hop into their RV with Jesus and drive to Hilltop, to explore the possibility of opening up trade. The newcomers people have livestock and crops. And Ricks people? They have weapons and ammo and well, thats about it. But theyve survived and even thrived in every one of those aforementioned locations. Increasingly in this fallen world, adaptability is the most valuable asset.
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Knots Untied is a strong episode overall, as introduction-minded Walking Deads tend to be. Just when were getting sick of the same buildings and the same people, this show has a way of revitalizing itself just by hitting the road, and taking a look at how other survivors are making do. Its always fun to meet new folks especially when theyre as amusingly prickly as Hilltop leader Gregory (played by the always-formidable Xander Berkeley), who spends a lot of this chapter verbally sparring with Maggie.
The two big Gregory/Maggie scenes are the highlights of this episode, for a couple of reasons. We havent seen much of Ms. Greene lately, so its good that she has something to do other than listening to other people talk about their plans, that is. More importantly, when a series relies as much on quiet scenes of conversation as The Walking Dead does, it helps when those moments are actually dramatic. What these two have to say to each other matters. As they ask questions, strike deals, and bluff about their towns respective strengths, theyre establishing what the relationship between Alexandria and Hilltop will be going forward.
Contrast that with another character who gets a lot to say this week: Abraham. The good sergeants been questioning his future with his girlfriend Rosita lately, because hes developed a crush on Sasha, and hes not sure if it makes sense to settle down with anyone in this dangerous, untamed zombieland. Credited writers Matthew Negrete and Channing Powell have a lot of fun with Abes colorful dialogue, whether hes talking about Rick and Michonne ugging bumplies or hes questioning Glenn about Maggies pregnancy by asking, When you were pouring the Bisquick, were you trying to make pancakes?
The problem with the Abraham scenes is that they go the same thematic well that The Walking Dead dips into these days, where a character talks and talks and talks about whether its better to plan for a distant future or to focus on making it through another day. Thats a fine thing to consider, and its what this whole series is about, ultimately. But havent we had this conversation already? Like, a lot? Isnt there another navel we can gaze at?
Luckily, Knots Untied isnt all talk. Not long after Rick and company arrive at Hilltop, they find out that Jesus hasnt been entirely honest about why he wants to work with them. As it happens, without Alexandrias impressive arsenal, this old plantation has been turning over a hefty percentage of its output to the mysterious Negan and his lackeys, known as The Saviors. We learn this when some Hilltoppers return from a supply drop, minus two colleagues whove been killed and one whos been imprisoned. As soon as they walk through the gate, they try to assassinate Gregory, on Negans orders.
So now Maggie has something to trade. Shes certain that her battle-tested warriors can wipe out the Saviors, and asks for half of the Hilltops food and medicine in return, along with one of them cows. Her friends are willing to be hired muscle, to save their new neighbors from bullying marauders. Thats a classic adventure plot right there: think The Seven Samurai (or, if you prefer, The Magnificent Seven, or A Bugs Life). Mainly, think action, which is what The Walking Dead needs most heading into Season Sixs homestretch.
All modern zombie stories have their roots in George Romeros Night of the Living Dead and its sequels, which invented how the undead behave. Those films werent exactly optimistic. You could sum them all up with what Jesus says to Rick this week: Knots untie and locks get picked. Entropy comes from order. But theyre entertaining, because they show people doing something to stave off the end of the world. Its okay for a TV drama to allow its characters to take a few moments now and then to talk about how they want to build their new society. Eventually though, someone needs to pick up a hammer.
Previously: Jesus Saves