My take on this episode involves looking at nuances and subtle visual clues I believe the director is feeding to us. I believe Rick is way too clever to remain under Negan's thumb for much longer. He has a plan, and the mental fortitude, to get his people out of this mess. It must be a long term endeavour which is why Rick is carefully maintaining his servile pose and ensuring everyone else toes the line in order to survive in the meantime.
Carl's behaviour is a little off (he would never shoot to miss) or, more likely, his outburst is orchestrated by Rick in order to split Negan's focus. Rick can't risk Negan examining his motives or picking up on the impending treachery I think is coming. The way Rick's grip tightens and releases on Lucille, carefully shown to us several times during the episode, indicates he is not the beaten man Negan thinks he is. He's biding his time, albeit impatiently.
His willingness to give up all the guns, especially the rocket launcher, is supposed to lull Negan and his group into thinking the Alexandrian community is no threat to them. I bet when the Saviours return for their next tribute collection they will be arrogant, unwary and undermanned.
I find it interesting when several people look at the same object and see so many different facets. Different viewpoints are great as they help expand our knowledge, question our opinions and change our preconceptions.
I think the show might feel too slow for some (attention span challenged?) as we're watching 3 different, interconnected story lines unfold. We'll see if this is a winning formula as the episodes are released.
Carl's behaviour is a little off (he would never shoot to miss) or, more likely, his outburst is orchestrated by Rick in order to split Negan's focus. Rick can't risk Negan examining his motives or picking up on the impending treachery I think is coming. The way Rick's grip tightens and releases on Lucille, carefully shown to us several times during the episode, indicates he is not the beaten man Negan thinks he is. He's biding his time, albeit impatiently.
His willingness to give up all the guns, especially the rocket launcher, is supposed to lull Negan and his group into thinking the Alexandrian community is no threat to them. I bet when the Saviours return for their next tribute collection they will be arrogant, unwary and undermanned.
I find it interesting when several people look at the same object and see so many different facets. Different viewpoints are great as they help expand our knowledge, question our opinions and change our preconceptions.
I think the show might feel too slow for some (attention span challenged?) as we're watching 3 different, interconnected story lines unfold. We'll see if this is a winning formula as the episodes are released.