Building Alliances: The episode explores the efforts of Rick’s group to gather resources and form alliances, particularly with the Hilltop community and the importance of their relationship with the Kingdom.
The Walking Dead S7 E15: Something They Need
In “Something They Need,” the penultimate episode of Season 7, “The Walking Dead” intensifies the emotional stakes and tightens the narrative as it builds up to the ultimate confrontation between our survivors and the formidable threat that is Negan and his Saviors. As tensions rise, the episode effectively embodies the season’s themes of desperation, loyalty, and the moral complexities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
Overview of Season 7
Season 7 of “The Walking Dead” has been a rollercoaster of emotions, dramatically transitioning from the shocking cliffhanger of Season 6. The debut of Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), with his brutal methods of establishing control, set a dark tone for the season. It grappled with the trauma faced by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group as they navigated their lives under imposed subjugation. The season oscillates between mental and emotional struggles as the characters endure the weight of their choices, and it often tests their loyalties, pushing them to consider what it means to survive.
As we approach the climax with “Something They Need,” the season has explored not only the characters’ relationships but has also introduced crucial allies and antagonists, providing depth to the ongoing fight against tyranny and brutality. The culmination of these elements reaches a pivotal point in this episode, where decisions are made, alliances are tested, and the value of hope is challenged.
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Plot Summary
The episode begins with the Hilltop community on edge, still reeling from recent events and the shadow of impending conflict with Negan looming over them. Tara (Alanna Masterson) finds herself torn between her loyalties to her newfound friends and the memory of her friends lost in the chaos. Her internal conflict underscores a primary theme in “Something They Need”: the cost of secrecy and the value of alliance, particularly when survival depends on it.
Rick’s group, led by Michonne (Danai Gurira), embarks on a mission to acquire weapons from a mysterious and ultimately dangerous location. Their journey is fraught with tension, highlighting trust issues, especially with the character of Spencer (Austin Nichols) continuing to unravel, foreshadowing his fate. Meanwhile, we see a more nuanced side of Dwight (Austin Amelio), as he grapples with his position in Negan’s ranks and his developing feelings for those he has betrayed.
In a heart-pounding sequence, they encounter a group of Saviors, leading to a standoff that tests their resolve and reminds viewers of the omnipresent danger of their existence. The dynamics within the group are palpable, particularly as Rick and Michonne find themselves relying on each other more than ever. This episode skillfully blends action with emotional depth, showcasing not only fierce battles but also quieter moments of connection between characters grappling with the weight of their violent world.
Throughout “Something They Need,” the writers highlight the significant theme of community. The episode culminates in a surprising confrontation with unexpected allies, which reiterates the importance of unity in the face of tyranny. The choices Rick and his group make not only impact their immediate goals but also lay the groundwork for the future of the war against Negan. This is crystallized in Tara’s decision to reveal the existence of Oceanside, a group of women with a cache of weapons. This pivotal moment signifies her growth as a character and her willingness to risk everything for what she believes is right.
The episode closes with a looming sense of both hope and dread, setting the stage for an explosive season finale. Characters are left at critical crossroads, mirroring the broader societal themes of rebuilding and resistance. As viewers, we are left contemplating the sacrifice required for freedom and the tangled web of alliances, mistakes, and new beginnings that define the world of “The Walking Dead.”
Overall, “Something They Need” serves as a critical bridge leading to the season’s conclusion, steeped in the show’s signature blend of harrowing drama and character evolution. As we edge closer to the final showdown, this episode not only emphasizes the inherent darkness of the world but also flickers with the possibility of redemption and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.