The Walking Dead Season 11 Review - 3 Downs & 5 Ups From "A New Deal"
Another one bites the dust!
After The Walking Dead returned to Disney+ last week, fans were treated to an action-packed offering that set the stage for the final batch of episodes for the long-running series and what the remaining survivors would be up against. It may be light on the action this week, but A New Deal certainly delivered some great character moments.
As their slates with Pamela Milton and the Commonwealth have been cleared thanks to Carol's actions, the former residents of Hilltop and Alexandria prepare for their journey home, while others have their own personal reasons for staying within the protected walls of the Commonwealth. But A New Deal also sets up the back-stabbing and political allegiances that will surely become unravelled and end in explosive fashion as the people vs the politicians will inevitably become tested.
While audiences were treated to a heavy focus on Daryl this week, the episode didn't shy away from seeing some of the characters from previous seasons reuniting and showing fans just what makes their chemistries so interesting and engaging. Whether it's Daryl sharing some personal moments with Judith, or Ezekiel sharing an emotional scene with former lover Carol, it's good to see some other characters get their fair share of screen time this week.
These figures may not get too many more loving moments, though, for long one particularly hated character got more than what he can chew in A New Deal - and that might ignite another's rage beyond the boiling point.
8. Down - Daryl Stabbing Lance's Hand
At the end of last week's episode, Daryl and co. were finally cornered by Lance, and the soldiers who accompanied him that saw the villain proudly smiling at his victory.
Unfortunately for Daryl, Pamela, Mercer and Carol arrived just in the nick of time to save him from receiving a bullet to the head. Frustrated with being chased for so long by the deputy governor, Daryl drives a knife through his hand before walking away and dropping the bloody weapon onto the floor.
Those who hated the antagonist will undoubtedly feel satisfaction for seeing him scream in pain, but it doesn't serve a big purpose apart from showing a quick, gory sequence. There's no mention of the action throughout the episode and, despite having his hand wrapped in a bandage, Lance seems surprisingly calm about the whole thing once they leave the sewers.
This is also a move from Daryl that is unlike him, as he usually finishes a job or has a purpose for his actions, no matter what it may be. Here though, it just comes off as a move to show his brutality, and while understandable, it's not quite like him to act in such a way.