Haha, finally managed to see it, and I can see why the thread exploded.
Now, to be fair, the chapter was pretty damn good (with just a couple of caveats). They really made a great job showing how powerful, well coordinated and resourceful this group is. Complete different scale from Alexandria or any other enemy in past.
Also, loved how Eugene seemed to have found "a way out", a slight ray of hope... just to be thrown in their collective faces a moment later. And boy, did Rick finally found how much of a cretine and dumb ass has been. Sure, this outcome might have eventually been unavoidable, but his decisions could have led it to full extermination. Which is part of my critic. Anyway, some thoughts:
1) Carol once again spelled the reasons for leaving. For those that (for some odd reason), were still confused. And as almighty as she is, she sure didn't manage to go that far.
2) Wonder if people changed the opinion of Morgan, after this chapter. Some might think that he broke his rule or something. He did not. He never seemed to be opposed to violence. He however, was full adamant to not do it, if there were other alternatives. In that case, it was either that guy, or Carol. And he did warn him. So, fair is fair.
3) I do not know whom those armored guys are, but if Rick had killed that guy in the farm (and from the back, the fucking coward), Carol would have died here. So, once again, Morgan comes on top. As a side note, I totally expected Carol to met another faction, and perhaps becoming their leader (even if briefly). So, will see how that goes.
4) When Rick met the 1st barricade, he acted incredibly cautious. Was thoroughly surprised when he decided to retire. By the time they found the 2nd (larger) one, it should have become apparent that they were being tracked even during road.
5) The only sane and intelligent decision should have been to return to the camp at that point. They had 4 people unaccounted for + Carol/Morgan missing. They weren't even certain that Hilltop still existed. And for all they knew, the Saviors might have been already invading Alexandria. Pushing forward was just idiotic (from their point of view).
6) As a side note, I never understood why they didn't come back to Hilltop to discuss the incursion, and how would they proceed in the future, etc. Hell, even to see if they could get more info on other communities to start trading. Had they had done it, they would have found pretty quick how the Saviors were not done yet. They truly believed they were the king of the area. Quite an oversight.
7) Negan's actor seemed taller than I expected. And while his jacket was cool, he didn't seem to rock it well enough. A bit too slim and slick for my taste. His speech was pretty amazing, and truly made a point to show how utterly hopeless the situation was. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Rick drawing blanks with his face. Yes Rick, you fucked up.
8) I didn't expect Negan to be so.. sane. While we do not know his past (high ranking military, prepper?), he didn't seem to be mad angered or lusting for senseless violence. His explanation was coherent, and his personality is of someone collected, and intelligent.
9) Disappointed that he only decided to kill 1 person. His reasoning is flawless (he needs them alive to work), but given how many people they murdered, I think he should have punished them with 2 deaths.
10) Also, disappointed that he used that game to decide whom should be killed. I totally expected him to say: "Hey Rick, since you are the leader, and since you take good care of them.. you will be the one that will decide whom will die. You can't pick up yourself. And if you don't choose, I will kill 2 instead". You know, to make a point.
And it goes without saying that NOT showing whom died, is the most stupid thing the show could have done, for myriads of reasons. Can't believe they went that way. Pretty infuriating. Now the moment is gone. But the leaks will come. And no one will care. This could and should have been one the best chapters.
/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6283993/walkingdead6.16giffer.gif)
