‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: ‘The Lucky Ones’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1112 of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the AMC series, The Walking Dead has shied away from contemporary commentary about current concerns in our world and with good reason. For this is at its core, a story about survival and whether or not humanity is outright worthy of salvation and a second chance at a better tomorrow and keeping those concepts as the primary storytelling focus of this epic and sweeping saga… has allowed for powerful explorations to take place surrounding those concepts. The kind that has moved to us to tears and given us hope, since the answers often tend to learn toward us deserving that second chance after all. Since our better angels are often on display when the chips are down for the hardened and brave souls that populate this harrowing universe.
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But while that has indeed made for some powerful and poignant storytelling, one does have to wonder what this series would have accomplished from a storytelling perspective, had it taken the time to tackle the burning topics of the world, a la George Romero… and well, wouldn’t you know it? This final season of this iconic series has found a way to insert contemporary commentary into the final leg of its gory journey. For the arrival of the Commonwealth and its structure and design, is now allowing for the show to dig deep into some of our current concerns and questions about modern America. Specifically, what it is that is creating the grand divide that we are currently experiencing in the United States of America, and it accomplished that feat… by way of a field trip. 

For ‘The Lucky Ones’ saw Pamela Milton and a convoy of the Commonwealth, swing by some familiar places for the audience. Since she was touring Alexandria and Oceanside, and Hilltop on this day. In order to explore the feasibility of expanding the Commonwealth’s borders to include those three communities and well, this is an adventure that didn’t quite go as well as one might have hoped. For Pamela was appalled over the fact that the Alexandria Safe Zone had been brought to its knees on more than one occasion, since that signified weakness and vulnerability, and of course, there were concerns about Oceanside as well. Mainly because, they had a protection pact with Hilltop and without Maggie Rhee’s signature on a deal, they had zero interest in trusting or helping the Commonwealth.

Which are revelations that quite frankly, made Lance look like quite the fool. Since he had promised cooperation and wonder, and a community risen from the ashes. Only to have his sales pitch dashed by backdoor deals and surprise arrivals in the living dead and well… all his hopes on making the Commonwealth bigger and stronger, hinged on a deal with Maggie Rhee. Which seemed as though it might be in the cards after all. Because a good long talk between Maggie and Pamela in the woods, and the distribution of supplies and aid to a broken and shattered Hilltop, along with the calm demeanor of some old friends… the kind that informed her that they were fed and safe… motivated Maggie to begin to lean toward joining this vast community. In fact, a final conversation with Lance, seemingly was going to seal the deal. 

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But a singular moment, changed her perspective on this matter. For she watched as Daryl Dixon, a man she’s always known to be outspoken and ready to challenge authority in the name of what’s right and what’s fair, in the name of a better tomorrow… fall in line and be a good little soldier for General Mercer and the Commonwealth’s army and that spoke volumes to what this place is really about. In that, they don’t care about the individual and what they have to say, they just want compliant individuals that can speak to the vision of other people and execute that vision. Which in this instance involves restoring the glory of the old world now gone, under the guise of ‘community’ and ‘restoration’ and Maggie was going to have no part in that… and declined the offer.
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A move that saw her lose more folks from Hilltop and of course, bring about ire behind the scenes, since Lance made it clear… he wanted to rule over this segment of the Commonwealth. But on this day, there would be no deals or wins for Lance, just powerful observations on our modern world. Since the affirmation of what the Commonwealth is all about… tells us precisely why there is a divide in America right now. Since the old, and insulated, and out of touch guard is trying desperately to keep the old ways of Americana alive at a time when it no longer matters or serves the people. While the new guard is trying desperately to enact change and find a better way forward and the collision of those two worlds is creating that conflict as both sides vie to come out on top, and well… that’s a fascinating and powerful observation to make, one that is spot on and offers no answers regarding how we resolve it in this moment.

But while it was fascinating to see this series finally turn its attention to the everyday world and provide clarity on a confusing time in our lives, it still had other plot points to dig into that were a touch more traditional for the series. Specifically, Eugene’s desire to learn more about Max and why she lied and well, once he came to learn that her brother happens to be Mercer and of the dangers inherent that come with outside communication, and that she was indeed the kind soul he knew and loved from ages ago, he finally lowered his guard and made amends for not questioning the lies that ‘Stephanie’ fed him and for not working harder to reach out to her and give her the gratitude and connection she craved. And well, it would seem peace has been made between these two at last and who knows where this newly forged relationship will take them. Plus, you can’t go wrong with Ezekiel’s uplifting journey in this tale, one that saw him face the reality that he has more years ahead of him thanks to Carol.

In the end however, this was simply a brilliant tale through and through. Because not only did it inform us of the fact that this series can handle social commentary as well as any George Romero of the Dead story, but it also used that commentary to the story’s advantage. Since a desperate attempt to cling to the old world plays right into those burning questions hanging over season eleven and it won’t be long now before this examination heats up and comes to a head. For Lance is clearly ready to take charge and there are others in the Commonwealth that aren’t good with sticking to a path that failed miserably when it was genuinely tested by the death of death and it will be fascinating to see where this story goes, now that we know exactly what everyone is fighting for. Until next time.

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