Conquer

Daryl and Aaron continue on their recruiting run. While tracking a man in a red poncho, they stumble upon a compound that has walkers in trucks, which they accidentally release. The two seek refuge in a car, and while planning their escape they are assisted by Rick's acquaintance Morgan Jones.

Nicholas, instead of heeding Glenn's warning that he is never to venture outside the gate again, sneaks out and dig up a gun that he had previously hidden. He then lures Glenn into the forest, where he attempts to shoot him. After a lengthy fight, Glenn finally gets the upper hand. He soon realizes, however, that he doesn't have it in him to kill Nicholas. Instead, he leads his battered opponent back to the community.

After Pete and Rick's brawl, Alexandria debates whether or not to exile Rick. His friends plan to vouch for him and hope for the best. As the meeting goes on, Rick encounters a Walker that got past the gate. He brings it to the meeting as evidence of how Alexandria's overly-relaxed way of doing things can get them killed. He offers to teach the population how to defend itself. A drunken Pete shows up with Michonne's Katana. Deanna's husband tries to intervene, but gets his throat slashed and bleeds out. With Abraham holding Pete down, Deanna gives Rick the okay to kill Pete. He immediately does so. Rick then looks up and finds Morgan staring at him in shock.

"Conquer" is a thrilling and action-packed season finale that not only sets the stage for the group's confrontation with the Wolves but also explores the theme of community. As Rick rallies the residents of Alexandria to defend their home, he is forced to confront his own doubts and insecurities about his leadership.

The episode's exploration of community and sacrifice adds emotional depth to the characters' experiences and underscores their determination to protect everything they have built. Additionally, the episode's ending, where Morgan returns and Rick must confront his own actions and decisions, highlights the complexities of their new lives and the challenges they face in maintaining their humanity in a world that seems intent on destroying it.

This is the sixteenth and final episode of what some would say the best episode in the series. I would happen to agree with that sentiment. There are many things to love about this final episode whether it's the 90-minute running time, the crazy ending, the use of Lennie James as Morgan, the action, or finding out what "W" stands for. No matter what, this episode ended Season Five on a high note and I am eager for Season Six.

In this episode, "Conquer," Deanna calls a town meeting to discuss what to do about Rich because of his previous actions. Glenn confronts Nicholas in order to combat Nick's cowardice. Daryl and Aaron discover an old friend fifty miles away from Alexandria, as they learn what "W" could stand for.

Overall, this is just a fantastic episode that has a little bit of everything and a chance for each character to shine. I do not want to wait six months, but it looks like I may have to in order to see the sixth season. I can't wait!

My Grade: A+

What an unforgetable finale episode and perhaps the best season finale so far!! Everything payed off great and builds towards season 6, excellently with a new danger emerging and conflict in Alexandria!

The beginning imidiatly had me hyped as Lennie James makes his return as MORGAN! If I know this guy makes an appearance, i am already on board!

We finally get the reveal of what the "W" stands for, prommissing a new threat in the shape of humans!

Daryl and Aaron also get a memorable scene! Daryl taking out walkers with a chain was so great! Overall these two guys makes for great chemistry!

The stuff at Alexandria was great too! Everything builds up towards the final part of the episode! Rick now has to descide what to do and if he wants to subbtle about it! It really feels like everything just exploded around the end as Rick got one of the best scenes!

Now everything changes in Alexandria!

This is not just a season finale but it is the best episode of the walking dead, in my own opinion at least. Fantastic set pieces from start to finish, not a single plot contrivance and there was a sense of dread as well as closure that I'm sure is going to amaze the viewer while watching this epic finale. For the first time in a while, it truly seems the writers know what they are doing.

There's definitely a lot going on in this episode. The characters had a lot to conquer and not a single character thread is wasted. Nice re- introduction to Morgan. A most welcome ally and where did he learn to fight like that? Lennie James was a delight to watch.

The directing was nicely done. Writing was fantastic and forced dialog which we have come to associate with the walking dead is hopefully a thing of the past if this episode is anything to go by. In a nuanced fashion, a lot of the cast stepped up their acting in this episode. Melissa Mcbride is becoming more menacing by the day as her character Carol is far cry from who we knew in seasons 1 and 2. Andrew Lincoln owned the episode and shone delightfully. Steven Yeun once again was in top form. I'd even like to make special mention to Seth Gilliam, though Father Gabriel is most presumably everyone's least favorite character right now (Wolf in sheep's....)

The Letter W, and what's its significance, stood out in episodes prior. Without giving much away I'd like to state that a new threat lies outside of Alexandria as well as inside. Moment of truth at the end of the episode and in reference to our letter W is while dealing with a threat of Wolves outside as well as Wolves in sheep's clothing inside, you either chose to be just a Lamb or rise and rise again until Lambs become Lions.

This is brilliant rendering of episodic TV. 10/10

For me this might be the best episode The Walking Dead has done.

This episode contained some of the darkest scenes in The Walking Dead yet, as well as some very powerful acting, most notably from Andrew Lincoln and Steven Yeun.

Whilst watching this episode, I couldn't help but notice that it felt very much like an episode of Breaking Bad, with it's intense, powerfully acted scenes backed up by a great choice of background music.

Full of twists and turns, this episode was an absolute masterpiece. Not to mention a great cliffhanger.

Next season can't come soon enough.