Post by VelmasDead on Nov 14, 2016 15:38:18 GMT -6
We finally catch up with Carol and Morgan. The last time we saw them they had run into folk dressed up like extras from the Road Warrior. There are a lot of metaphors in this episode, but I am going to keep it as basic as possible.
I agreed with Carol when it came to her first impression. To be rolled into a theater where there is a man holding court with a tiger would seem ludicrous to me. Especially after all the horror, loss and bloodshed she had become accustomed to. She couldn’t even contain herself as she snickered. We were introduced to King Ezekiel and Shiva. Let’s not forget Jerry, the fruit bearer! Ezekiel spoke as if he were auditioning for a period piece. Carol did not take him seriously. Morgan tried to offer an explanation for the eccentricity but was shot down. Her main goal was she wanted out of this circus and she would do it as soon as Morgan took his eyes off of her. She didn’t want to be his responsibility. We got a little tour of the Kingdom which also showed Carol mimicking her innocent Alexandria persona whilst stealing items to make her escape.
We also discover the pigs the Kingdom is supplying to Negan’s cause are gorging on the dead. Remember when Dave had his leg amputated and was eaten by the remaining survivors from Terminus? He told them it was “tainted meat”. Will the people turn into walkers if they eat the pork? This is the first indicator that King Ezekiel isn’t the fool Carol thought him to be. Morgan goes with them to complete the transaction of providing the pigs. A fight ensues and Morgan refuses to use a gun. Everything is resolved but Morgan is suspect as to why he was brought on this excursion. He thinks it is because he has dealt with this group before and Ezekiel thinks he will be able to face them again if need be. Ezekiel states that is not the reason. Morgan also takes a shine to a teenager and begins teaching him the ways of the staff.
I am not going to go much into the side stories in this episode. Towards the end, Carol is making her escape from the Kingdom when she happens upon Jerry and King Ezekiel in the magical orchard. She is taking an apple from a tree. Oh the symbolism! They have a very enlightening heart-to-heart. She tells him that the whole idea of this place is ridiculous and so is he. He tells her that people need a leader and he fell into the role. He explains how he found an injured Shiva at a zoo. He helped and nursed her back to health. Shiva seems to be under Ezekiel’s control, but I bet that is what Siegfried and Roy thought too! The point of the matter is this; we come to find out this man has taken this role to give his community what they need which is hope. Who are we when we do not have someone to hope for? The reality these folks live in is pretty bleak outside the gates. Inside there is a sense of community where people are able to sing and willingly contribute to stay in this enchanted place.
Carol leaves the Kingdom but does not go too far. We are left with seeing the King and his royal pet visiting at her humble abode. Does she finally partake in the pomegranate? The world may never know!!!