The Walking Dead s10e06 Episode Script
Bonds
1 ALPHA: There is one rule between our people.
Stay where you are.
Yet you disobey.
Previously on "The Walking Dead" The bitch has to die.
The creek, the border, the tree it will crush them.
- How's Rosita? - DANTE: She caught a little bug.
- She okay? - Not yet.
- [GRUNTS.]
- [GROANS.]
Alright, you big-ass freak.
Let's do this.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[KETTLE WHISTLING.]
[WHISTLING STOPS.]
[SIGHS.]
[GATE CREAKS.]
DARYL: Hi.
Hey.
Feelin' better? Yeah.
Thanks.
Where you goin'? Mm, gonna do another sweep for Negan.
Cool.
You want company? [BIRDS CHIRPING.]
Think Negan crossed the border? He'd know we couldn't follow him over there.
I can't see him puttin' on a mask.
Or staying quiet for long.
Still, stranger things have happened.
We takin' a break? Nope.
This is our spot today.
Gonna stay here see what we see.
He ain't gonna wander around, waitin' to get spotted.
He ain't that dumb.
Neither are you.
Gee, thanks.
You wanna tell me what we're doin' out here? Lookin' for Negan.
Right.
You gonna tell me what we're really lookin' for? Alpha's horde.
[SIGHS.]
We're gonna find it, and we're gonna destroy it.
Come on.
Admit it.
There's a tiny part of you that's thrilled to be sick.
Just so you can spend more time with me.
You think I'm pukin' because I got a little crush? Textbook case of butterflies in the stomach.
I want a second opinion.
Oh, it's simple science, darlin'.
Bodies manifest emotion in all sorts of different ways.
The heart wants what it wants.
Right? Inhale for me.
- [INHALES DEEPLY.]
- Good.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- And exhale.
- [EXHALES.]
- Alright.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- Seriously, though, don't you think we'd make a bitchin' couple? Son, I would break you like a twig.
SIDDIQ: How's he doin', Cheryl? Jury's still out.
Ouch.
I thought we were havin' a moment here, Cheryl.
Is she okay? Everything alright? Yeah.
Couple more cases of that stomach bug.
[SIGHS.]
- So that makes it seven.
- Yeah.
You know, maybe I should just - put Coco down for a minute - Don't worry about it, man.
- I got it.
- Sure? Yeah.
How's Rosita? Ah, same as everybody else, it seems.
The most we can do is keep 'em hydrated and wait it out.
Mm-hmm.
Hey, lap up the daddy/daughter shit while you can, because they grow so damn fast.
[BABBLES.]
[COCO COOS.]
Okay, a-alright, easy.
Dude, easy.
Have some boundaries.
Okay.
My bad.
[CHUCKLES.]
You two should go out, have some fun.
- [PEN CLICKS.]
- [CLEARS THROAT.]
[SIGHS.]
Alright, thanks.
And if you need me to peek at Rosita later, just say the word.
Happy to, you know, make sure she's on the mend.
[CHUCKLES.]
That's one of those boundaries again.
Yep.
Yeah.
Noted.
CAROL: Alpha's been sending waves of walkers to screw with us, right? Well, I've been tracking walker movement along the border.
Small groups.
Some of them might have Whisperers in them.
But they all connect right back to this general area, so I figure we stake out this spot.
See where the Whisperers go.
Might lead us back to the horde.
That's smart.
I thought so.
She's gonna need a place, though, like the canyon they used to be in.
Only spots I know are on Whisperer territory, though.
Not gonna be able to sneak in there without startin' up some kind of shit.
We only need to figure out where they are, and then we'll tell the council.
I swear.
Why weren't you straight with me before? After what happened at the border and with Alpha, I didn't want you to worry.
Sorry.
I get it.
Just wanna keep us safe.
[SIGHS.]
So, you gonna stick around? Well, if you spot somethin', you're gonna need me to track it, right? I dunno.
Picked up a few things over the years.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, we'll see.
Honestly, fellas or ladies.
Kinda hard to tell underneath the outfits.
I wanna join, alright? I am a joiner.
Get me a damn application already.
