The Walking Dead season 7 episode 8: 5 major talking points from the midseason finale
*Spoilers for 'Hearts Still Beating' here*
The Walking Dead's midseason finale has arrived, and with it - as expected - comes many moments that'll rock the series' world going into the second half of season seven.
Titled 'Hearts Still Beating,' the episode catches up with all the characters peppered around varying locations including the Kingdom, the Hilltop Colony and, of course, Alexandria - the place we last saw Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).
There was tension. There was excitement. There was blood - lots and lots of blood; below are the episode's five major talking points.
The most shocking Walking Dead moments
Show all 10Spencer's got guts
This being the midseason finale, someone had to go. Spencer (Austin Nichols) hasn't exactly been in fans' favour these past eight episodes having been openly vocal about Rick's leadership skills. This episode sees him take Negan a peace offering in the form of a bottle of whiskey. The two, sat on Rick's porch, bond and eventually end up playing a round of pool. Here, Spencer takes it upon himself to express these views to the Saviours' leader. Rather than being impressed, however, Negan calls Spencer out for his cowardice in going behind Rick's back. "You know what I'm thinking? It's because you've got no guts," he whispers before stabbing him in the stomach and spilling his innards all over the floor. "How embarrassing, there they are!" he exclaims as the group look on in anguish.
Rosita uses the bullet
Goading the assembled group after murdering Spencer, Rosita (Christian Serratos) reaches breaking point; she grabs her gun, points it at Negan and pulls the trigger - directly into Lucille. Pulled to the ground, Rosita takes responsibility for the bullet's homemade creation but Negan doesn't believe her instructing one of his lieutenants to "kill somebody" who immediately turns and fires a bullet into the face of Olivia (Ann Mahoney).
Eugene's taken as prisoner
Rick arrives back at the peak of the showdown so Negan fills him in on what's been happening. Rick tells him to take his stuff and leave, to which Negan accepts - only after he's found out who made the bullet. Eugene confesses and, having his life spared (for now, at least), is taken back to the Sanctuary as Negan's prisoner.
All-out-war has begun
After a conversation with Michonne, Rick accepts it's time to fight back. In an emotional final scene, we see the duo venture to the Hilltop with Carl, Rosita and Tara where they're reunited with Maggie, Sasha and Enid. Unbeknownst to Rick, Daryl's there as well having escaped the Sanctuary thanks to Jesus. Rick tells Maggie she was right - it's time to avenge Glenn and Abraham - and the episode ends with them marching towards the Hilltop's mansion, the wheels of revenge finally in motion.
The post-credits scene
In an earlier scene, Rick and Aaron descend upon a fort surrounded by walker-infested water on their scavenging hunt for Negan. After, we see the shoes of a mysterious figure watching on. A post-credits sequence sees this figure return having followed Rick and Aaron back to Alexandria. Watching on through binoculars, we see the same patterned boots descend into the night. Could this be a character we know? Dwight (Austin Amelio) or Oceanside's Cindie, perhaps? Maybe it's a new character altogether - someone from another group. If so, we're willing to bet it's the Whisperers, yet another clan that'll eventually clash with our community.
The Walking Dead's midseason finale will air in the UK on FOX, 9pm Monday. Season seven will return in February
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies