‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: ‘Morning Star’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Over the course of the past season and a half or so, The Walking Dead has done a phenomenal job of exploring the power of fear and what it does to people, and it has accomplished this particular feat by introducing one tough and ruthless villain into the mix. For Alpha cares not about compromise or feelings or morality for that matter as well. She simply cares about her way of life, and she will do whatever it takes to keep that status quo going, even if that means destroying lives in brutal and unimaginable fashion, and her constant and unrelenting actions have brought about the exploration in question since she’s been successful in engendering fear and chaos across Hilltop and Alexandria.
 
After all, we’ve watched good people become outright paranoid, to the point where they watch over their shoulders when they travel, out of concern that a Whisperer might be hovering about. But while that’s unsettling in its own right, it’s the lasting impact of living in constant terror that matters more to this exploration, for it has ripped these communities to shreds from the inside out. For they no longer know who to trust, and that’s led to fights amongst friends and surrogate family and some of the characters are so afraid of what horrors might come next, that they’ve embraced the darkest parts of their survival instincts and will also do whatever it takes to keep themselves and their friends safe, regardless of the cost.
 
But what made last night’s episode so fascinating and so unique, is the sheer fact that ‘Morning Star’ figured out a way to add a new wrinkle to this exploration of fear, one that was positive in nature. Which sounds impossible in its own right, and the fact that Alpha was making her move to destroy both Alexandria and Hilltop only added to that impossibility, as did the worry and terror that everyone in Hilltop rightfully felt in this tale. Because the roads out were blocked, the odds seemed insurmountable in regard to survival and well, facing something supremely ugly is what brought about this more positive exploration of fear and its impact upon us.
 
For in essence, there comes a point where fear becomes nothing more than a grand nuisance in our lives, and the mistakes we’ve made because of it, and the way we feel under its influence eventually gives us clarity. And we come to understand that letting it control us and guide us is a bad idea and it is best we simply let go of it. And facing a possible end, and coming to that particular realization allowed for everyone to find a little peace, and it prompted so many to begin to mend all the rifts that have been created since Alpha started playing her little games and this brought about, some incredibly beautiful sequences, the kind that definitely brought a lump to one’s throat.

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Oddly enough, the majority of positive moments in regard to seizing one’s life back from the iron grip of fear, were handled by Carol. Because she took the time to open up to Ezekiel and let him know how much he really does mean to her. And of course, she took the time to make some level of peace with Daryl, to the point where he made it clear that his anger will eventually fade because they are still the best of friends and he will never reject or hate his biffle. But truly the most pivotal moment when it comes to Carol’s pseudo redemption in this tale, is when she took the time to make a little peace with Lydia. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was nice to see Carol and Lydia both acknowledge their hurt and their sorrow in regard to Henry and their regret in harming one another emotionally, and that definitely offers a shred of hope for a better future when this nightmare is finally over.
 
Yet what was truly impressive about this part of the story, is that the beautiful moments weren’t limited to Carol’s storyline. For Daryl and Ezekiel finally had an open and honest conversation with one another, one filled with respect and admiration and one that ensured that the children would be safe if this fight went south. But truly, the finest moment present in this particular tale is when Daryl and Judith had a little heart to heart about why she couldn’t fight and why she needed to follow his instructions once the fight got underway. Because this really was beautiful and gentle and it was great to see Daryl play the role of the uncle to a tee and receive the beautiful gift of his repaired vest from his niece, since in many ways it symbolized how everyone was rising from the ashes of fear in this tale.
 
But while all of this was wonderful and warm to watch, there was still a grand fight awaiting everyone at Hilltop and eventually, that fight finally arrived at their doorstep, and the newfound motivation and focus found within the walls of Hilltop paid off in spades for a time. Because everyone fought with renewed vigor and determination. But sadly, Alpha had other plans to finish this fight, and despite Negan’s request to keep everyone alive and demand they join the group, Alpha wanted them to join the ranks of the Whisperers as members of the horde and her scheming ways left fire and the dead surrounding this brave band of fighters, and their fate will be determined another day since this one ended on a cliffhanger.
 
If anything, this really was one hell of an episode when all is said and done. Because it did a phenomenal job of building tension since the dead were slowly on their way to Hilltop throughout the entire tale, making their appearance chilling and horrifying when they finally arrived. But more importantly, this story focused heavily on the characters and hopefully everyone on the front lines can escape Alpha’s fiery onslaught in order to allow for something worthwhile to come out of their growth. But before that can happen, they’re in for one epic fight and while we wait to see how that battle ends, we can all bask in the wonder of a magnificent story, one that finally saw everyone confront their fear and their demons and band together to battle an incredible foe. And they’re going to need every ounce of that unity in the days ahead since Alpha’s fury has been unleashed and it will take everything, they’ve got to stop her. Until next time.

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