If you missed the first hour of “The First Day of the Rest of Your Life”, it’s ok because the last half hour and specifically the last fifteen minutes more than make up for it. Warning, spoilers ahead…
Much of this finale was a way of saying goodbye to another series favorite, Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) But unlike the season opener that dealt with Abraham and Glenn dying by the hand of Negan, Sasha refuses to yield and decides to use the only weapon she has left, her death. Remember that poison pill Eugene had given her in the previous episode? It comes into play when Negan, Eugene and the Saviors visit Alexandria with Sasha kept inside a coffin to be used as a bargaining chip. Rick thinks he has set up a trap for Negan with the aid of the Scavengers. But they turn on them because of a better deal with the Saviors. Their betrayal would have had more of an impact if they were introduced a while ago and had established some trust with Rick. Honestly, they never gave us a reason to trust them. Needless to say, the deck was clearly stacked against Alexandria.
When Rick demands to see Sasha, Negan complies and opens the coffin but instead of a living Sasha we get Walker Sasha after she had taken the pill to commit suicide. A shocked Negan was attacked by Walker Sasha. The surprise attack causes enough of a distraction that Carl shoots one of the Scavengers and a gun fight ensues. Unfortunately, Alexandria was outnumbered and the Saviors and Scavengers regain control. Negan once again has Rick on his knees along with Carl. He told Rick that he’s going to kill his son and then take his hands with Lucille. However, Rick is defiant. He isn’t afraid of Negan anymore. He is even willing to sacrifice Carl and Michonne because this time should they die, they were prepared to go down firing and killing as many of them as possible. As Rick whispers to Negan, he and all his Saviors are already dead. Rick’s words this time visibly upsets Negan.
As Negan readies himself to kill Carl, Sheba to tiger drops into the screen and takes down one of Negan’s men. Now that’s an entrance. In comes Carol, Ezekiel, Morgan and many of the Kingdom community storming in on one side as Maggie and members of the Hilltop storm in from the other side. Together, they fight off the Saviors and Scavengers as they retreat scoring their first victory against Negan. This was a fantastic battle albeit short yet still quite satisfying. One must wonder with Sasha’s death and the bloodshed that was spilled on both sides, will Eugene find the courage that many of his friends at Alexandria felt existed within him and could he turn on Negan when the opportunity comes knocking.
This season’s finale of The Walking Dead reminds us why this series has endured through the years. After an emotionally draining season opener much of Season 7’s heart and soul was gone. It became a dark and lonely place and that’s saying a lot given the backdrop of this series. Sasha going out on her terms, going out as a weapon of her choosing and not the one Negan wanted nor expected did a lot to restore the heart and soul of this series that at times felt defeated. The war has just begun.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
