The Walking Dead season 11, episode 12 recap: The Lucky Ones

Lance Hornsby’s plans are becoming increasingly clear, but Maggie wants no part of it, even though The Hilltop is barely hanging on. The Walking Dead season 11 episode 12 “The Lucky Ones” gives us some backstory into the real “Stephanie” as well as Ezekiel’s cancer battle and Alexandria’s fate.

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 12 recap – Eugene and Max

The Walking Dead pulls yet another surprise by revealing that the “real Stephanie”, whom is also Mercer’s sister, is actually named Max. Max tells Eugene how the radio she built and used to communicate with him was found by her brother.

Mercer knew that The Commonwealth was picking up on the rogue radio signal and feared for her safety. What resulted was Max having to keep quiet while Shira posed as “Stephanie”.

During the flashback we see just how strained Governor Pamela Milton’s relationship is with her son Sebastian. Eugene, still heartbroken, refuses to stick around.

The following day Rosita finds him alone while walking baby Coco. Eugene lies to Rosita, claiming that Stephanie broke up with him (in a scene that made me want to yell at my TV).

But after hearing Rosita’s kind and wise words, Eugene decides to meet with Max. She vents her frustrations at the fact he couldn’t tell that Shira wasn’t her (agreed) and how Shira was able to read his full manuscript before she could.

Eugene apologizes and the two end on good terms agreeing that Lance Hornsby is not to be trusted. But where does their relationship go from here?

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 12 recap – Ezekiel’s Surgery

Ezekiel and Jerry are both equally surprised when they find out that his appointment is actually preparation for his surgery. Tomi reveals that Ezekiel has been moved up the list and can get his tumor removed.

While Jerry is over the moon, Ezekiel is perplexed and concerned. When he meets with Carol later that same day, he figures out that she behind it.

Ezekiel is furious! He believes in waiting like everyone else, whereas Carol believes the system is broken and refuses to let someone as special as him die.

The final moments we see are of Ezekiel being prepped for surgery leaving Jerry and Carol behind to wait.

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 12 recap – Maggie’s Decision

It’s apparent that Lance Hornsby and Governor Pamela Milton are not on the same page. Lance wants Alexandria to keep thriving whereas Pamela doesn’t see any worth behind the community that is literally states away.

A community that is still being repaired as Aaron has workers trying to cover up broken windows as the two arrive. Amongst the group is Daryl and Mercer, who manage to keep walkers at bay that manage to break into the community.

Even though the community was built by Deanna Monroe, an old friend of Pamela’s, she remains unconvinced Alexandria is worth the trouble. An issue that Lance wants Aaron to resolve.

Upon their next stop at Oceanside, they meet with Rachel and want to offer her a deal. However, Oceanside has already made a deal with Maggie and The Hilltop.

If Maggie agrees to a deal with The Commonwealth then Oceanside will too. This news bothers Pamela and worries Aaron and Lance.

Upon arriving at The Hilltop they set up base just outside the walls where we reunite with Dianne, Lydia and Elijah. Pamela and Maggie go hunting together, leaving the men to converse with themselves.

While hunting the two talk about their leading styles (where Maggie mentions Deanna and Georgie but not Rick) among other things. The conversation goes well, but Maggie is struggling to trust The Commonwealth, even after they drop off food and supplies The Hilltop desperately needs.

What convinces Maggie to decline their offer is when she witnesses soldiers kill a herd of nearby walkers with ease, then noticing how close Daryl is to Mercer and how the loyal the soldiers appear to be. To make matters worse Dianne and two other members of The Hilltop decide to leave for The Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is simply offering more than Hilltop can provide. Lance refuses defeat and convinces Pamela to allow The Commonwealth to keep aiding and rebuilding Alexandria.

While she’s suspicious of his true intentions she allows it as long as his duties at The Commonwealth don’t suffer. Pleased with himself, Lance kills random walkers with a most sadistic smile while Aaron looks on deeply concerned.

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 12 review

What did we learn from this episode? Well, we learned that our survivors still do not communicate, especially when they absolutely need to!

Eugene and Rosita always had a close bond, at times a strange one, but close nonetheless. If Eugene could open up to anyone it would and should be her yet he refrains from telling her what really happened with Stephanie.

But, seriously, why? If he is that concerned about Lance Hornsby why doesn’t Eugene tell the rest of the group?

This reckless decision may end up getting someone killed! On that same note if Maggie doesn’t agree to a deal with The Commonwealth, Alexandria was going to be cut off.

Lance says as much to Aaron, so why doesn’t Aaron talk to Maggie about it? If Maggie is so worried about The Commonwealth, especially after seeing how close Daryl and Mercer seem to be, why doesn’t she talk to him about it?

Why is everyone suddenly not communicating anymore? Overall, Maggie made the right decision by declining The Commonwealth.

If everyone were to make a deal with The Commonwealth you are under their surveillance all day every day. By keeping them at a distance, you are able to still have your freedoms and not have to worry about their complete control.

Considering we’re already seeing problems in The Commonwealth, this is the best decision she could have made, however difficult it is.

What did you think of The Walking Dead season 11, episode 12? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 13 airs on March 20, 2022.