‘The Walking Dead’ Season 8 premiere recap

Season 7 of The Walking Dead served one purpose.

It was meant to set up Negan as a legitimate threat, break Rick Grimes down completely, and then build him back up into the leader that Alexandria, The Hilltop and The Kingdom needed to beat Negan in the upcoming All Out War. The Walking Dead Season 8 wasted absolutely no time at all in kicking off the All Out War and also hinted at what fans can expect when this massive battle comes to an end.

Jumping Around Timelines

The most significant thing that The Walking Dead Season 8 premiere did was to set up a jumping timeline. There were the scenes that showed Rick’s plan in action as they took the battle to Negan. The second were scenes in the future, with an older Rick Grimes at home with Michonne, an older Judith and Carl. It shows that, after all the battles conclude, Rick’s people will have a new safe home and the good guys win. Whether or not spoiling the outcome of the All Out War even matters, these scenes do show that Rick. Carl, Michonne and Judith all survive in the end.

However, the episode leaves one mystery. What is wrong with Rick Grimes in the closeup scenes where he is crying. He mentions “mercy” when talking and fans of the comics might know what is happening at this exact time and what it could mean.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene – The Walking Dead _ Season 8, Episode 1 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

This isn’t about Rick Grimes

The central theme in the Walking Dead season premiere is that this is not about Rick Grimes at all – it is about the survival of everyone. Rick sets up the battle by giving a great speech. He tells everyone it is time to take the fight to Negan. Rick tells everyone that this is their world now and they deserve it. He even says the Saviors deserve it as well unless they continue to follow Negan. However, Rick also said that anyone who tries to stand in their ways would die – and this is both necessary and a source of shame. It is a new thought process and one that will play into the story as the season wears on.

Father Gabriel speaks to Rick before it starts and Rick says that he will kill Negan. However, when Gabriel points out that Rick is the reason everyone is working together on this, Rick tells Gabriel this isn’t about him. That is when Gabriel says that Rick made it that way and this is why things are working so well. Rick thanks Maggie for her work at the Hilltop and she says it is all because Rick taught her how to lead. Rick tells her that, when the All Out War is over, he will follow her.

Ezekiel and Maggie also talk to their people from the Hilltop and Kingdom, and everyone is ready to fight with Rick.

Interestingly, it seems that Carl is not quite on the same page as his dad when he tells his dad that “hope” isn’t enough after Rick chases off someone who says they are hungry and needs food.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon – The Walking Dead _ Season 8, Episode 1 – Photo Credit: Greg Nicotero/AMC

The Setup

One of the best moments from the comics when it comes to the All Out War happened right here in The Walking Dead Season 8 premiere. In the comics, Rick leads the zombies right to Negan’s base of operations and leads them in. In this episode, Daryl, Carol, Tara and Morgan are out and working on gathering a horde of zombies. They are setting up explosives and leading them straight to Negan’s compound. They are also taking out anyone who could warn Negan thanks to some help from their inside man, Dwight.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan – The Walking Dead _ Season 8, Episode 1 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

The Start of the War

This setup all culminates with Rick leads an army of warriors to Negan’s compound and starts firing shots into the air. The gunshots bring out Negan and some of his lieutenants. Rick promises that anyone who surrenders will be allowed to live, but this is their only chance. Something straight from the comic books happens next.

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Gregory betrays everyone when he joins up with Negan and tells the Hilltop fighters to step down, or they will be banished, and their families will also be kicked out.

In a great moment, Jesus yells that The Hilltop stands with Maggie. One of Negan’s lieutenants calls Gregory a disappointment and shoves him down the stairs. That is when Rick decides enough is enough and they open fire on the compound. Negan and his men (including Eugene) run. This is when something interesting happens. Negan is hiding, and Rick has a shot at him but can’t seem to shoot him. That is when Gabriel tells Rick they have to go because this isn’t about him.

Everyone escapes except for Father Gabriel. He looks and sees Gregory needs help. He goes to help Gregory but is betrayed for his kindness when the former Hilltop leader bolts to the car without Gabriel and drives off, leaving Gabriel alone. Finally, Father Gabriel finds a trailer to hide in, and that is when he hears a voice asking if he has his “shi**ing” pants on. Negan has Father Gabriel.

Final Analysis

Anyone who thought that Season 7 of The Walking Dead was too boring and nothing was happening will get a nice dose of action in this episode. A lot happened, and while nothing was linear, it is clear that Rick Grimes has brought the war to Negan and they have destroyed his compound.

Next: The Walking Dead season 8 teaser hints at a major character’s death

It is also clear that Rick lives through the war, but something terrible happens to him by the end. Now, The Walking Dead Season 8 brings us the All Out War.