The Walking Dead season 9 episode 13 recap: Chokepoint

We’re barreling toward the end of season 9 and this week’s episode of The Walking Dead starts setting up what’s to come. Here’s your recap of episode 913, “Chokepoint.”

This week’s episode begins where we left off, with Dog leading Daryl, Connie, Henry and Lydia away. Henry realizes that they’re not going to Hilltop. Daryl reminds him that he can’t lead them back there, not after breaking the rules. Lydia agrees. Daryl is furious that the girl didn’t tell the truth about how many of her people there really were, but she points out that they kept her in a cage. He thinks she should go off on her own, but Henry won’t accept that. They agree to keep moving, but Connie leads the way this time.

The Whisperers try to get their camp back in order. Some members have been bitten. Beta sees one of the men who has been bitten. The man knows he’s going to turn, and Beta says he’ll always be one of them. He orders the others to find his wife so she knows the change is coming.

Beta asks for an update on the search. He knows they couldn’t get too far, and he vows that Lydia will join them again, or they will all “walk with the Guardians.”

Preparations are underway for the fair. Banners are raised for the four communities. There are brightly colored flags and even a statue of a tiger to commemorate Shiva. Carol and Nabila walk along, marveling at how nice it all looks. Nabila knows this is what they fought for. They went through so much, this is where they wanted to be. As they walk, Nabila notices that Jerry is back and his armor is gone.

When they catch up to the group, Jerry has a cut on his face. Diane reports that they need to talk to the King.

Jerry tells Ezekiel that they were on the road when they got jumped. The people took all of their stuff and gave them a note declaring that they’re the “Highwaymen” who claim a right to the roads outside the Kingdom. They want ransom in exchange for clear passage. Carol asks Diane who they might be, and Diane says there was a rumor it was Jed’s group from the Saviors. Carol dismisses it quickly, and Jerry points out that they have an obligation to clear the roads for their guests. Ezekiel asks his Queen for advice and she agrees. While they go off to prepare, Ezekiel remarks that it never ends.