I mean, look at you guys, right? Cool-ass outfits, the whole back-to-nature paleo vibe? You are a survivalist's wet dream.
Not to mention the number-one selling point no more bein' eaten by the dead.
But just, out of curiosity, 'cause it's killin' me, what do you got goin' on down low? Are you flyin' around commando-style, or do you got, like, walker long johns with the la flap? Whoa.
Cool your tits there, Jolly Green Giant.
Noise.
Constant noise.
I should just slit your throat, be done with it.
Okay.
You know what? You're right, big man.
I am sorry.
I never properly introduced myself.
Hey, I'm Negan.
For the last eight years, I have been locked up by your enemy.
So you take me to your leader, and I will spill every Goddamn secret I know.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
Eugene? I got the supplies ya asked for.
Well, feel free to deposit those in any location of your choosin'.
Gotta say, your assist on the radio relaunch has been a boon, and I thank you mightily.
Well, I'm happy to be a part of the Hilltop AV club.
Care to take the new setup for a spin? Some primo choice upgrades.
Transmitter's been properly souped up with Soviet satellite guts, and You don't parlez-vous Russian, by any chance? Nyet.
Well, that's all I got.
Hmm.
Solid.
Well, just checkin'.
Relocatin' the antenna to the apex provides unobstructed L-O-S to the secondary repeater, exponentially expanding our range.
You haven't lived till you've bounced a transmission off the ionosphere.
Gives me gooseflesh each and every time.
Well, this sounds really cool, Eugene, but I gotta get back to the kids.
Oh, yeah.
Understandable.
Bambinos, they take precedent.
No expiration on that invite, though.
Cool.
Thanks.
Have fun.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPART.]
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
Solo trip it is.
Let's see how far you can fly, little lady.
[SWITCH CLICKS.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[SIGHS.]
ROSITA: Calling for Hilltop.
Come in, Hilltop.
[BUTTONS CLICKING, STATIC.]
Hilltop.
Calling Hilltop.
Copy that, Alexandria.
This is Hilltop.
Eugene? Um, yes.
Were you lookin' for someone in particular? No, dumbass.
I'm looking for you.
Oh.
Okeydokey.
Just wanted to see what you were up to.
I figured I'd call.
But I'm also running a 102-degree fever, so I could just be delirious.
What sort of ailments are we wrestlin' with? Just a bug.
I'll be fine.
And Coco's okay.
What about you? What are you up to? Oh, just some garden-variety engineerin' advice, structural stability checks, a total revamp of their radio setup.
Um, everyone wants a slice of Eugene.
Are you coming back anytime soon? To be honest, I haven't given much thought to a timetable, but it is mighty good to hear your voice.
You, too.
- [ELECTRICITY CRACKLES.]
- Hold on.
We got a malfunction.
Mother of pearl.
Everything okay? Bad solder.
It was a gaffe on my part.
I'm gonna have to fix this pronto before the whole thing goes FUBAR.
I should get back into bed anyway.
Do you want me to call you this afternoon? Are radio waves sinusoidal? Um, [CHUCKLES.]
yes? Yes.
Yes, they are.
Ugh.
So close.
Ew.
Ugh.
Mr.
Crossbow, I thought aiming was your thing.
[SCOFFS.]
It's definitely not your thing.
Mnh-mnh.
Sorry, it doesn't count.
'Course that counts.
No, you gotta knock the can over.
- You can't just kiss it.
- Oh, my God.
You're such a sore loser.
I'd have to lose in order to be a sore loser, so since that didn't count, I'm gonna take my turn.
Oh, it's a double-capper.
They're good luck.
Maybe it'll help your aim.
Very funny.
But I'll keep it.
You should watch your own throws, though.
Boom.
How was Hilltop? It was fine.
King sends his best.
Connie fine, too? [SIGHS, CHUCKLES.]
What? I see things.
It's not like that.
No? Not at all.
Why not? [SIGHS.]
Aren't that many people left to find out there these days, much less good ones like her.
Yeah, I know.
Well, then why not? What's it matter? 'Cause it does.
You don't have to be alone.
Years pass, Daryl.
You can't hide out with your dog forever.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, see? Your aim's better already.
I'm hungry.
