The only way I can see the show getting a huge boost would be to avoid the long, drawn out war story and throw the whisperers in right away. Pick off Negan's forces big time. Even the odds. A shared enemy for everyone.

I think the writers needed an excuse to get her out of Alexandria. I doubt Carol and Negan would be braiding each others hair.

Such misguided writing to shoo away Carol from Alexandria. I get that the writers needed to get her out of there before Negan had arrived. Old school Carol wouldn't have put up with his crap for a second. It would have de railed what the writers were trying to accomplish. It was kinda cheap writing.

I really enjoyed this episode. I have a daughter that's Judith's age, so it hits home a little harder than most. If the mad tyrant is in your home, terrorizing your family and forcing the girl to watch it all, well then, i'm sorry, sir, but it's game on.

I have a daughter Judith's age. You have no choice. If the overlord is sitting in your house, letting her watch you terrorize your family…then it's game on.

My lady and i ditched that show after S2 E1
The characters were beyond idiotic.

I'm I the only one who gets amused by reciting the emperors best lines in a stereotypical gay lisp?

The more i delve into this, the more confusing Negan's story becomes. So are we to assume that Negan knew the Hilltop spoke with Alexandria? I don't buy that because Negan pretty much let on that he'd never seen Alexandria before. He'd never just allow an entire compound to be murdered as an excuse to take…

The only alternative is that Rick and his crew massacred Negan's compound because of the harassment they were dealing with on the road. Makes sense. Negan sees that he was screwing with Rick's crew, they got revenge, and now Negan owns them.

Here I am packing the van, and you're all like 'Dude, don't go!". I need a plan B, mate.

I'm not trying to sound rude, but didn't buddy just roller skate his way to Hilltop without notice, and then hitch a ride? Seems like characters can freely roam when the story calls for it.

i have a kid the same age as Judith in the show. I can't imagine hitting the road for god know how long with a child in the Zombie world. Sure, Rick's done it before, but it's definitely a last resort. Given the circumstances, I think after my mates skulls were bashed in, i'd gas up the van, grab some guns and head…

Carl has a meaningful and dangerous storyline…does this mean it's the end?

I can't imagine starting a guerrilla war with a young baby in your arms. They would have to abandon Alexandria and fight outside the walls. It's far too dangerous a choice.

It would be pretty sweet if Spencer got beaten to death by Rick (with lucille) because Negan ordered him to do it.

I'm pretty sure you're spot on. I thought 'The Kingdom' episode was being quite clear about how leaders are putting on a show to keep everything together.

Reminds me of John Hamm in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Daryl won't break. We saw this in season 2 when he was climbing a hill. I really dig TWD, but i didn't need a whole hour to reinforce what we all already know.