The Walking Dead season 9 episode 8 recap: Evolution

Meanwhile, back at Hilltop, a man on horseback rides through the fields outside the walls to warn everyone of “riders” coming through. The people pack up their items and scurry back to the Hilltop, closing the gates behind them. Soon we see Michonne and her group ride up. As she rides closer Michonne notes how empty the fields are. She knows they scattered. Magna’s group looks around with interest at their potential new home.

Upon reaching the gates, Diane counts the riders and tells Tara to wait when she sees it’s Michonne and her group. Magna tells her people to be ready, but Luke doesn’t know what’s not to like about them. Diane asks them to state their business, and Michonne and Siddiq explain that they saw the riders and are there for Rosita. They also want Hilltop to consider taking them in. Diane won’t open the gates until they drop their weapons. Michonne complies, followed by everyone else.

Once inside, Michonne walks up to Tara. You can feel the tension between them. Michonne is shocked to learn that Eugene is missing, which they know because Aaron told Tara. Michonne didn’t know they had left Alexandria. Tara notes that it’s like the gang is back together, but Aaron, Jesus and Daryl went out searching. There’s no love here. No smiles. It’s one notch down from frigid. While Michonne talks to Tara, Siddiq talks to Enid, who says Rosita was dehydrated but should wake up soon. Alden says they won’t be able to find the trail before nightfall so they’ll be staying there.

Tara tells Michonne she can have their weapons back when they leave. Then she tells Magna’s group that they will have to talk with Jesus, but they will have to earn their keep. Kelly says that Connie says thank you, and after Kelly translates she adds “we all do.” Michonne watches this and it’s almost like she’s wondering if she should be letting Magna’s group go.

As everyone walks away, Siddiq tells Michonne that it’s good for them to be there. In the distance Michonne sees Carol in the doorway. She smiles at her, but then Michonne’s smile fades.

Magna’s group unpacks their belongings. Magna thinks that it’s a cult if the man in charge is a nickname. Connie says it’s a nickname, surely. Siddiq and Michonne walk by and Siddiq is trying to apologize for all of the things Michonne didn’t know. She’s upset Aaron was working a “back channel” and he reminds her that they are friends. Carol comes up and hugs Siddiq, then Carol asks who their friends are. Magna runs through introductions and Carol signs her name for Connie before admitting that it’s all she knows. Connie gives her a big smile.

Once the two women are alone, Carol asks about Judith and RJ are and Michonne says RJ will be as tall as Judith soon. Michonne asks about Ezekiel and Carol tells her about Henry apprenticing at Hilltop. Michonne says she got Ezekiel’s note about Alexandria joining the fair and she tells Carol she’s sorry they can’t be part of it. They have their troubles, too. It kills her to say no to Carol after all they have done. Carol reminds her that they have both lost children and have been able to move on, but Michonne is resolute that their communities have to stay separate because there are too many unknowns out there.