You got food? Yeah, I'll get it.
- Thanks.
- Mm-hmm.
Mmm.
Hey, you see that? [HERD GROWLING.]
It's a Whisperer.
He cannot be trusted.
Dispose of him.
Test him.
If he is worthy, I will hear him.
If not, then I kill him.
You have other thoughts? It is a mistake showing him our ways.
Your questionin' of my judgment has become a regular occurrence.
He is a threat.
To Alpha or to Beta? I think only of our people.
Is it finally time for the Beta to become the Alpha? Never.
[SIGHS.]
How long you and the boss lady been together? Is this, like, a Beta-with-benefits situation? Do you slide her a little omega on the side? You'll respect the Alpha, or I end you where you stand.
I didn't mean to offend you.
I mean, hell, you keep things professional.
I respect that.
Think I was just thrown off by the whole kneelin' thing.
Not that there's anything wrong with the whole kneelin' thing.
I mean, that has tickled the dicks of many a fine man over the years.
Me, myself, I used to have people kneelin' for me all the livelong day, so I do understand the benefits that sort of shit provides.
Just actually never done the deed myself.
And I admire your self-restraint, and I'm sayin' this totally respectfully, but there is somethin' about that whole bald-head thing that just [INHALES SHARPLY.]
tightens my britches.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Rosita? Gabriel? Just wanted to swing by to grab a change of clothes for Coco.
Hey, you.
I think I need a house call, Doc.
Hm.
I thought we were supposed to be in bed.
I was, and then I was feeling better, so I came downstairs.
And then I was feeling even worse, so now I'm stuck.
Well, you shoulda called Gabe to come get me.
Ah, the Good Shepherd is out on patrol.
Overnighter.
[SIGHS.]
Okay.
Well, field trip to the infirmary.
No, come on, Siddiq.
I have so much to do.
I know, like going to the infirmary.
No, no, no, no.
If you just help me get to the garage so Shit.
No.
Okay.
Look, it's a crazy idea, but how about we all go to the infirmary? Mm? Yeah? Coco says yeah.
Let's go.
- [COCO COOS.]
- Easy.
This is Hilltop callin' over to Alexandria.
Do you copy? Alexandria, let us know if you are receivin'.
Alexandria proper, please respond.
[STATIC.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Greetings.
This is Tater Bug, callin' live over open channels.
Anyone out there, give us a copy.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
CAROL: It's getting bigger.
Yeah, looks like they're gatherin' up all the strays.
Well, once the sun goes down, it's gonna be tough to see where they go unless we can get closer.
What makes you think they're goin' anywhere? If you and me were Whisperers, that's when we'd move 'em.
You know I'm right.
You wanna cross the border, don't ya? I wanna find the horde.
If that's what it takes Sure this isn't you just tryin' to take another shot at Alpha? The horde is our shot.
You changin' your mind? Nope.
I didn't say that.
Then what's the problem? [SIGHS.]
Alright, we do this, we gotta be smart about it.
None of this "runnin' off in the middle of the night, no backup, just us" stuff, alright? Since when are we not enough? You know, we mess this up, everyone else is gonna pay for it, right? We've already paid.
We keep paying no matter what side of the line we're on.
[SIGHS.]
I gotta pee.
Did you find what you were lookin' for? You bring the gun? No.
Used up all the ammunition, remember? There was still some ammo left in the storage room.
I didn't bring the gun, Daryl.
Wanna frisk me? Go ahead.
Okay.
[SIGHS.]
Either we're enough, or we're not.
Alright, let's do it.
A plan this stupid, might as well be us.
So, do I get bathed and reborn in her Whisper-y image, or is this more like a ball-trippin', skin-themed vision quest? Dig.
That's it? [SPITS.]
I can do that.
[SPITS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Anything in particular we're goin' for here? Size, depth, width? Just dig.
[CHUCKLES.]
Alright.
["SPINNING TOP" PLAYS.]
Talk about your yo-yo You should see my spinnin' top Talk about your yo-yo You should see my spinnin' top [GRUNTS.]
