Title: The Walking Dead: “Bury Me Here”
Air Date: March 12th, 2017
Network: AMC
Genre: Serial Drama, Horror
The Walking Dead just aired its all new episode “Bury Me Here.” Speculation has once again been running wild ever since the preview aired following last week’s “Say Yes.” Many, including myself, initially assumed that the grave was to be Carols. I had figured that she would find out about Glenn and Abraham and then go on a one woman rampage against the Saviors. As it turned out, it was actually intended for Richard, who quite literally dug his own grave. Richard had a plan to sacrifice himself in an attempt to sway Ezekiel to go to war. A plan, that backfired drastically.
I really enjoyed this Walking Dead episode. It was full of emotion while providing just the right amount of humor to not be over the top. We saw two drastic changes occur, both of which I think it’s fair to say we saw coming in one form or another. Despite that, I think it was presented well. I would have preferred perhaps a little more backstory on Richard before he was killed. His hate for the Saviors was explained during his dialogue with Morgan but I just wanted to see a little more. I also feel like someone would have tried to stop Morgan from killing Richard. Everyone just kind of stood there looking on as Richard was choked to death. Given that he was a member of the Kingdom for so long, I feel like someone would have jumped in.
Within the first few minutes of the episode, it becomes fairly clear that Richard is planning something. Carol finds the walker she passed suddenly dead, Richard is seen digging and his conversation with Morgan provided heavy foreshadowing. At first, I had admiration for Richard. He knew if there was a problem with the Saviors, he’d be the first to go. Richard even told Daryl “I’d die for the Kingdom” who of course responded, “So why don’t you?” Now, he was indeed ready to die for the Kingdom. Then the conversation with Morgan took a turn. He instead saw Ben’s death as an opportunity that shouldn’t be squandered and he would lead the war against the Saviors. At that point, just about anyone is ready to see Richard die.
The scenes with Gavin were also really good. The Saviors, for the most part, we’ve seen as these thugs. A bunch of tough guys who get off on having power over others. Gavin however, didn’t seem to come off that was at first, and even does less now. He was angry when he turned to see Benjamin shot instead of Richard. He also explained to Ezekiel that he’s not there for the stress. Ezekiel is always on time and doesn’t cause a problem. Which means makes things easy for Gavin. He doesn’t want all that drama. It really seems like he’s in that situation where he’s doing what he does because he doesn’t see an alternative. Even when meeting for the second time to retrieve the missing melon, the first thing he asks is “How’s the kid?”
The aftermath of Benjamin’s death was very emotionally jarring for Morgan. We very briefly see the Morgan from the beginning of “Here’s Not Here” begin to come out. Since his introduction, Benjamin has been brought about to be a very likable character. Morgan also took to training him and no doubt made him feel that he was a son in some ways. When Benjamin dies, all those feelings Morgan had from when Dwayne was killed begin to come back. Morgan even mistakenly refers to Benjamin as Dwayne when speaking to Ezekiel.
By the end of the episode, it turns out that Morgan does tell Carol what happened in Alexandria. A very emotional scene, one that you can see the sadness in the expression of Carol. Melissa McBride does an amazing job here. What I found interesting was the Carol, in a way, could have inadvertently saved Benjamin. When she was leaving the Kingdom the first time, Benjamin wanted to go with her and miss the drop. Carol clearly told him no and because Benjamin was there, he died. I wonder if this will weigh on Carol at all?
This episode of the Walking Dead had some humorous moments as well. The actress from the Kingdom that tells Ezekiel about the weevils was fantastic. I loved her delivery and facial expressions. We again see Jerry’s love for cobbler before the first supply run. This episode had a solid balance throughout. Carol is now ready to fight and Morgan was seen sharpening his staff. The same way we’ve seen crazy Morgan do before. With only three episodes left in season seven, things will continue to escalate.
Did you catch this episode of the Walking Dead? If so, what did you think? Did Bens death catch you off guard? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also, AMC has recently announced the premiere date for season two of Preacher. Follow the link for details.
[review]
