The Walking Dead – Twice As Far Review and Season 6 Predictions

The following contains spoilers from this past Sunday, as well as spoilers from the comic, and predictions for the rest of the season. Please do not read if you don’t want to know.

This week introduced the death of one of the group as well as an introduction of the decline of peace for those who live at Alexandria. Each episode has been ramping up more and more to show the sheer chaos that will erupt when Negan eventually unleashes his army upon those at Alexandria and Hilltop.

This week we saw the passing of Denise at the hands of Dwight using the crossbow he stole from Daryl earlier in the season. This style of death was a copy of how Abraham died in the comic series during the assault on the prison. The fact that this happened to Denise and not Abraham gives some hope that he may just make it out of this season alive. The fact that Denise is now dead, leaving the Alexandrians without a doctor is very worrisome considering they now have no one that can effectively treat any major wounds that may come up in the (near) future.

We have also seen Eugene get very ballsy lately with what he wants to do and how he is handling himself. He has “levelled up” and is no longer just a victim, but a survivor like the rest of the group and wants to be treated his way, especially by Abraham. This approval is very important to Eugene considering he looks up to Abraham like an older brother, and needs to show him he has the chops to now only be smart, but to be able to hold his own if push comes to shove.

With the weaker members of the group stepping up, we also see some of the existing pillars of the group start to change their roles, or adapt towards the end of this season. Maggie used to be one the most forward, butt kicking members of the group and would not hesitate to jump into the battle. Now with her baby on the way, she has taken a step back to become someone to support the group from the sidelines. This step back could possibly fill the empty role left by Denise, considering Maggie has some knowledge of medicine from working on the farm and taking care of minor wounds that the group has had along the way. Maggie has also become a major negotiator for the group, showing this strongly with her interaction with Gregory at Hilltop.

We have also seen a major change in Carol this season as well, from a strong fighter for the group, to the mother of Alexandria, back to the lone wolf that will do anything to survive. Carol has taken the decision to leave the group and travel on her own, much like when Rick exiled her for killing sick members of the group while they were held up at the Prison. Carol has made this decision for a few reasons, and some are not just for her. She has seen what she has become, a killer that will do anything to survive and kill those who try to kill her. She has gone as far as letting an unconscious man bleed out to use as a weapon, locking a room full of people to watch them burn, and using her frail appearance to deceive those into thinking she is harmless, just to slit their throats in the end. This has deeply disturbed Carol, considering she has seen what can become of people in this mad world she now lives in. I don’t see Carol leaving for long though, she still has deep ties to the group and if it came down to it would sacrifice herself to save them all.

One last thing that could spell disaster for those in Alexandria is the sense of complacency within the walls. The days have become the same, and people have started to drop their guard. Relationships are building that have nothing to do with survival, but with pleasing their own hearts and desires. These relationships could cause weaknesses with those stronger members of the group and can be exploited very easy if used the wrong way. It is nice to see from a fans perspective that Rick and Michonne are together and Abraham and Sasha are hooking up. But if one or the other of those couples get in danger, the other member of the relationship is now in a situation that weakens them and they could end up dead.

With the danger of Negan still lurking out there, no one should be relaxed. They have believed they have killed Negan at the slaughter house, but remember what the one Savior said “We are all Negan” and that should not be taken lightly. For those who have read the comics, you know what Negan has done to the group and what he is capable of. Negan is a smart, cunning, and ruthless man that will take down anyone who crosses his path. His first in command Dwight is no pushover as well, we have already seen him kill Denise and almost kill Eugene. Dwight knows what the group is capable of, and has a big score to settle with Daryl and a nut to pick with Eugene after what was done to him.

Chaos is coming to the group, and all we can do is sit back and watch.