It goes around and 'round Oh, it never stops You should see My spinnin' top on the ground You should see My spinnin' top on the ground It goes 'round and down, round and 'round and 'round Now, watch it, everybody What did I tell you? My spinnin' top is good Just line it up, baby, like you know you should Deeper? Aw, let me show you how Sure.
Why not? My spinnin' top Is my pride and joy My spinnin' top Is my pride and joy - [GRUNTS.]
- [PIG SQUEALING.]
I use it myself It's my own little personal toy Now, let me show you what I mean.
Now, watch it, everybody.
Now, I get it.
All these people do the twist.
[SPITS.]
SIDDIQ: Watch your step.
Here we go.
Yeah.
Okay.
Looks like I'm not the only one.
Yeah.
Let's get you a seat.
- [MAN GROANS.]
- Dante? DANTE: Go ahead and grab a seat wherever.
I'll be with you in a sec.
Dante, what the hell is goin' on? Hey, guys.
I-I-I think the illness is spreading faster than we thought.
I-I didn't want to bother you.
That is not a decision you get to make.
Damn it, man, this is why I said I shouldn't leave.
- Hey, Siddiq, he's - What? He's tryin' to help.
Start crushing herbs ginger and mint for the nausea and oil of oregano and yarrow for the fever.
This is only gonna get worse if we're not ahead of it.
You good with these rules? Yeah.
Don't be seen.
No tracks, no killin' walkers neither.
Find a bunch of bodies with holes in their heads, we might as well leave a note saying we were here.
Watch, learn, leave.
Yeah, if things go sideways, we head back.
We get split up, you meet me right here, alright? Yeah.
And be safe.
We got luck on our side, alright? Come on.
NEGAN: My porky here, he was a bastard to take down.
But I gotta say, this is exactly the kind of badass shit I will do for my new family.
BETA: Only those who have earned the right to walk among us may eat.
Earned? Big man, I helped kill and cook the damn pig.
Come on, man, alright? At the very least, I deserve a piece of bacon.
[GRUNTS.]
Whatever you say, boss.
This is Tater Bug over open air, surfin' on these proverbial radio waves.
Any interested earholes, come on back.
[STATIC.]
[KNOB CRANKS, STATIC.]
Anyone anywhere? This is Tater Bug.
WOMAN: Hello? Hello, Tater Bug? I receive you loud and clear.
I-I can't believe this.
Are you Are you really out there? [HERD GROWLING.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
MAN: Not here.
WOMAN: Keep looking.
Well, had I considered the prospect of first contact, I would've prepared proper remarks toward the establishin' of relations.
Over.
WOMAN: I don't quite know what to say, either.
I'd gotten to the point where I figured this was a waste of time.
Over.
Well, perhaps an exchange of Q&As might grease the wheels.
A few right off the top of my dome where are you located, how long have you been there, how many people do you have, and should we continue saying "over"? Over.
We can probably make do without the "overs.
" As for the other stuff, I don't think I'm comfortable sharing that just yet.
Understandable.
Any alts more within your zone of comfort? Maybe talk about our lives before all this? My personal origin entails a long and storied history.
Were you thinkin' prologue, or should I skip ahead a few chapters? I guess, uh, start with where you're from.
Certainly.
A Lone Star child at heart, I was born in the shadows of Big D.
That's a well-worn nickname for Dallas, Texas.
Yeah, I picked up on that.
I grew up in Pennsylvania, a small town called Strasburg.
Uh, dubious as it may seem, I know Strasburg, Pennsylvania, well.
- Sure you do.
- True as Coventry blue.
Durin' adolescence, I went through a significant foamer phase.
Locomotives were my jam.
As such, my parents purchased a pair of tickets to the 1995 Trainfan Expo at the Railroad Museum in, well, you guessed it.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Whoa.
I have the most vivid memory of an ice-cream shop with the most marvelous batch of black raspberry ice cream.
The Inside Scoop.
Went there all the time.
Hell, you and I might've been there on the same day.
Well, knowin' this, there's a critical question needs answerin'.
What's that? Cake cone or waffle? [LAUGHS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
[HERD GROWLING.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
Been decades since I got this much attention - from younger men.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Well, you're my patient, so it's kinda my job to keep an eye on you.
