The Walking Dead: Top 100 Moments

16. Raid on the Sanctuary

Episode 801 “Mercy”

Original Airdate: 10/22/2017

Submitted By: Sarabeth Pollock

Heading into season 8 of The Walking Dead, fans knew that All Out War was coming. What they didn’t know was that it was coming fast inside the season 8 premiere.

Rick, Ezekiel and Maggie gathered the troops and addressed them during preparations. Shortly after their rally cry, they were at war. This is where the “plan” was revealed in layers. The first step was a group of Alexandrians, Kingdomers and Hilltoppers arriving at the Sanctuary in armored cars. Thus began the siege that put the Saviors on the run inside their own safe haven.

Rick’s plan was air-tight. The idea was to attack the Sanctuary and lead a herd of Walkers inside, effectively trapping the Saviors inside with no means of escape. It was a brilliant plan, made easier by the armored cars that offered Rick’s people protection while they fought, leading to minimal casualties. It was almost too easy, but it was only step one. Meanwhile, while Rick’s assault was the first barrage, there were teams attacking all of the Saviors’ other outposts at the very same time to ensure that no one got out to alert other outposts. It was a choreographed, well planned attack that gave Rick the upper hand.

At least, in the beginning.

But it was also a clear indication that All Out War was a battle being played out on multiple fronts.