#realizing next episode is mid season finale AND also episode 8. like Buck Actually.

[oshaskell]

it's so SO fucked up that the buddie thesis of the show has been there since s02 e08 with Thomas telling Buck "you don't find it, son, you make it", and ever since then Buck has found person after person and has kept reaching and reaching for one of them to love him, not understanding why he can't make it work, while at the same time building a home, a haven, with Eddie. he's been making it this WHOLE TIME and 6 seasons later, he STILL thinks he doesn't have it

[morganski-19]

Ok, so I've done a little research and rewatches of the previous midseason finales, and I think I have a few ideas of where this could go.

Firstly, no NDE. If there is a NDE, which I still think is very possible this season, it's most likely going to occur after the mid-season break. I went back and looked at all of the episodes that have the big, most memorable NDEs from all the characters, and all of them are after the mid-season break or early at the beginning of the season. So, while I do think this foreshadowing is going somewhere, it's not going to happen next week.

So, where does that leave us?

We know a few things from the articles that were released this past week (I'll link the ones I'm talking about in case you want to read them yourselves). One, that loose ends are going to be tied up from the last 8 episodes. Two, that there is not going to be a big cliffhanger, but that one character will be hanging off a cliff. And three, that there is going to "Wait what now? What did you say? moment.

Those are really the big ones. There were a few other things like the actor who plays Brad saying that him and Eddie have a connecting moment in the next episode, which I think can play into one of the things I'm going to talk about.

And really, anything that I read in an article I take with a grain of salt. They can't tell us exactly what's going to happen, and also have misdirected multiple times in the past. Whether that be intentional or unintentional. However, there are some things in the above articles that I think have some truth.

In the previous midseason finales, a good majority of the storylines of the first half of the season were wrapped up. They played their part, and provided the characters a chance to move forward in the next half of the season.

Just some examples. In the s2 finale, Eddie reintroduced Shannon to Christopher, ending that particular conflict between them. In s3, Bobby got his test results from that radiation exposure, and Maddie confronts the memory of Doug again to let him go. In season 4, Eddie tells Chris about Ana, and Maddie and Chimney discuss birth plans. All of these things both close certain parts of their storylines, while open up continuation points for the second half.

Then, toward the end of the episode, there is something that acts as a cliffhanger to keep the audience entertained over the break. Most of the time, it is something that happens to a singular character, and isn't as large as a NDE or giant conflict.

Again, some more examples. In s2, Doug reappears pretending to be Jason Bailey. In s3, we find out that Michael has a brain tumor. In s4, Buck is reintroduced to Taylor and they decide to become friends. s5, Eddie leaves the 118. s6 Wendall is killed. And then in s7, even though a short break, Buck invites Tommy to the Madney wedding.

All things that compel the audience to continue watching, while also not being gigantic cliffhangers where the character's life is immediately in danger.

So, where does that leave us for s8?

There are only two main things that haven't been wrapped up, or really talked about, since the beginning of the season. Bathena's house, and Chris in Texas.

And one of these things has actually been discussed in an interview with Peter after episode 7, where he says that won't be discussed until after the hiatus. Or at least "he didn't know anything about it yet". Which yeah, that could be a misdirect. But I couldn't see that being the big thing that leaves someone hanging off a cliff. It's just too inconsequential and also involves two characters instead of one.

This leads me to the other unwrapped plot point, Christopher. Who has basically been MIA since the first episode, except for little nods here and there from Eddie. And honestly, that pisses me off. There has only been a little growth from Eddie while Chris was gone, something that was promised as an opportunity for Eddie to realize who he is.

It's safe to say that I really hope that Eddie is the one left on the cliff hanger next episode. I initially wanted Chris to be the one to initiate a phone call with Eddie, extending his side of the olive branch, but I'm not so sure that's the direction they're going in anymore.

Jumping away from that for a moment, I want to address that possible conversation between Brad and Eddie. Assuming that this scene doesn't get cut for time (which they have been doing with a few scenes talked about in episodes recently), I have a strong inkling that it could be about estranged kids. Brad mentioned having a bunch of ex-wives, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that he has a child with one of them. And given how he treated the waitress in the last episode, it would not surprise me if he treated the mother horribly, and also did not step up as a parent.

I think that route could be interesting for Eddie since it would maybe remind him of his father. And therefore, all the ways he tried to be better than his father. It could make him want to take a step forward, now that he is learning to not punish himself for this, and try to reconnect with Chris again.

