The Walking Dead Season 11 Review - 6 Ups & 2 Downs From "Variant"

Variant opened just as last week's episode ended with the downfall of Sebastian and the chaos that Lance's people caused. The peaceful lives of many people within the walls of the Commonwealth are now over as Pamela's calm demeanour has slowly become untied, leaving the fate of Hilltop and Alexandria in grave danger.

Focussing heavily on the loveable and cowardly engineer in this week's episode, Eugene learns what it means to be brave as he's hiding within the safety of the church, all the while Daryl and Rosita risk their lives to save Max. Will he finally come out of his shell to come to his lover's aid or shake in fear for what Pamela and the Commonwealth have in mind for his punishment?

Meanwhile, Aaron and Jerry get more than they bargained for when they come across a Walker who is able to do far more than any undead monster that they have seen before. But for Lydia and Elijah, their awkward step into love might be their most challenging moment that certainly doesn't seem to add up from Lydia's confession with Carol last week.

Despite some stumbles between the cast this week, there were some major ramifications and drama too good to be missed.

One of the most emotional moments from last week saw Lydia telling Carol about finding love once again with Elijah before they set off for Oceanside. But with one awkward scene, it certainly didn't seem like it.

After stopping for the night at an abandoned medieval theme park, Elijah and Lydia are trying to light a fire. Making eye contact with her, he goes in to kiss her, only to be rejected as his new partner moves back to avoid the embrace.

What makes this particular scene stand out is that they are seen to be laughing and flirting with one another earlier in the episode, embracing and enjoying each other's company despite the potential dangers ahead. It just doesn't come off as a natural scene that instead creates an unnecessary dramatic arc in their story to build some tension.

While Lydia does eventually confront her new boyfriend with a tender kiss after surviving a horde of the undead, her earlier rejection of his advances didn't match with what she said to Carol before their departure. Overall, the scene came off as more awkward than a natural obstacle for them to overcome for their newfound love after so much loss.