Then what's with the look of gloom and doom? I feel like I'm nappin' next to the grim reaper.
[CHUCKLES.]
Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm just, um, a little concerned.
Oh, hon, in this world, most don't get the luxury of driftin' off in a nice, comfy bed.
I should be so lucky.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
Get some rest.
Hey, hey, I'll get it for you.
Oh, thanks, man.
[DOOR CREAKS.]
About what I said earlier, I, um No worries.
I get it.
We're stuck with pre-industrial-age meds, and simple shit can suddenly become a big deal.
We'll figure it out.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Thanks, Dante.
I-I appreciate your help.
You should.
I'm kind of amazing.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Get some rest, boss.
Alright, come on.
[DOOR CREAKS.]
Mm.
[COCO CRIES.]
Hey, Coco.
Hey.
It's okay.
It's okay.
Shh.
Aww, it's okay.
Uh, Daddy gotcha.
Oh, it's alright.
Hey.
Hey, it's okay.
Hey.
No, no, no, no.
Oh, it's okay.
[CHAIR CREAKS.]
There you go.
[CHAIR CREAKING, CLOCK TICKING.]
[HEAVY BREATHING.]
[ROSITA GROANING.]
ALPHA: Open your eyes.
[SCREAMING.]
Open your eyes.
[SCREAMING CONTINUES.]
[DISTORTED.]
Open your eyes.
[HERD GROWLING.]
Clearly, we are not jivin'.
And, you know, to be honest with you, I totally understand the position you're in.
You gotta be, like, the tough guy and keep everybody in line.
I mean, hell, you know, I had guys just like you to keep my shit tight.
Alright, maybe not just like you.
Uh, hell, if I had some monster your size, things would've turned out different.
Look, whether you like me or not, I will be joinin' this team, so maybe we should find a way to get along, you know, and stop pissin' on each other's boots.
You will never be one of us.
You're too loud, too weak, too full of ego.
I mean, it ain't ego if I really am that awesome.
You are a waste, and Alpha will see it.
So cards on the table, then? Cool.
I dig that.
See, I'm not here for you.
I am here for Alpha.
So you go ahead, and you throw your little tests at me and you scowl and throw me on the ground like a five-and-dime Frankenstein.
I don't give a shit.
See, big man, I ain't goin' anywhere.
Finally, something we can both agree on.
You won't be going anywhere.
[GRUNTS.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
Wait a minute.
Did you just make a Goddamn joke? I would be impressed if I wasn't so pissed off right now.
[GRUNTS.]
You have got to be shittin' me.
What the hell is this? He saw me.
We can take him back, see what he knows.
Maybe it's a good thing.
Did you plan this? No.
[GRUNTS.]
What's this? It wasn't in your bag.
Guess you missed it.
Come on.
We don't have time to argue.
It's done.
Roller rinks never made much dollars-and-centavos sense to me, purely on a risk/reward analysis.
Too afraid of falling? Injury combined with humiliation.
Not my favorite pastime.
This deet exchange on our formatives has been very enjoyable, and at the risk of said humiliation, I wonder if we could dip our toes into some real talk.
I It's been great, honestly.
But I don't really know you.
You might be a threat.
Maybe it's better if we let this be, you know, what it is.
What if I were to share specifics? Who's to say I'm not a threat to you? People are dangerous.
I'm well aware.
And yet, I have a twinge in my belly that says you lean toward the "good" column of the alignment chart.
I do know you.
My given name is Eugene Hermann Porter, and I propose we continue these convos on the reg, with the hopes of buildin' more.
Should that meet with your approval and/or interest, of course.
Hello, Eugene Hermann Porter.
I'd like that.
I'd like that very much indeed.
So we're in agreement, then.
- We are.
- [CHUCKLES.]
But But let's just keep this between us for now.
I wanna trust you, but if I hear anyone else, I'll know I can't.
And you'll never hear from me again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Okay, just you and me.
Copy that.
Over.
[CHUCKLES.]
He was weak.
I expected more.
He will serve us better as one of the dead.
NEGAN: I'm ready for my Goddamn skin suit.
You best bring that extra-long tape measure on account of my humongous balls.
