HOLLYWOOD—Not since Woodbury and the Prison have we seen two communities interact in “The Walking Dead,” and that did not turn out too well for either group (especially Woodbury). Now we have Alexandria, the Hilltop, and a mysterious group called the Saviors begin to converge in the episode ‘Knots Untie’ in the second half of season six. What could possibly go wrong?
The answer: a lot.
It seems our favorite survival team has become very confident in their post-apocalyptic warrior abilities, Rick and Daryl especially. “Confrontation’s never been something we’ve had trouble with,” Rick tells Jesus, which he clearly displayed by asking “What?” of the Hilltop residents after murdering one of their neighbors.
The Hilltop certainly doesn’t seem capable of defending themselves if they ever turn out to be enemies. Rick and his happy group of five are able to subdue their man with a knife very easily without any of the town stepping in, and since the Hilltop has no ammunition, its weapon of choice is a spear or two. This works well for Alexandria, since Gregory is a bit difficult to figure out. While maybe not a Governor-like character, he’s definitely not someone the group should trust. His narcissistic dismissal of Maggie was infuriating to watch. Let’s be honest: Rick has shot people for less.
As of right now, it looks like Jesus and Dr. Harlan are the only useful members of the community, which works out well in the end when Maggie is able to negotiate for half of the Hilltop’s supplies. The price? Killing Negan and his band of Saviors.
While it’s true that the Wolves were handled pretty swiftly thanks to Carol (where has she been?), it doesn’t seem to be a good idea for Rick and Co. to actively seek a problem with a group who savagely beat a 16-year-old boy to death, especially considering the new one-eyed Carl is probably less capable of taking care of himself. What about the amount of people lost in the Woodbury battles? No one wants to see another brutal Hershel death by the hands of yet another egotistical psychopath.
“The Walking Dead” isn’t focusing on this ominous issue though. Instead they show everyone else finding out that Rick and Michonne have been “umping buglies” (Carl certainly seems to be a Richonne fan!), Abraham struggling in a choice between Rosita and Sasha (who should both probably kick him to the curb), and a sonogram picture making Glenn and Maggie deliriously happy.
This calm most likely won’t last very long though, knowing “The Walking Dead.” Negan’s on his way, and Rick better be ready.
