The Walking Dead S8E11 "Dead or Alive Or" 3/11/18

Once more into the breach.  This time, I really do think this is the last TWD recap.  Although I realize it's a boy-who-cried-wolf scenario at this point.  Because it's easier, I'm going to do a story-line grouping for the recap, like last time, even though this episode isn't structured that way. 

Daryl, Rosita, Tara and Dwight.  The Alexandrian escapees, led by Daryl, Tara and Rosita, make their way to the Hilltop, trying to stay off the roads so as to avoid Savior patrols.  Things are a little tense (moreso than usual) because both Daryl and Tara would rather kill Dwight outright, not trusting him for past offenses, but Daryl at least sees that he could be helpful - after they reach Hilltop, they'll evaluate.  Dwight, who has been protesting that he HATES Negan and can't go back to the Saviors, suggests that they cut through a nearby swamp since the Saviors avoid it, deeming it too dangerous.  While Daryl and Sandiq (?) clear out the numerous and squishy swamp zombies (kudos to the sound department for some horrific oozy noises there), Tara decides to take Dwight matters into her own hands.  She chases him through the woods at gun point and almost shoots him when a group of Saviors comes into view.  While she hides, Dwight sacrifices himself, so to speak, rejoining that Savior squad and leading them off, away from the hiding Alexandrians.  Tara is amazed that he would do that, especially since he's liable to be killed if any Saviors know of his betrayal back in that coordinated attack.  When she rejoins the rest of the Alexandrians, Daryl is pissed off that Dwight returned to the Saviors but Tara sticks up for Dwight.  They all make it to the Hilltop and share news of Carl's death; Enid is very, very sad.

At the Hilltop.  Maggie - who still doesn't look the slightest bit pregnant, wtf? - is very stressed because supplies are running low.  With the Hilltoppers already on short rations, she decides to stop feeding the Savior prisoners (and Gergory) entirely and denies the prisoners' requests for some exercise outside of the pen.  At the end of the episode, after the Alexandrian escapees have arrived, she relents.  Also, she is happy to learn that Sandiq (?) had some medical training before the zombie apocalypse happened, since doctors are in such short supply.

Negan and Eugene.  At the Sanctuary, Negan tells Eugene that he needs to start making bullets ASAP since they so depleted their supply clearing a pathway through the walker swarm an episode or two ago.  He sets Eugene and a small crew up at that machine shop.  Later, when Negan stops by to check on them, he is unimpressed with their progress.  Eugene tries to explain that it is a slow process and suggests that maybe in the meantime he could rig up some old school catapults and they could just chuck rotten zombie pieces over the Hilltop's walls, to traumatize and demoralize the denizens.  Negan's eyes light up and later he speechifies about how they're all going to coat their bullets and edged weapons with zombie guts: the plan is to wound the rebels, not kill them outright, so that Rick's people die slowly as walkers via infection instead.  I'm not sure that the science is right: people have been dousing themselves in zombie guts for camouflage purposes and no one has gotten infected from that.  Whatever.  I don't really care.

Carlson and Father Gabriel.  Father Gabriel and Dr. Carlson are the odd fellows, struggling to get back to the Hilltop after their Eugene-aided escape from the Sanctuary.  The car they took died and Gabriel's infection is affecting his eyesight.  Carlson is all doom and gloom and yet Gabriel continues to have a smile on his face and faith in his God to lead them where they need to go.  The doctor's skepticism takes a beating as (a) Gabriel hears wind chimes that lead them to a fairly well-stocked house with (b) antibiotics, which Carlson gives to the now nearly-blind Gabriel for the infection, (c) a map, showing them how to get to the Hilltop, (d) a gun with bullets and (e) keys to a jeep in the garage.  En route to the garage, Carlson steps into a beartrap that has been set to catch zombies.  His screams attract the attention of a few walkers.  As the wounded and snared Carlson struggles with a walker, Gabriel manages to find the gun and - nearly miraculously - shoots the attacking walker, saving Carlson's life.  The doctor is amazed; the priest merely believes his God is getting them through.  However, the gunshots have attracted the notice of a band of Saviors, who capture Carlson and Gabriel just as they try to drive off.  Gabriel is still calm and Carlson notices, then remarks that maybe God is indeed giving them opportunities - and he grabs a gun out of a Savior's holster.  But another Savior shoots the doctor dead - despite the group's leader bemoaning the fact that they were supposed to leave him alive, since doctors are so valuable.  They shove Carlson's body off the truck and drive off with Gabriel sitting in the bed, stricken and heartbreakingly wailing "NO!" to the heavens.  He is utterly devastated, seemingly betrayed by his God, and it is truly one of the saddest moments in this show's run, watching him lose his faith.

Previously on The Walking Dead / maybe next time on The Walking Dead