The Walking Dead: Ezekiel recovery but will his heart be broken?

King Ezekiel (Khary Payton) received a surprise surgery on The Walking Dead in the episode “The Lucky Ones.” This was accomplished by his dear friend Carol (Melissa McBride), who learned that his chances of survival were very low without the surgery. She did what Carol does best, watched and learned who would be able to help her with her goal.

When Ezekiel shared the news with Carol that he was bumped up on the surgery list, he knew from her expression that she was somehow involved. Being the kind-hearted person he is, he felt that he didn’t deserve special treatment as many others need surgery as much as he does. She didn’t explain how she made it happen but told asked him if he was supposed to die because the Commonwealth’s system is broken?

In the most recent episode, “Trust,” we see him on the mend, looking happy and healthy as ever with a new lease on life.

The Walking Dead King Ezekiel

During this episode, Ezekiel enlisted the help of Dr. Tomi, the surgeon who operated on Ezekiel, to do a secret appendectomy on someone in need. After being caught smuggling supplies out of the hospital, Carol, in her new position as Lance’s aid, was able to get them out of trouble. The trio then visits Ezekiel’s new project.

He, Theo, and some others use his Veterinary clinic as a front to help people who need medical help. He feels he has a debt to pay, and this is the best way he can do it.

Later, they have a very heavy conversation about the world, darkness, and light. It is a very moving conversation between two friends. She talks about him sitting there glowing and how the light suits him. He goes on to say that she was the one who gave him the spark to find that light and that darkness is heavy, and some carry more than others because they are strong enough to hold the weight.

Ezekiel “We make the light. Hey! You make the light, Carol. You know that, don’t you?”

Carol lightens the mood by joking about how they are never getting back together again, and he replies, that’s what you keep saying.

And, though these remarks are said in jest, the look in Ezekiel’s eyes when he talks to her says so much more. He is still very much in love with her, but the pain they have experienced together will always be too hard to bear if they were a couple. Carol loves him as a dear friend, evident in her actions.

His heart will probably remain intact as it seems to be a mutual agreement to remain friends. While there is love there, it is a love of a solid bond of friendship.

Follow Undead Walking on Twitter and sign up for the once-daily Undead Walking newsletter to avoid missing out on all things in The Walking Dead universe.