Hi.
I'm Negan.
We haven't formally met, but I sure as hell know who you are.
And whether my reputation precedes me or not I'm all in.
Whatever you want, whatever I got, it's yours.
Shh.
Stay where you are.
Yet you disobey.
Previously on "The Walking Dead" The bitch has to die.
The creek, the border, the tree it will crush them.
- How's Rosita? - DANTE: She caught a little bug.
- She okay? - Not yet.
- [GRUNTS.]
- [GROANS.]
Alright, you big-ass freak.
Let's do this.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[KETTLE WHISTLING.]
[WHISTLING STOPS.]
[SIGHS.]
[GATE CREAKS.]
DARYL: Hi.
Hey.
Feelin' better? Yeah.
Thanks.
Where you goin'? Mm, gonna do another sweep for Negan.
Cool.
You want company? [BIRDS CHIRPING.]
Think Negan crossed the border? He'd know we couldn't follow him over there.
I can't see him puttin' on a mask.
Or staying quiet for long.
Still, stranger things have happened.
We takin' a break? Nope.
This is our spot today.
Gonna stay here see what we see.
He ain't gonna wander around, waitin' to get spotted.
He ain't that dumb.
Neither are you.
Gee, thanks.
You wanna tell me what we're doin' out here? Lookin' for Negan.
Right.
You gonna tell me what we're really lookin' for? Alpha's horde.
[SIGHS.]
We're gonna find it, and we're gonna destroy it.
Come on.
Admit it.
There's a tiny part of you that's thrilled to be sick.
Just so you can spend more time with me.
You think I'm pukin' because I got a little crush? Textbook case of butterflies in the stomach.
I want a second opinion.
Oh, it's simple science, darlin'.
Bodies manifest emotion in all sorts of different ways.
The heart wants what it wants.
Right? Inhale for me.
- [INHALES DEEPLY.]
- Good.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- And exhale.
- [EXHALES.]
- Alright.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- Seriously, though, don't you think we'd make a bitchin' couple? Son, I would break you like a twig.
SIDDIQ: How's he doin', Cheryl? Jury's still out.
Ouch.
I thought we were havin' a moment here, Cheryl.
Is she okay? Everything alright? Yeah.
Couple more cases of that stomach bug.
[SIGHS.]
- So that makes it seven.
- Yeah.
You know, maybe I should just - put Coco down for a minute - Don't worry about it, man.
- I got it.
- Sure? Yeah.
How's Rosita? Ah, same as everybody else, it seems.
The most we can do is keep 'em hydrated and wait it out.
Mm-hmm.
Hey, lap up the daddy/daughter shit while you can, because they grow so damn fast.
[BABBLES.]
[COCO COOS.]
Okay, a-alright, easy.
Dude, easy.
Have some boundaries.
Okay.
My bad.
[CHUCKLES.]
You two should go out, have some fun.
- [PEN CLICKS.]
- [CLEARS THROAT.]
[SIGHS.]
Alright, thanks.
And if you need me to peek at Rosita later, just say the word.
Happy to, you know, make sure she's on the mend.
[CHUCKLES.]
That's one of those boundaries again.
Yep.
Yeah.
Noted.
CAROL: Alpha's been sending waves of walkers to screw with us, right? Well, I've been tracking walker movement along the border.
Small groups.
Some of them might have Whisperers in them.
But they all connect right back to this general area, so I figure we stake out this spot.
See where the Whisperers go.
Might lead us back to the horde.
That's smart.
I thought so.
She's gonna need a place, though, like the canyon they used to be in.
Only spots I know are on Whisperer territory, though.
Not gonna be able to sneak in there without startin' up some kind of shit.
We only need to figure out where they are, and then we'll tell the council.
I swear.
Why weren't you straight with me before? After what happened at the border and with Alpha, I didn't want you to worry.
Sorry.
I get it.
Just wanna keep us safe.
[SIGHS.]
So, you gonna stick around? Well, if you spot somethin', you're gonna need me to track it, right? I dunno.
Picked up a few things over the years.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, we'll see.
Honestly, fellas or ladies.
Kinda hard to tell underneath the outfits.
