I've got the TWD vibe again, the first time I've had it since Season 6. This episode builds on the strengths of the season premiere, expanding the conflicts to make for some great drama - drama that has been sorely missing for years. There are no obvious bad guys here (apart maybe from the guy who is kicked out), only different, conflicting ways of doing things. The character work is sublime. I don't think it's been so good since the excellent second season. I can see real conflicts coming to the fore between characters I love. Of course this wouldn't be the Walking Dead if it was flawless, and my main gripe thus far is that it's unsubtle in the exploration of its themes. Too much dialogue includes lines akin to "we're building something greater". Yes, we get it, we don't have to be spoon-fed.
There's a walker setpiece with great action, nice gore and real stakes. Best of all, it's not walker action for the sake of it, it actually ties in to the wider themes of the episode. It wouldn't have happened if not for one character's action (or lack of it), and Rick also admits that they were chasing the future so hastily that they got sloppy.
Negan's presence in the episode is actually welcome, which I would never have thought I'd say. Despite being in a cell, he still manages to find a way to turn the tables on Rick and hit him where it hurts - with a truth Rick probably wasn't aware of. The episode also ends on some good notes. The sight of something in the sky (won't say what for spoilers) produced goosebumps. I don't know when we'll find out exactly how this is possible but I can't wait. Also the scene this episode ends on is a brilliant wtf moment that hints at even more troubles to come. I did not like Gabriel and Garbage Woman's final scene though. Just ew.
8.4/10