Original air date: October 3, 2021
The Reapers defend Meridian from an incoming herd; Pope suspects Maggie is behind the attack, while Daryl treads carefully; Alexandrians scramble to protect themselves when a violent storm leaves them vulnerable to walkers.
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Carver: Spotted them about an hour ago.
Why are they moving like that?
[Growling]
No reason.
Wrong. There’s a reason for everything.
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What about you, Dixon?
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You ever seen rotters move like that?
Yeah. Yeah. I’ve seen that before. South of here. Don’t know why it happens. They just gather up a whole bunch of them and move off.
Carver: Could take them down, like we did at that hospital in Rockville. Easy.
Till you almost bought it and I had to save your ass.
That was just when things were getting fun.
I can lead them out about two miles and just double back. Less work, less risk.
Yeah, less balls.
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[Growling]
We’ll try it Dixon’s way.
Alright.
Wells. You think you could move those rotters?
Yes, sir. I can do it. I’ve done it before.
Wells can handle it.
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[Walkers growling]
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[Click]
Hey, Pied Piper. How’s the pipin’?
[Walkers growling]
You kiddin’? [Scoffs] I’m the belle of the ball out here. They love me.
Alright, Belle.
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[Walkers growling]
Step it up, ugly. It’s getting late, and I’m getting hungry. [Sighs] Come on, man. Come on.
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[Walkers growling]
Sir, we have a situation here.
What kind of situation?
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[Wells grunting]
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[Wells screaming]
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[Squishing]
Leah: Wells, do you copy?
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[Thunder crashing]
[Baby crying]
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[Wind whistling]
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[Rattling]
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What’s with that door?
It’s rotted out. This storm keeps up, it’ll shake apart.
[Thunder crashes]
[Gasps]
I’ll check on the babies.
[Baby crying]
It’s only thunder. It can’t hurt. Remember what Mom said about storms? They’re always followed by clear skies.
I wish she was here.
I know. Me too.
[Thunder crashes]
[Gasps]
[Glass shatters, children scream]
[Indistinct shouting]
Stay here.
[Whimpers]
Move!
Okay. Keep it closed!
[Thunder crashes]
Is everyone okay?
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That’s even worse.
What was that?
A piece of the wall. Come on. Back.
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Wells, it’s Shaw. Do you copy? Over.
I’m going after him.
There’s no point. He’s already dead.
No, I’ve seen him kill dozens of rotters at a time.
Oh, they didn’t kill him. She did. My enemy.
[Inhales sharply]
Unh. [Chuckles] So you did come back.
You thought that woman was out there… and you sent Paul in? What was he — bait?
He was a soldier. Soldiers sometimes fall.
No. He was more than that. He was family.
Yes. Whose fate God decided.
God didn’t send him out there. You did.
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A decision you disagree with, Shaw?
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You have had a hell of a lot to say, ever since your boyfriend showed up.
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Anything else you wanna share?
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No, sir.
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Wells may have been your brother… but he was a son to me.
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Because of his courage… we now know the enemy is close! And I promise you, they will not escape this time.
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Aaron: The storm blew down one of the panels in the wall over by the gardens. Hopefully it’s just the one. Now, what’s worse, there’s a fire in the windmill that’s drawing the walkers from the surrounding areas.
We have to get that panel back up and the fire out.
Yeah, so we’re gonna need three teams. I’ll take one to fight the fire.
And I’ll take a crew to repair the wall.
We’re gonna need another team to protect everyone in here.
And I can handle that.
Okay. Good. So…volunteers?
I’ll go.
No. You just got back.
I’m fine. I’m going.
If she’s up for it, we could use the help.
I wanna go with Carol.
She wants to go with Carol.
Thank you.
Well, then, I’m joining, too. It’s not up for discussion, sis. I’ll go with you.
Virgil: So will I.
Virgil, you can barely stand.
I’d like to help.
Rosita: I can use all the help I can get here and make sure nothing gets in.
Yeah. Okay. I’ll stay here.
Alright. Let’s move.
[Thunder crashes]
I can go with you, too.
Oh, thank you, Judith, but I’d prefer it if you stayed here.
I’m not scared.
No, I know you’re not, but I was really hoping maybe you could help the other kids feel a little less afraid. Can you do that for me?
Good.
I’ll be back in a little while, sweetie. You do whatever Rosita tells you, okay?
Why can’t you stay and have somebody else go?
Because it wouldn’t be fair of me to ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Understand?
I can stay with you.
Thank you.
[Wind whistling]
Let’s move.
[Door opens]
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Powell: Rotters are gone.
But she’s not.
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How long did you travel with her for?
Not long at all.
What can you tell me about her?
Not — Not much.
Why am I keeping you around?
You said God chose me.