I wanna join, alright? I am a joiner.
Get me a damn application already.
I mean, look at you guys, right? Cool-ass outfits, the whole back-to-nature paleo vibe? You are a survivalist's wet dream.
Not to mention the number-one selling point no more bein' eaten by the dead.
But just, out of curiosity, 'cause it's killin' me, what do you got goin' on down low? Are you flyin' around commando-style, or do you got, like, walker long johns with the la flap? Whoa.
Cool your tits there, Jolly Green Giant.
Noise.
Constant noise.
I should just slit your throat, be done with it.
Okay.
You know what? You're right, big man.
I am sorry.
I never properly introduced myself.
Hey, I'm Negan.
For the last eight years, I have been locked up by your enemy.
So you take me to your leader, and I will spill every Goddamn secret I know.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
Eugene? I got the supplies ya asked for.
Well, feel free to deposit those in any location of your choosin'.
Gotta say, your assist on the radio relaunch has been a boon, and I thank you mightily.
Well, I'm happy to be a part of the Hilltop AV club.
Care to take the new setup for a spin? Some primo choice upgrades.
Transmitter's been properly souped up with Soviet satellite guts, and You don't parlez-vous Russian, by any chance? Nyet.
Well, that's all I got.
Hmm.
Solid.
Well, just checkin'.
Relocatin' the antenna to the apex provides unobstructed L-O-S to the secondary repeater, exponentially expanding our range.
You haven't lived till you've bounced a transmission off the ionosphere.
Gives me gooseflesh each and every time.
Well, this sounds really cool, Eugene, but I gotta get back to the kids.
Oh, yeah.
Understandable.
Bambinos, they take precedent.
No expiration on that invite, though.
Cool.
Thanks.
Have fun.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPART.]
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
Solo trip it is.
Let's see how far you can fly, little lady.
[SWITCH CLICKS.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[SIGHS.]
ROSITA: Calling for Hilltop.
Come in, Hilltop.
[BUTTONS CLICKING, STATIC.]
Hilltop.
Calling Hilltop.
Copy that, Alexandria.
This is Hilltop.
Eugene? Um, yes.
Were you lookin' for someone in particular? No, dumbass.
I'm looking for you.
Oh.
Okeydokey.
Just wanted to see what you were up to.
I figured I'd call.
But I'm also running a 102-degree fever, so I could just be delirious.
What sort of ailments are we wrestlin' with? Just a bug.
I'll be fine.
And Coco's okay.
What about you? What are you up to? Oh, just some garden-variety engineerin' advice, structural stability checks, a total revamp of their radio setup.
Um, everyone wants a slice of Eugene.
Are you coming back anytime soon? To be honest, I haven't given much thought to a timetable, but it is mighty good to hear your voice.
You, too.
- [ELECTRICITY CRACKLES.]
- Hold on.
We got a malfunction.
Mother of pearl.
Everything okay? Bad solder.
It was a gaffe on my part.
I'm gonna have to fix this pronto before the whole thing goes FUBAR.
I should get back into bed anyway.
Do you want me to call you this afternoon? Are radio waves sinusoidal? Um, [CHUCKLES.]
yes? Yes.
Yes, they are.
Ugh.
So close.
Ew.
Ugh.
Mr.
Crossbow, I thought aiming was your thing.
[SCOFFS.]
It's definitely not your thing.
Mnh-mnh.
Sorry, it doesn't count.
'Course that counts.
No, you gotta knock the can over.
- You can't just kiss it.
- Oh, my God.
You're such a sore loser.
I'd have to lose in order to be a sore loser, so since that didn't count, I'm gonna take my turn.
Oh, it's a double-capper.
They're good luck.
Maybe it'll help your aim.
Very funny.
But I'll keep it.
You should watch your own throws, though.
Boom.
How was Hilltop? It was fine.
King sends his best.
Connie fine, too? [SIGHS, CHUCKLES.]
What? I see things.
It's not like that.
No? Not at all.
Why not? [SIGHS.]
Aren't that many people left to find out there these days, much less good ones like her.
Yeah, I know.
Well, then why not? What's it matter? 'Cause it does.
You don't have to be alone.
