The Walking Dead ― “Hearts Still Beating” Review. Welcome Back, Survivors.

Season 7, Episode 8

Air Date: Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 9/8c on AMC

Rating: ★★★★★

“We’re the ones who get things done. You said that. We are the ones who live. That’s why we have to fight.” – Michonne

That’s What I’m Talking ‘Bout

Once these two find out what the Saviors and Negan have done, it will be on.

“Hearts Still Beating” gives me hope that The Walking Dead (TWD) writers, producers, and directors haven’t completely gone off the deep end. No, they’ve pulled things back to where they should be. Events are unfolding that make sense to me, and even though our group seems to be broken, they are making their way back to one another. The separation has been good for them all, and maybe was long overdue. How do you feel when you finally reunite with someone you haven’t seen in a long while? I know I am happier than ever to hug them, talk to them, and reconnect. That’s what happens here in “Hearts Still Beating.” The heart of the group is still going strong, despite having been put under stress. I’m even more excited now to see what is to come. Things are looking up for the survivors of the zombie apocalypse.

It’s About Time

I’ve been wondering why Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) wears a black glove all the time. I’m not sure that it hides an injury or anything but he only wears it on one hand, and it has nothing to do with him holding Lucille. Seeing him without the glove on and his forearm wrapped leaves me to wonder if he’s hiding an injury. Not a zombie bite, ‘because we know he’d be dead by now, but perhaps a kink in his chain. A physical weakness is just as good as an emotional one, and right about now, anything that might take down Negan is wanted. We already know Negan has a soft spot for Carl (Chandler Riggs). I’d be interested to discover if Negan wants a child and that’s why he has so many wives. But onto other thoughts. Negan shows his cards. He loses his cool and his voice flying off into a rage about a bullet. Why does he get so angry anyway? What is his deal? Holding onto so much power all the time can’t be easy. It’s a wonder Negan has others do his dirty work, wields Lucille as a constant threat, and has his Saviors kneel in his presence. It’s hard work being a leader. He needs to take a page out of Rick’s (Andrew Lincoln) book. I doubt Negan would be willing to risk all to save even one of his people.

This.

Nobody puts Daryl (Norman Reedus) in a corner, and if they do, he beats the shit out of them with a pole. I’ll be honest, I forgot Jesus (Tom Payne) was in the Sanctuary and didn’t expect him to rescue Daryl, but it sure is nice to see him around for backup.

Who didn’t tear up when Daryl and Rick hugged? I know I did. Best moment of “Hearts Still Beating.” The way Daryl hangs his head and walks to Rick with an air of defeat spoke more than any words Daryl could have said. In those few movements he said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m back, and I’m still with you.’ I also think a bit of Daryl’s disappointment in himself shone through. Daryl wouldn’t have been taken if he hadn’t shown such resistance to Negan in the first place. But that’s all in the past and the gang’s all here now. And it’s about damn time.

Michonne (Danai Gurira) has a powerful moment with Rick that shouldn’t be overlooked. “We’re still here, the two of us. We’re still standing. And we’re gonna keep standing, so what do we do with that?” Her speech resonates through him and hits him hard. I wish she could have delivered it a few episodes ago, considering that’s when everything went to hell. Rick is now accepting that he can’t do everything alone; he can’t shoulder leadership of the group without the support of the group. They are on his side, however, he needs to believe in them and trust they know what they are getting themselves into. Rick’s epiphany begins during his trek with Aaron (Ross Marquand). “Back there, I didn’t mean that you couldn’t do it. It’s just, going this far, risking this much to get things for them; if you don’t agree with it, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.” Rick is accepting that he might be wrong and doesn’t want to lead his people blindly because they think he knows all.

I find it interesting that someone decides to ask the two people in the entirety of the TWD world who have sworn off violence, to “destroy” the Saviors. This entire scene feels cartoonish. Who says, “destroy them,” anyway? No wonder Carol (Melissa McBride) rolls her eyes. I did the same thing.

Slow handclap for Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam). He has totally done an 180. Gone is the man whose fear of the walking dead gripped him so strongly that he and Eugene (Josh McDermitt) were tied neck and neck for most likely to be killed by the slowest walker. I’m so proud of both characters. Eugene has shown great strides by stepping up and taking responsibility for what he’s done. I never thought the day would come when Eugene or Father Gabriel would stand tall and be brave. I guess that means they are next to die, right?

Overall

I can’t see Rick and Aaron doing this too often. Negan can fetch his own shit.

I am excited to say “Hearts Still Beating” is a good, solid episode. It brought about some tears, some cheers, and some hell yeahs. This extended episode left me wanting more. The snippet of the mysterious stranger has me curious but not enough that I’m dying to find out who it is. My poor heart can’t take anymore bad guys at this point.

Let me know what you think about “Hearts Still Beating” by dropping me a line in the comments section below or tweet me @ellemoe.

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Elle

Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle