‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: ‘Rogue Element’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1111 of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to enjoy another iconic episode of the AMC series, The Walking Dead, it really appeared as though our heroes… who have been through complete and utter hell for the past couple of seasons… were finally finding peace and comfort and a better tomorrow. For the Commonwealth was pretty much as advertised, since it featured an economy and structure and safety for those who joined its ranks, and despite having a few concerns, such as wealth inequality and some unrest from those suffering from that problem; there was no real evidence that this place was harboring genuine trouble. It just appeared as though it was stuck in certain elements of the past. 

But alas, this week’s episode proved to all of us, that the Commonwealth may not be the utopia that everyone is hoping for and that it harbors a darkness and secrets that could prove to be troublesome for our heroes and the people that call this place home. But as is often tradition on this series, this is something that didn’t become apparent until later on the episode. For early on in ‘Rogue Element’, it really did seem as though the story was going to do its best to prove to us and the characters, that the Commonwealth was A-Okay. A feat that it accomplished in part, by taking us on a business trip with Carol and Lance Hornsby, since he took the time to take her to the opioid fields outside of town.

In part to show her how the Commonwealth was making magic happen from a medical perspective, but to also have her keen eye observe what was keeping the team out there from producing enough drugs to keep people in medical need, comfortable back home. Which was smart on Lance’s part, since Carol was able to learn that the man leading this camp, Moto, was physically abusing the women that worked in the fields and was stealing their money. A revelation that motivated Lance to arrest Moto and save some lives in the process, and that is quite the positive sign regarding this place. Since it speaks to a lack of tolerance for some of the problems of the old ways and the positive nature of this tale didn’t end there.

Because within the city limits, Eugene was finally finding his way forward in life. After all, he was comfortable and safe and finally got the girl since things were heating up with, he and Stephanie, and he even started writing the novel he always wanted to write. In fact, life was so normal and so wonderful for Eugene, that he even opened up to Stephanie that he outright loved her and that allowed for some old-world heartbreak to come into play since she ditched him for their ice cream date and… straight up disappeared. Leaving Eugene in a rock and a broken-hearted place since he was unsure as to whether or not Stephanie just disappeared because she wasn’t ready for commitment, or because something sinister was at play. 

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Which is where this story began to shift gears and reveal that not everything is quite what is appears to be in the Commonwealth. A feat that was explored by both Connie and Eugene. For while Eugene tried to ponder on a future without Stephanie and whether or not his worried mind was right, Connie was digging deeper on the Tyler Davis incident that happened at the party and she was trying to get answers as to why he was still being held captive in the hospital long after his arrest. A push for the truth that at first went nowhere, but the strange list of names that came to her apartment, and the fact that Davis was moved from his room without Mercer’s blessing… speaks volumes to the fact that something strange is happening in this town.

A reality that was reinforced by Eugene’s quest for love. Because a chance encounter and his keen mind, made him realize that something was amiss when it came to Stephanie’s disappearance and some deep digging on his part, and an unfortunate setback involving his arrest… finally revealed unto him and the audience… that Hornsby is up to something. Since Eugene was able to discover a meeting place that he and others, including ‘Stephanie’, visit often. Giving rise to the fact that people are meeting and planning things behind the scenes and there was at that moment, little Eugene could say or do about this discovery, thanks to Lance’s keen mind and ability to plan for the future. But not all is lost for Eugene, since we came to learn that the real Stephanie has been Milton’s assistant all along and well, that’s quite the series of revelations to drop into everyone’s lap for certain.

Because it means that the Commonwealth really does have some genuine problems that go beyond class warfare and wealth inequality. After all, people are going missing at the behest of someone at the top, for reasons we don't quite understand just yet. Plus secret maneuvering is happening left and right and clearly secrets and deception are a norm to get along in this place. Which means the Commonwealth is an outright mess and it is dangerous for certain, and that reveal made for one incredible episode. One that genuinely takes you by surprise and keeps you engaged with all the twists and turns present here and of course, leaves one with more questions than answers. 

Because we simply have to know who is behind these twisted machinations, and why they are eager to remove individuals from the city limits and of course, it would be nice to know... what happens to them when they go? Plus, we also haven't a clue as to who exactly our heroes can trust and if this place is that dangerous, then perhaps the time is right to leave and return to Alexandria. All before the darker elements in this place strike and put our heroes in a difficult situation from which there is no escape. And those questions and concerns will definitely motivate all of us to keep our eyes on the clock and the calendar, as we count down the minutes until the next thrilling chapter in this final season of The Walking Dead. Until next time.

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