This theme extends even further into a line of dialogue in which Rick states out loud this war is "not about me." On the one hand, the line informs us that Rick's point of view has expanded beyond his own need for vengeance on the other hand, it can be seen as a thematic motif and foreshadow, in which Rick (and subsequently, actor Andrew Lincoln) is informing fans that the show itself is not about Rick, but rather about the entire ensemble of characters (Daryl, Carol, Michonne, Maggie) that fans have grown to love. During these rousing scenes of resistance against oppression, we also get some conspicuous moments of dialogue in which Rick informs other characters (like Maggie) that they will be the future leadership of the new world being fought for, not him. Throughout the episode, there are multiple references in big speeches about the survivors in the Alexandria/Hilltop/Kingdom alliance seizing control of the future - a future where those willing to live in harmony and cooperation will prosper, while violent parasites like The Saviors will perish. A future that only exists thanks to Rick Grimes.The first clue that The Walking Dead may be headed for the major milestone of killing Rick off, is how this latest premiere episode set up the major themes of season 8. Rick has more than prepared his son for a life without him, as evidenced by just how well Carl is coping in the wake of his father's death. That doesn't make Rick's death any less sad or Carl's grief any less painful, but it does mean there's hope for the future of The Walking Dead. But this couldn't be further from the actual truth. Carl does actually break down during the journey, confessing to Michonne that he can't go on without his father. The immediate future sees Carl leading a massive funeral procession made up of characters both new and old back to Alexandria where Rick will be buried. In the aftermath of Rick's death, it isn't exactly clear what happens next. Before he leaves, though, Carl does warn Sebastian that if he ever escapes, he will hunt him down and hurt him before returning him to his cell, using a little of that intimidation his father also taught him. It's also, Carl notes, a fate worse than death because now Sebastian must reflect on what he's done, and Carl can visit him anytime he likes to see how miserable he is. Instead, he's satisfied that Sebastian has been locked up and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Carl recognizes that imprisoning Sebastian is what Rick would have wanted, saying it's a more civilized punishment. When Carl is told that is was Sebastian who killed his father, he doesn't get angry and demand revenge. Rick's speech inspires The Commonwealth just as he has inspired countless others before, and soon, change is inevitable.Īnd yet, there is a glimmer of hope in Carl's reaction to his father's murder. Rick tells them that he used to believe savagery was the only to way to survive in this world, but that he has since come to believe there's a better, more civilized way. And in an inversion of an earlier speech, Rick yells to the gathered crowd - " We are NOT the Walking Dead!" - putting a positive spin on what was previously his bleak outlook. He implores them all to seek a better future, one that learns from the mistakes of the past and doesn't allow for only a select few to rule over the many. In the end, Rick stops a full-blown war from breaking out and gives a rallying speech. Unsurprisingly, The Commonwealth's inequality leads to unrest - something that was already brewing before Rick and his people came there, but is only exacerbated by Rick's galvanizing presence. However, rather than stoking the fires of revolution, Rick desperately tries to keep the peace between Governor Pamela Milton and her rebelling citizenry. This community is much larger and more advanced than Alexandria or Hilltop, but they've only managed this thanks to their heavily stratified society of haves and have-nots. Rick's death, sadly, is a result of the world he's been building, stemming from his recent interceding in the affairs of another community - The Commonwealth.
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