Producer: AMC
Writers: Scott M. Gimple, Matthew Negrete
Director: Greg Nicotero
Featuring: Lauren Cohen, Michael Cudlitz, Ethan Embry, Tovah Feldshuh, Danai Guirra, Corey Hawkins, Lennie James, Andrew Lincoln, Sonequa Martin-Green, Melissa McBride, Norman Reedus, Michael Traynor, Steven Yeun, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
ReleaseDate: OUT NOW!

The Walking Dead Season 6 Episode 16 The Last Day on Earth has the plot of a Western dime novel. In the penultimate episode half of Rick’s (Andrew Lincoln) crew had been captured by the brutal Saviors. Things quickly go from bad to worse in season finale. Now pregnant Maggie is sick so Rick and the rest drive her through Savior territory to a doctor. Meanwhile Morgan and a wounded Savior both seek Carol who ran away from Alexandria.

Along the way Rick’s faith in both Father Gabriel and misfit Eugne is restored. And although things look desperate for the protagonists a new third faction of survivors is introduced which might tip the scales for Rick’s crew. Cavalry rescues, after all, are classic.

However, in The Walking Dead Season 6 Episode 16 The Last Day on Earth it’s the small scenes that keep the story moving. Eugene’s reconciliation with Abraham (Michael Kuddlitz) is honestly emotional and avoids melodrama.

Walking Dead fans long anticipated the arrival of taunting, sociopathic and theatrical dictator Negan, the Sitting Bull to Rick’s Buffalo Bill (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who also plays Bruce Wayne’s father in Batman v Superman). His first words are prophetic: “Piss in our pants yet?” Unlike the Governor, who had some shred of humanity, Negan straight out doesn’t give a f#@. “Give me your shit or I will kill you,” he tells Rick.

For The Walking Dead Season 6 Episode 16 The Last Day on Earth Negan is the most interesting character to come along since Michonne, and the details are telling. His barbed wire-wrapped bat is named Lucille, just like BB King’s guitar. Negan remains menacing and never silly, although his chief (William Ogg) straddles the line.

The Walking Dead Season 6 Episode 16 The Last Day on Earth is a classic Western story updated for new audiences. And who can argue with that? The ending is a mystery cliffhanger: Who dies? Already the debate is trending, testament to the fan base and giving viewers what they want. And that, in these days of niche audiences and television on demand, is the name of this particular game.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker