Daryl is being held in a cell at the Savior compound. He has nothing to eat but dog food sandwiches, and is subjected to psychological torture through music.
Dwight is in charge of Daryl's captivity. While Dwight's living conditions are considerably better (he has a nice apartment in which to live, watches old TV shows, and eats good food), it soon becomes clear that in his own way he is as much a prisoner as Daryl. Negan delights in reminding Dwight that he took his ex-wife. She married Negan partly to save Dwight's life after their attempted escape, but also because Negan's wives (there are several) live in relative luxury.
Another one of Dwight's duties is to retrieve Saviors who attempt to leave the fold, much as he once done (leading to his now-scarred face, the result of Negan's punishment). Dwight chases down one such man. When the escapee insists that he will never kneel to Negan again, Dwight threatens his loved ones with being forced to eat feces "for the rest of their very short lives". The man has no choice but to obey. Dwight was sympathetic, however, after listening to the man speaking of the plight that all of Negan's "followers" share. Dwight waits until the man is heading back to the compound, and then shoots him in the back; essentially a mercy killing.
After Daryl attempts to escape he is brutally beaten, then lectured by Negan, who explains that there is no room for individuality within the Saviors. ALL men are Negan. Dwight then tortures Daryl further by putting up on his cell wall a photo of Glenn's nearly unrecognizable remains. Daryl breaks down, sobbing wildly.
Feeling that Daryl is close to breaking, Negan shows him one of the apartments that his top men occupy. He emphasizes the importance of total obedience, then asks Daryl to tell him his name. "Daryl," the man replies. Negan is disappointed, but also confident that in the end he will get his way. Daryl is tossed back in his cell, and the same cheesy pop song is once again repeated played, day and night, to help break his will.
"The Cell" is a haunting and introspective episode that focuses on Daryl's captivity at the hands of Negan and the Saviors. The episode explores themes of power and control, as Negan uses psychological manipulation to break Daryl's spirit and force him to submit to his authority. The bleak and oppressive atmosphere of the Savior compound adds to the sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the episode.
One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Negan tries to break Daryl by showing him the luxurious lifestyle he could have if he chooses to serve him. However, Daryl remains defiant, refusing to bow down to Negan's demands. This moment highlights Daryl's resilience and inner strength, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The episode also provides insight into Negan's character, revealing his complex and manipulative nature as he tries to assert his dominance over Daryl.
The episode is also notable for its exploration of Dwight's character, as it delves into his backstory and the reasons behind his loyalty to Negan. Dwight's interactions with Daryl shed light on the complexities of their relationship and the choices they have made in order to survive in this new world.