[Chuckling] Oh, Dixon. I had this dog. Named Tick, on account he was a Bluetick hound. Found him on the side of the road. He was starving, half-dead. But the thing with some of these rescues like Tick, they don’t trust easy. Now, sometimes, I would reach for Tick, and he’d give me this look. That look. Like he couldn’t decide whether to lick my hand or bite it off.
[Scoffs] Don’t worry. I ain’t gonna lick ya. [Chuckles]
[Laughing] There he is! [Laughing] Fair enough. Just don’t try to bite me, either. Tick did. Hurt like hell having to strangle that dog.
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We kept him here ’cause he’s an excellent tracker. I’m sure he noticed something.
She’s — She’s a great shot. I know that. That’s probably how she took out Wells.
So, where would you look for her?
Well, she’s gonna want to see us coming. She’s got that bow, so I’d look up. In the trees maybe.
Trees?
Yeah.
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We’ll see.
Carver: Sir, they’re back.
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[Walkers growling]
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[Pope laughs]
What is it?
Somehow, she has turned the dead against the living. Ooh, that’s impressive.
How strong is this gate?
Oh, it’s strong enough. They won’t get that far, though.
[Explosion]
[Walkers growling]
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[Thunder crashes]
We need more boards.
Use the furniture. Aaron will understand.
I’ll help.
[Wind whistling]
I wish I was more like you. You’re never afraid.
That’s not true. I’ve been scared plenty of times.
It never seems that way.
[Thunder rumbling]
That’s ’cause I’ve learned how to use my fear.
Use it?
Yeah. You can, too. My mom taught me. Just like how you can run faster when you’re scared, you can fight better, too. It makes you stronger.
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Virgil: She’d be proud of you. [Chuckles]
Do you know where she went?
I don’t. I’m sorry.
[Thunder crashes]
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I haven’t heard from her in so long. I just wish she was here.
Virgil: She is. I see her in the way you hold your sword. The way you’re ready to run into the storm… and how you talk to those kids, helping them believe in themselves. Your mama’s still with you. And you can bet that wherever she is, you’re with her.
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Gracie, be careful!
[Walker growling]
[Gracie screaming]
Get ’em! Get ’em!
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They’re all over out there.
Radio Carol, tell her there must be another breach. A close one. Go!
Judith. Candles, now.
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[Thunder crashes]
[Walkers growling]
[Thumping]
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What’s on your mind, Shaw?
Nothing.
Come on. I know you better than I know myself. What?
I’m thinking of the ones we’ve lost.
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[Explosion]
And you blame me.
I didn’t say that.
“Will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” These are all tribulations, Leah. The black horse of famine, it rides after us all. I knew this war was coming. And in every war, there is…sacrifice.
[Explosion]
That’s why we were chosen in the first place, ’cause we didn’t run from the fire. Just like we don’t run from our enemies. Those men that have died… they didn’t die in vain.
[Explosion, walkers growl]
It’s their sacrifice that shows we are still worthy. That’s why we will prevail.
[Explosion]
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[Explosion]
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Daryl: Man, you’re missing all the fireworks!
Dixon. What are you doing up here?
Pope told me to walk the perimeter, so… I’m walking the perimeter. You want a smoke?
Yeah.
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There you go, man.
Quit these once. Guess I’ll have to quit them again.
[Scoffs] Why?
[Both chuckle]
[Rattling] Alright.
Here you go.
Ohh.
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[Body dragging]
Man: We’re holding good at the northern gate. Walls are holding strong.
Hey. Hey. Psst. Around that way. Go.
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[Walkers growling]
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[Explosion]
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[Explosion]
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Where were you?
Just wanted to be ready.
Well, you’re not gonna need them. The rotters are scattering.
You sure about that?
[Explosion]
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Pope: My enemy never gives up. Secure the gate. Shaw. Ready the hwacha.
Daryl: What’s that?
It’s how we’re going to end this.
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[Walkers growling]
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What is that smell?
Anything too rotten to eat or use. That’s why there’s nobody out here. You remember where you’re going?
Top floor, second room, southwest corner of the building.
Just remember to wait for my signal.
Got it.
We do this, then we get the food, and we go home.
[Walkers growling]
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[Walkers growling]
[Thumping]
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Oh, the hinges are coming apart!
And the frame.
[Grunts] Geez.
What are you doing?
I’m buying us time.
What?
What can I do?
Close the door behind me. Keep it closed. Alright. On my count.
One… two…
[Walkers growling]
…three!
[Walkers growling]
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[Thunder crashes]
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[Thump, thump, thump]
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[Thunder crashes]
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Let’s stay away from the windows.
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[Walkers growling]
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Ready?
Ready. Go.
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You built this?
Yep.
Leah: Ancheta was a combat engineer. Now’s he’s our DaVinci, right?
This hwacha will make short work of those rotters. We can mop up everything else.
Let me know when you’re ready.
Alright.
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Sorry about Wells.
I shouldn’t have let him out there by himself.
That wasn’t on you.
It was my responsibility. I should’ve had his back, like he’s always had mine. My people, we protect each other. At least we used to.
Hey. Can I ask you something?
What?
Pope says… God chose us. You believe all that?
Why?
Just asking.
Look. I know how it sounds. But when we had nothing, he gave us something to hold onto. We’re all alive ’cause we believed in him.
What about now?
Doesn’t matter whether I believe or not.
Well, it matters to me.
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You ever think about what it’d be like if we’d never left that cabin?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
It’s hard to watch something you care about change… when they’re hurting other people you care about, too.
It is.
Daryl…
Pope: What’s the status of the hwacha?
We’re ready and standing by.
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Okay, Leah. It’s time to do this. I’m on my way.
Hey, hey. I have to tell you something.
What?
There’s people down there walking with the dead. My people.
What?
They’re here for the food that Pope took from them. They’ll starve without it, and they’re good people. They got families. They don’t know what’s about to happen to them. Please. You can’t let them die like this.
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You lied to me.
To protect my family. I’m sure you can understand that.
Carver told me not to trust you. But I wanted to. So badly.
I didn’t think I could trust you either when I saw who you were with.
What do you think Pope is gonna do when he finds out you’re with her?
He doesn’t have to know. You could come with me. Just please let me stop him. Please. You gotta help me.
Pope: It is time for our enemy to face their reckoning!
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Oh, my. What were you two talking about?
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Family.
Ain’t nothing more important. The only real thing that… we got left in this world. Would you agree, Dixon?
Yeah. Yeah, I would.
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When this is done… I want you to find that woman for me.
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Bring her to me, Dixon.
Good man.
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[Walkers growling]
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[Explosion in distance]
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[Crackling]
Carver: Deaver, what’s the status on the chain on that gate?
Heading to the garage now.
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[Engine starts]
Hey! No! Hey! Come here! No!
[Grunts]
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[Tires squealing]
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[Grunts]
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[Shouts]
[Walkers growling]
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Carver, what the hell’s going on down there?
It’s the enemy. They’re inside the walls.
[Walkers growling]
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Aim into the courtyard and fire.
Sir?
Uh-huh. You heard me. Now!
Our people are out there.
I am aware of that.
So let’s call them back in.
Alert the enemy? No. God will protect them!
And what if he doesn’t?
Then it was their time to die.
Pope. We can win this another way.
We will win this… our way.
You can’t kill —
I can. I can! The Lord speaks through me! You don’t question the Lord! You don’t question me!
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Light it up!
[Lighter clicks]
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[Breathing heavily]
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[Grunts]
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[Walkers growling]
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[Gunshot] Aah!
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Man: Shots fired!
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[Bullet ricochets]
[Groans]
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[Grunts]
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[Leah grunts]
Leah. Come on. Before they find us.
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[Radio clicks] Pope is dead.
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[Radio clicks]
Dixon murdered him. He’s with the enemy.
Carver: Shaw, repeat! Pope is dead?! Leah! Do you copy? We’re on our way.
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Why would you do that?
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He forgot about what mattered. Not war. People. My people. You’d do anything to protect your family. So would I.
Carver: Leah!
[Metal bangs]
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Should’ve killed him when I had the chance.
Go get the gate closed.
Then what?
Then we’re gonna kill everything inside these walls.
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[Door closes]
[Grunting, walkers growling]
This isn’t gonna hold them for long.
Lydia: There’s too many to fight off!
Dianne: Do I need to radio Aaron and Carol?
No. They need to put out that fire and close those breaches.
[Walkers growling]
If we get everyone upstairs, we can hold them off to the first floor, right? Right?
Yeah.
Everyone! Upstairs, now! Go!
[Baby crying]
Judith: Go with Hershel, RJ.
[Thunder rumbling]
[Baby crying]
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No, no, no. Don’t worry about me. You go and get up those steps.
I will. With you.
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I’ll get him. Okay?
Yeah.
Ready?
I got it.
[Walkers growling]
Dianne: I’ll take him from here, Judith. Just lean on me.
Gracie?!
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Gracie?!
Gracie: Judith!
Gracie?
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Gracie: Judith!
[Thunder crashes]
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I got this, okay? You go get Coco. Go! Go!
[Walkers growling]
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What are you doing?
I wanted something to fight with, a weapon like you and Rosita have.
[Thunder crashes]
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Here. We have to go.
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[Walkers growling]
[Gasps]
Judith: Go, go, go!
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[Thumping]
Come on.
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[Thumping]
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[Walkers growling]
[Grunting]
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Leah: Fall back!
Go! Fall back! Fall back!
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Negan: You have got to be shittin’ me. They are retreatin’.
But why?
[Lighter clicks]
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[Fireworks whistling]
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