Yep this episode took a little step back and focussed mainly on "Tracker Daryl" and the "Fantastic Five". The latter (Luke/Magna/Connie et al) got a chance to show their worth and the two with the sling shots were pretty cool.
I like Luke, or should I say, I like the actor that plays Luke. He's an absolute loon but awesome. Michonne's understandable paranoia in the "Violin scene", it worked as a good piece of comedy in what seemed like an initially tense moment. Is Luke just a very clever facade though? I think his charm will turn over some people and while it's only a theory, there could be more to him than meets the eye.
Daryl and "Dog"! Only Daryl could name his dog, Dog. I also noticed that he also has a "X" scar on his kidney area, in the same spot I mentioned about Michonne. Except he also had two
"ll" marked on him too. This was even overlooked on TTD as they focused more on the impending Whisperers, Luke's group and chatted to Cudlitz about his directing debut. I'm really curious as to how they have got those near identical scars. Will others have them too? Is it a branding? An operation? I really don't know but it leads me back to...
Michonne and her seeming at unease with going to HillTop. Obviously she was unaware of Maggie and Hershel Jr leaving but even then she was doubting at going there. This gives us a huge question over what has happened in those 6ish years, other than what we already know. I think the show has hinted at a few flashbacks, to make certain things relevant to present day.
So Maggie has left with Georgie & The Beastie Twins (sorry can't help it) a far as Jesus has now informed us? The Georgie part is a bit odd as they certainly have an arc for that but haven't explored it further yet. All we've had is a cameo role and it's been left open. Now Maggie has gone, it's left a gap of why she's gone. I'm aware Lauren Cohan is returning in S10 so she's doing a bit of a Lennie James (Morgan) in disappearing for a bit. How they link that altogether and reintroduce Georgie, a new world, etc. will be interesting. Just quite annoying we'll have to suck it and see.
Suck it and see!? Indeed - I think Paul Rovia aka Jesus and Aaron are impeding their fight club liaisons with a long game of "cache le jambon". All's fair and two strong characters that actually deserve more airtime. It shouldn't be for their sexuality plots though - it should be for how good those characters are but hey, we all need love, even in an apocalypse!
Totally agree in the sense that the last few MSF have not been the best but then which do you think is more important? A strongly plotted developing MSF with an explosive MSP? or An explosive MSF with a strongly plotted developing MSP? I'd opt for the latter but I don't think hurts either way round. Although this is is what pissed off people before. It was a massive waiting game (S6SF - S7SP) on Negan's wrath. While I thought they were two fantastic separate episodes, with the plot built in the former and the explosive, shocking reveal in the latter, it was too long and everyone agrees they felt milked. I think you can get away with it more mid-season as we only have at the most 3 months to wait (unlike the 6 between seasons). I still think they should go for the shock strategy in a mid-season finale and then follow that through with a strong story into mid-season premiere.
Final note - Yes, I think the MSF will give us our first frank and exposed view of the Whisperers and the way Rosita & Eugene are pretty much shell-shocked amongst something they've never contemplated in this world before, sums up this impending group. Even some of the twisted amongst us would not have those thoughts/actions. They've built up the creep factor already and I really hope this brings the show back to where it was. With Samantha Norton and Ryan Hurst cast, I think they can bring an added element of classic cult horror to the show. Especially Morton who I think will scare even the toughest of us. Bring it on!
Many questions still to be answered but S9 is ticking along nicely. There hasn't been a "shit" episode yet. Some erring on meh but largely they told Rick's exit story well, and basically since S9E6 it's been a new show. I actually find it great that I'm not thinking about things like 'This show can't go on without Rick' but actually focussing on what comes next in the show. I haven't really thought about Rick. That's great testament to the writers and the new cast members (while still lots to learn about them) seem to have slotted in pretty well.
Ok, I'm done rabbling on!
Cheers,
Bamboo