User Reviews

I think we all knew the twists and turns of this episode when we they really got into Eugene's conspiracies. Except for the last scene and twist, which some might've seen it coming from a mile away but I didn't.

Anyway, because the twists of what Eugene was after were obvious, I think they should have condensed this story line and made this episode a plot a and plot b. Well I guess there were some other few scenes about other stuff like Carol and Connie, but the main plot and focus of this episode was about Eugene and his girlfriend.

I thought the style of this episode was nice and the story is getting more interesting, but they could've done more things with it and the writing seems half-assed kinda.

While it moves one of the unfinished plots of previous seasons and integrates it with the Commonwealth story line, it still kinda feels like a filler? I feel like the 24 episode made them do it this way and.

The episode is divided into three parts.

The main focus is on Josh McDermitt who plays the protagonist in this Scooby Doo-like episode which delves into one of the mysteries of the commonwealth. And while it leads to the uncovering of secrets from some of the commonwealth's biggest players, it also drags quite a bit. However, it does show us some of McDermitt's best acting moments in the show's entire run. As well as delves more into the dynamic of Lazaro & McDermitt's character and adds more layers to major Commonwealth players.

The secondary plot revolves around McBride's character as she takes a trip with one of the most powerful members of the community. This secondary plot does nothing other than show us how powerful this man is. It's very filler-ish, and an unnecessary add to an already suffered episode.

The tertiary plot is more necessary as it focuses on Ridloff's character alongside sister Theory as they attempt to uncover the "whys" in the events of the previous episode. This plotline adds layers to the character of Mercer & gives us some world building as it shows us how journalists work in the commonwealth, which may be very significant in the arc's long run.

All in all, a decent episode that suffers from a slow-burn A plot and two slightly filler-ish B & C plots but also works to show more of the Commonwealth's world building.

Slow, boring episode. Focusing on one of the weakest characters Eugene, some call him loveable, I find him tedious. This second part of the season started so well, creative camera work, good interesting dialogue and writing. This episode felt so simple, like the crew needed an easy week off. Also random side note but the music felt super goofy this episode. Maybe I've just not noticed it before idk. I just don't see where they are going with it, and I don't always mind that as long as the getting there is interesting. Hoping things pick up!

A chapter where the focus is not on our main characters, the good thing about the chapter is the end, where we discover new information. The best of this chapter is how Carol is getting more involved in the community to discover how the Commonwealth really is and Connie trying to bring to light information that people don't know. In short, a good chapter and different from the rest.

Episode 11.11 titled "Rogue Element" is entirely focused on the Commonwealth storyline. The premise for episode 11: Eugene looks for Stephanie after she mysteriously goes missing. Connie investigates a story on Trooper Davis. Carol helps Hornsby with a labor dispute at a drug farm. I think the editing and pacing was perfect in this episode, with some great transitions. But after the previous episode which had almost the whole cast in it, I was a little bit let down how this episode was more character focused and honestly it was the right thing to do as Eugene is the most important character of the Commonwealth arc. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick penned the script for 11.11 and you might know him from writing Aquaman and its sequel, the overall writing is brilliant and the dialogue along with its characters are top notch, everything feels natural and simply perfect. Overseen by Angela Kang, the writing for this episode is consistent of the previous episodes in Part 2. The episode uses the big budget wisely, making it brilliant both technically and the acting and so on, the camera work are brilliant and it's visually a great episode, an overall impressive production.

TWD veteran Michael Cudlitz returns to direct 11.11 "New Haunts" and as usual he doesn't let the viewers or the show down, Cudlitz uses the experience as an actor and storyteller to make an episode worthy of your attention. There's so much things he does right with this episode, though I don't think it's the best episode he have directed but it's close to a perfect episode, the scenes with Eugene were incredible and mesmerizing. The cinematography is once again breathtaking and incredible, the way it was shot and so on, just brilliant. The sets were detailed and perfect, and so are the art and production design. Superb sound design and a musical score both gripping and dramatic. It's one of many things on the technical side of things that the show succeeds perfectly with.

As this was a direct follow-up to the previous episode which ended with our survivors and us viewers learning about the faction inside Commonwealth that wants to make a change. The best performances were Josh McDermitt as Eugene Porter in possibly one of his best performances, I also think Josh Hamilton as Lance Hornsby is another performance worth praising. Michael James Shaw's performance as Mercer wasn't incredible but the talent that man has in speaking more with his face than his words needs some praise, he's perfect as Mercer and I'm so glad they cast him. I had my doubts at first regarding Paola Lázaro as Juanita "Princess" Sanchez, though I believe her interpretation of Princess is perfect if you're comparing it to the comic book counterpart, I think her acting isn't quite on the same level as other lead actors like Josh McDermitt but she just have this likeability to her and her performance contains everything the character is memorable for, so does Làzaro need to give brilliant performances each episode? I don't think so, if she keeps nailing the character then that's enough for me.

