TWD is the complete opposite of self-aware. It takes itself so seriously, which is not usually a bad thing, but it does this even when eye-rollingly ridiculous things happen. Like Carl choosing not to kill Negan for some reason, when he literally has a clear shot. Sure, it was explained away as Carl wanting Negan to see what it was like to lose two people but Negan has shown himself to be non-human anyway, so why would he care if two of his men died- two men he himself probably didn't care to know the names of. Plus, Carl killing Negan would have ended it all and Alexandria would be free. The whole thing is just ludicrous and makes no sense. Even after Carl was caught, he had many opportunities to kill Negan and there is no reason why realistically he would not have done it. Oh, there is one actually- Negan is the new villain and has to serve his purpose in the story before he dies. So nothing makes more sense than giving Carl multiple opportunities to kill him but have Carl do nothing, right? Some may jump to this episode's defence and say that it's Carl's personality or whatever, but no. Just no.
Speaking of Negan, there was too much of him. So much of the episode was spent rehashing ideas already rehashed throughout this season, the idea of Negan's dominance. This includes his scenes with Carl in which he forces him to sing a song. However, it would be unfair not to mention that some more aspects to Negan's personality are revealed. His exchanges with Sherry and his sex slaves are disturbing. It shows the twisted way his mind works. Another interesting aspect of Negan's dominance is how he has created a personality cult around himself.
There are other great scenes too that suggest TWD is getting back on track. There are arguments over how to respond to Negan's dominance, whether to obey him or fight back. These are the first truly emotional moments I've seen in this season (expect for the premiere obviously) and show that there is hope for the season yet.
Speaking of Negan, there was too much of him. So much of the episode was spent rehashing ideas already rehashed throughout this season, the idea of Negan's dominance. This includes his scenes with Carl in which he forces him to sing a song. However, it would be unfair not to mention that some more aspects to Negan's personality are revealed. His exchanges with Sherry and his sex slaves are disturbing. It shows the twisted way his mind works. Another interesting aspect of Negan's dominance is how he has created a personality cult around himself.
There are other great scenes too that suggest TWD is getting back on track. There are arguments over how to respond to Negan's dominance, whether to obey him or fight back. These are the first truly emotional moments I've seen in this season (expect for the premiere obviously) and show that there is hope for the season yet.