In this episode we finally see Rick and his group in Alexandria. However there is no peaceful bliss as Negan pays the town a visit. Taking more than just physical possessions. Here our are highlights and thoughts from tonight’s episode, “The Service.”

Rick Grimes

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes – The Walking Dead _ Season 7, Episode 4 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Rick Grimes has fallen from grace and has truly hit rock bottom. Allowing Negan and his men to raid and take what ever they like from Alexandria. Negan greedily dismissed the supplies that Rick and his people has placed aside for The Saviors. Instead Negan had his men take mattresses and all their weapons, while Rick held onto Lucille. Negan being as confident as he was, knew that Rick would not harm him. That Rick was just another one of his puppets, despite what Negan had scene in an old camcorder of a heavily bearded Grimes. Negan was surprised by Rick’s appearance, but more so by his old demeanor and mentioned that he would not mess the old Rick.

During The Saviors raid of the weaponry, Negan discovers that two guns are unaccounted for.  Negan warns Rick that he will need to find the guns or he will kill Olivia. Rick has his hand forced and holds a town meeting to recover the guns. Reluctantly he tells his people that Negan is now in charge of them and denounces his reign.

Rick after some sleuthing  finds the guns hidden away in Spencer’s home and turns them into Negan. The new leader smirked in delight to Rick’s submission. Like an obedient dog, Rick tucks his tail between his legs and heads home after Negan makes an example of him in front of his people. Despite others coming to terms with the change of leadership. Michonne hasving the hardest time adjusting to the new Rick, offers a plan to team up with Hilltop to take on Negan. Rick knows even with the alliance, they do not have the numbers to defeat The Saviors.

Leading to a heart to heart with Michonne, where he tells her of his friend Shane. The story brings back an nostalgic feelings of Season 1 where the only threat they faced were the walkers. He mentions where he was when everything went down, how Shane took care of Carl and his wife. Confirming what fans have known all along, that Judith is not his biological daughter and will do anything to protect her, stating, “I will die before she does.”

Things To Keep In Mind

• Daryl is still causing trouble for Dwight and Negan. He is playing the game and being a “lifeless shell” so to speak is a defense mechanism.
• Glenn is never forgotten! We saw a scene with Enid fighting with one of The Saviors to keep her green balloons. Those that remember from last season, Glenn and Enid used the green balloons to signal to Alexandria there were alive after the hoard.
• Negan will be back to Alexandria to collect something worth wild. Eugene mentioned creating a sound system for them. However if Rick doesn’t think fast, we will see another person loose their life to Lucille.
• Old Rick is still inside waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. Signs were seen when the fleeing thought to crack Negan’s skull with Lucille to his angry threat to Spencer, when Abraham and Glenn were mentioned.
• Negan believes Maggie is dead, how will he react when he sees that she is alive and taking up residency in Hilltop.