"Rogue Element" has lots of things that fans of The Walking Dead will like, Eugene Porter gets a lot of love in this episode and for a good reason. Carol also gets a lot of attention and thus we get to see more of the world, locations around the city and Michael Cudlitz along with the cinematographer helped create some stunning looking shots, beautiful locations that they found. The episode takes its time with world building, moving the story forward immensely but also giving new characters like Mercer and Hornsby lots of screen time and developing then into more fleshed out characters which is needed. The neo-noir style of storytelling in this episode was so right and Cudlitz did it justice. Angela Kang is truly giving the Commonwealth arc a lot of depth and I'm liking it a lot, Part 2 continues to be amazing and "Rogue Element" was amazing but possibly too slow paced for some.

Seriously. Looking back to series 1-4 of this show. A proper zombie apocalypse series. Arguably the most incredible one ever made. To this???

I like many am watching as I feel I need to see the ending at this point but god I miss what this show used to be :(

Why the hate? I found this episode to be pretty decent. Eugene did a good job (as always) and the story moves on with a decent twist. Looking forward to the rest.

Honestly very strong start to the show but last weeks episode and this was terrible every time eugen has an episode based around him I fall asleep like I did with this don't even wanna go back to finish it thats how bad it was please kill him off the most irritating person in the walking dead the way he talks makes me wanna throw my tv out the window.

Standouts are both Josh's (Mcdermitt and Hamilton) as Eugene and Lance, they stole this episode really. Loved the mystery aspect but felt like a lot of filler, and we also knew about the big plot 'twist' anyway.

How can you kick off the second half with an amazing episode, followed by 2 straight dull, boring, pointless, absolutely idiotic episodes.

I mean come-on creators - I thought we was well and truly over the point of character story episodes, especially now this is the last season.

I mean, since when did it go from Zombie Horror to Detective crime thriller - If this was the first ever episode or a completely different episode for a different show, then fair enough - Episode would of been pretty decent.

Nobody rarely cares about Eugene and his mid-life crisis anymore - regardless of how well he acts.

2 stars for last 2 episodes.

This episode was boring!

Like, really slow-moving "I don't care" boring.

"You mother pus bucket!" Someone actually said that. In a post apocalyptic wasteland. They "watched their language". LOL.

So stupid. This series is just so stupid now.

Eugene has entered into a relationship with Stephanie and tells her he loves her; she says she loves him too, shortly after which she mysteriously disappears. Eugene becomes obsessed with finding Stephanie and breaks into a man's house looking for evidence, but fails, and Princess insists that she must have broken up with and abandoned him. Eugene soon finds Stephanie again colluding with Lance for an unknown task, and gets Lance to confess "Stephanie" was a plant named Shira who was used to get Eugene to confess the location of Alexandria due to too many inconsistencies during the group's auditing. Lance tells Eugene the group is better off now despite his heart being broken by Shira. Meanwhile, Connie and Kelly investigate the Commonwealth military and their treatment of Tyler Davis, and Carol helps Lance deal with a neighboring community whose leader is extorting the Commonwealth for money. Eugene is later approached by "Max", who reveals herself to be the woman he was in contact with over the radio.

"Rogue Element" propels "The Walking Dead" into a riveting exploration of conspiracy and betrayal, further delving into the complex socio-political landscape of the Commonwealth. This episode marks a significant turning point, as it unravels the facade of the community's idyllic life, revealing the dark undercurrents that flow beneath its surface. The tension is palpable from the outset, as characters begin to question the integrity of their leaders and the true cost of the peace and security they have been afforded.

The episode masterfully intertwines personal vendettas with larger societal issues, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which corruption can fester in a community desperate for order. The narrative is dense and compelling, with each twist and turn exposing more about the Commonwealth's true nature. The storytelling is adept at maintaining a sense of urgency and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the protagonists peel back layers of deception to reveal the truth.

Central to "Rogue Element" is the theme of trust and the ramifications of its breakdown within a community. Characters are forced to navigate a labyrinth of lies and half-truths, challenging their perceptions and loyalties. This episode does an exceptional job of showcasing the emotional and psychological toll of such revelations, with standout performances that convey the weight of disillusionment and the struggle for truth in a world where it is a rare commodity.

The episode's cinematography and direction enhance the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, using shadows and tight frames to evoke a sense of confinement and paranoia. The visual storytelling complements the narrative's themes, emphasizing the contrast between the Commonwealth's outward appearance and the murky reality that lies beneath.