Walking Dead flashback: Go Getters remembers Glenn, revamps Maggie

“Go Getters,” episode 705 of The Walking Dead, spends a little more time with Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), struggling to fit in at the Hilltop Colony. Maggie’s mere presence on screen is a reminder of just how awkward things are.

As the Saviors have brokered a semi-truce with Rick Grimes’ (Andrew Lincoln) group, we quickly remember that Glenn (Steven Yeun), Maggie’s husband, was sacrificed in retaliation for Rick’s slaughter of the Saviors at their little outpost. So now, a savvy viewer will know that, as Gregory (Xander Berkeley) is approached by Simon (Steve Ogg), Simon essentially holds a gun on him even if no weapons are visible. One false move and Gregory will certainly be sacrificed along with anyone else Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) chooses.

Meanwhile, Maggie, who is still pregnant, probably should have no weapons in her hand. However, because they are so thoroughly in Negan’s grip, she also must be ready to fight at a moment’s notice (though, of course, she’d be fighting for two — and with extra drama tension if she gets shot in the stomach). Still, “Go Getters” reminds us that, though the fight is never over for long on The Walking Dead, there are occasional moments where we can remember those fallen. In fact, some outraged Glenn superfans may have still watched The Walking Dead so far, merely out of hope for some meaningful tribute to bring closure to what happened.

This Walking Dead and the implication

Let’s just say it: This Walking Dead episode made us fear Maggie could be brought to Negan and Lucille. That needs to be noted, right? Granted, let’s not downplay what could happen to Sasha, either. Still, Maggie’s delicate situation is a little more apparent, and Simon’s presence is a less-than-silent warning that Negan is still watching (or, in this case, hearing, as they could lose everything if Simon’s ear catches them in hiding).

At this point, Maggie has perhaps more reason than Sasha to stab Negan in the ear. Still, Maggie and Sasha basically stay underground rather than try to swing things in their favor. At the same time, they must rely on Jesus (Tom Payne) (the character, not the religious icon) to convince Gregory to let them stay at the Hilltop (though hiding away from the Saviors will give them less elbow room). Unfortunately, that’s life at the Hilltop!

Final thoughts

This is pretty decent for a Walking Dead episode without huge, “life-changing” events. Maybe that’s because it has a natural flow similar to much of season 2 (though some will always complain that season was too slow). That being said, part of what makes this episode work is its reliance on some subtle yet near-constant tension, in addition to the scene of Maggie basically saying “bye” to Glenn. Though this episode doesn’t always move at breakneck speed, there are enough threats to put any characters into the infirmary or even an early grave.

There is also a subtle sense that Maggie took command of the situation, gaining the upper hand over Gregory and his pathetic, groveling interest in selling them out needlessly to the Saviors. Dr. Carson (R. Keith Harris) is also a welcome presence, even though The Walking Dead has a nasty habit of killing off doctor characters. “Go Getters” is a pretty solid example of Maggie’s ability to take control, even when disadvantaged.

What are your thoughts on this Walking Dead episode? Let us know in the comments!