Which I think will lead to the hanging off the cliff moment, as well as the "wait what" moment.

I don't think Eddie's going to be able to connect with Chris, but his mother. And his mother is going to say that Chris wants to stay with them a little longer, further continuing her path of keeping Chris away from Eddie.

And then in a perfect world, Eddie gets his ass on a plane to talk to his son face-to-face because he can't trust his mother to be the main method of communication. But who the fuck knows if that is actually going to happen.

They've also, from what I've heard, finished filming ep 9. Which probably doesn't mean a lot, but it makes me think that some scenes in ep 9 might need to be filmed with how they look in ep 8 for continuity reasons. Or maybe it was just a contract thing, idk. Again, probably meaningless but that is weird.

[sueboohscorner]

#TheWalkingDead Season 8B Predictions Plus Plotline

Oh my goodness! Season 8B is about to begin, and I can barely contain myself. The first season was jaw-dropping, full of action, awe moments and fist fights galore. I just can't get enough of the body-dropping, exploding mayhem of this season. Are you ready for the back half to begin?

*WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS INFORMATION BASED ON PERSONAL THEORIES, POSSIBLE FASTS, AND POTENTIAL SPOILERS. IT ALSO CONTAINS TID BITS FROM THE TELEVISION SERIES AND THE COMIC BOOKS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!*

Before I begin, I would like to thank all of you who read this. It's quite lengthy so just a forewarning.

To start this post off, I'm beginning with the most talked about topic of the series; Carl's imminent death. As it was hinted at and finally revealed, the son of Rick Grimes had been bitten. 'The Future Serial Killer' had made it to the mid-season finale without confirming whether or not he'd been bitten. But, in the final moments of 'How It's Gotta Be,' it was revealed what many had indeed speculated. As expected, both Rick and Michonne had become riddled with shock. Rick is becoming still as stone and Michonne crying; we can only begin to think about the possibility of what this means. So, what exactly does this mean? Well, according to Creator and Exclusive producer Robert Kirkman, it could either be devastating, a hoax and Carl may actually live, or it could be as it was seen: imminent. To be honest, Kirkman has been unusually unhelpful with fans, taunting and teasing, poking and prodding at fans. He's stated everything from 'Its as obvious as its seen' to 'Carl might not die after all!' Wait, what? Okay, thanks, Kirkman. Given how disturbed the cast has been over the break, including Riggs' dad, it may (or may not) be safe to assume Carl's demise is happening. Poor Carl...

Next, I'd like to mention Siddiq and what his arrival means. In the comics, his arrival is part of the discovery of Oceanside which happens to take place AFTER the All Out War arc. But, in the show, he comes during. As we all know, Oceanside is a manless community. Maybe this means one male survived the Savior assassination line. Or, perhaps it's starting Kirkman's way of starting the Fear and Non-Fear cross-over. If that's the case, it may be an interesting way to introduce that. My personal opinion is that Siddiq is the start of the two shows crossing over. 

Next, Will Morgan get to Ezekiel in time? In the mid-season finale, we saw Ezekiel King up and sacrifice himself by locking himself behind the gates after creating a diversion. In the finale pan-away moments of the episode, we saw Morgan peering inside the gates of the Kingdom. I believe Morgan will get to Ezekiel in time. I think Morgan will take out almost all of the Saviors, saving Ezekiel from death. 

What's Negan's plan for the Safe Zone and does he intend to ride out the missing Alexandrian? In the mid-season finale, Negan and his band of misfits arrived pissed off. I mean, I can understand, but they had it coming. As far as staying until the Alexandrians emerge, I don't think so. They don't know where they've gone to, the community is engulfed in flames, and Negan gets bored quickly. So, given that, I don't believe they'll stay, but I DO think that Negan and the Saviors will light the community further on fire, leaving nothing but rubble. 

Will Laura, the female savior who survived Dwight's ambush, dish on Dwight to Negan? Laura, Laura, Laura, why couldn't you have just died? In the mid-season finale, Dwight led a group of Saviors into an ambush. All but Dwight died, or so they thought. Laura suddenly appeared, she confronted him and shot him, quickly disappearing. Dwight tells the others that he can't go back to the Saviors now because she will tell Negan. Will she get back to Negan in time? I don't think so. I believe that either Dwight will kill her, a walker might get to her or wind up dead at the hands of someone on Rick's side.

What's Maggie's train of thought and what's her plan for the hostages? Taking her actions into consideration, I'd say Maggie is we on hey way to becoming a mini-Negan. No, not as a villain or a ruthless murderer but as in a no shit taker. With her comment, "we aren't even, but it's a start." that tells me she has some nasty things planned for her lawn ornaments. Personally, I believe Maggie will set an example through her hostages. And, with Negan being unaware of her captives, this may work out to her advantage. Or, perhaps not. We all know Negan is a self-absorbed villain who only cares for himself. But, the psycho-sociopath has a compassionate side. Mainly for his wives and the future serial killer, but it's still there. The Saviors numbers are dwindling; this may make him act. But, it could also be bad for him.

Will Rick go 'Full Shane'? So far in the series, Rick has gone 'Full Shane' three times. Once after Lori died, once after a run-in with Joe and his bandits and once after Pete tried to kill him and Rick beat him down. Will he go for a fourth? I think he might. With Carl's death approaching quick and the frustration rising, Rick may reach the point of no return. Maybe Michonne can save him from that point. Carl might just be the thing that pushes him over the edge, making him act as irrational as Negan. Rick may eventually return to the 'officer friendly' we remember, but it may take more than a quick talk-to. Rick may blue Negan or even Siddiq for Carl's death. 

Next, I'd like to talk about Daryl; where's his mind and what's the plan for Dwight? Personally, I think Daryl is the most solid mindset since Abraham and Glenn's death back in the season 7 premiere. From that point through three-quarters of the seventh season, Daryl suffered from guilt, anger, and nakedness. After Honey gave him a way out and Jesus led him back to safety at The Colony, he hasn't looked back. Daryl has been a nonstop ass-kicking, and he isn't looking back. At this point, I don't see his fire dying down. As far as his plan for Dwight goes, it depends on his mindset at that moment. Dwight has two notches against him for Daryl and one for Tara. Maybe two wrongs don't make a right, but three notches may make one helluva bloody mess. He may allow Dwight to live for a while. But, he may kill him later on. 

Next, I have three topics rolled up in one; Eugene, Dr. Carson, and Father Gabriel, who'll survive, who'll die and who'll arrive? As we saw in the mid-season finale, Eugene had a change of heart and managed to create a diversion for the two to escape. Gabriel offered for Eugene to come with but he declined. So, exactly how big of a chance do they have at escaping? At this point, a large one. With the Saviors being so thinly placed among the communities and with Maggie possessing about thirty, maybe two were left to guard the Sanctuary. As long as Carson can get Gabriel out quick enough, they should make it. Eugene, however, may not. Eugene may be deemed a traitor, and Negan may kill him himself. Eugene may turn the tables and snitch on the wives' plan to kill him with poison, and in the end, they all may die. 

Okay! We have finally reached my last prediction. Can anyone guess what it is? It's Negan. Where exactly is the crazy villain's mind and what are his plans? Well, I think he's flustered as all get out. Rick and his group are the only ones to buck against the Saviors way as they have and have been continually successful. Not to mention, gaining and obtaining some serious firepower. Negan doesn't possess the understanding of compromise, and he isn't very nice. But, I think he knew he bit off a little much when he decided to collect Rick and Co into his community of producers. Negan's plan may go like this: after leaving Alexandria a blazing mess, Negan and his Saviors may retreat to The Sanctuary. After realizing it's not as bad, they'll take back their home and regroup. In the end, they'll fall, and the Survivors will rise...

The eighth season of AMC's hit series has been explosive and dynamic as hell, and the second half will only follow. Here's how I think it will unfold: I believe the majority will be war-based. Strategies will be exchanged, and death will occur. Everyone at Alexandria will head to the Hilltop and become a hell on earth wrecking team. It should follow the last of the all-out-war arc. 

The last few episodes disregarding the finale should showcase the aftermath of the war, the imprisonment of Negan and a hint at normal civilization. Rick may kill Negan after Carl, but I think they'll follow the comic closely on this. They're going to need the villain soon enough.

The season 8 finale should hint at the two-year time gap after the war, showing Santa Rick and preparing the audiences. Negan may be seen once or twice, bearded out and somewhat docile. They may also hint at the Whisperers...

My GOD, this season has been one crazy ride and the back half is going to be just as crazy. Will you be there Sunday night to watch the madness unfold? Tune in at 9 p.m only on AMC. 

Editor: Joeleen Gatlin