Years pass, Daryl.
You can't hide out with your dog forever.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, see? Your aim's better already.
I'm hungry.
You got food? Yeah, I'll get it.
- Thanks.
- Mm-hmm.
Mmm.
Hey, you see that? [HERD GROWLING.]
It's a Whisperer.
He cannot be trusted.
Dispose of him.
Test him.
If he is worthy, I will hear him.
If not, then I kill him.
You have other thoughts? It is a mistake showing him our ways.
Your questionin' of my judgment has become a regular occurrence.
He is a threat.
To Alpha or to Beta? I think only of our people.
Is it finally time for the Beta to become the Alpha? Never.
[SIGHS.]
How long you and the boss lady been together? Is this, like, a Beta-with-benefits situation? Do you slide her a little omega on the side? You'll respect the Alpha, or I end you where you stand.
I didn't mean to offend you.
I mean, hell, you keep things professional.
I respect that.
Think I was just thrown off by the whole kneelin' thing.
Not that there's anything wrong with the whole kneelin' thing.
I mean, that has tickled the dicks of many a fine man over the years.
Me, myself, I used to have people kneelin' for me all the livelong day, so I do understand the benefits that sort of shit provides.
Just actually never done the deed myself.
And I admire your self-restraint, and I'm sayin' this totally respectfully, but there is somethin' about that whole bald-head thing that just [INHALES SHARPLY.]
tightens my britches.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Rosita? Gabriel? Just wanted to swing by to grab a change of clothes for Coco.
Hey, you.
I think I need a house call, Doc.
Hm.
I thought we were supposed to be in bed.
I was, and then I was feeling better, so I came downstairs.
And then I was feeling even worse, so now I'm stuck.
Well, you shoulda called Gabe to come get me.
Ah, the Good Shepherd is out on patrol.
Overnighter.
[SIGHS.]
Okay.
Well, field trip to the infirmary.
No, come on, Siddiq.
I have so much to do.
I know, like going to the infirmary.
No, no, no, no.
If you just help me get to the garage so Shit.
No.
Okay.
Look, it's a crazy idea, but how about we all go to the infirmary? Mm? Yeah? Coco says yeah.
Let's go.
- [COCO COOS.]
- Easy.
This is Hilltop callin' over to Alexandria.
Do you copy? Alexandria, let us know if you are receivin'.
Alexandria proper, please respond.
[STATIC.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Greetings.
This is Tater Bug, callin' live over open channels.
Anyone out there, give us a copy.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
CAROL: It's getting bigger.
Yeah, looks like they're gatherin' up all the strays.
Well, once the sun goes down, it's gonna be tough to see where they go unless we can get closer.
What makes you think they're goin' anywhere? If you and me were Whisperers, that's when we'd move 'em.
You know I'm right.
You wanna cross the border, don't ya? I wanna find the horde.
If that's what it takes Sure this isn't you just tryin' to take another shot at Alpha? The horde is our shot.
You changin' your mind? Nope.
I didn't say that.
Then what's the problem? [SIGHS.]
Alright, we do this, we gotta be smart about it.
None of this "runnin' off in the middle of the night, no backup, just us" stuff, alright? Since when are we not enough? You know, we mess this up, everyone else is gonna pay for it, right? We've already paid.
We keep paying no matter what side of the line we're on.
[SIGHS.]
I gotta pee.
Did you find what you were lookin' for? You bring the gun? No.
Used up all the ammunition, remember? There was still some ammo left in the storage room.
I didn't bring the gun, Daryl.
Wanna frisk me? Go ahead.
Okay.
[SIGHS.]
Either we're enough, or we're not.
Alright, let's do it.
A plan this stupid, might as well be us.
So, do I get bathed and reborn in her Whisper-y image, or is this more like a ball-trippin', skin-themed vision quest? Dig.
That's it? [SPITS.]
I can do that.
[SPITS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Anything in particular we're goin' for here? Size, depth, width? Just dig.
[CHUCKLES.]
Alright.
["SPINNING TOP" PLAYS.]
Talk about your yo-yo You should see my spinnin' top Talk about your yo-yo You should see my spinnin' top [GRUNTS.]
It goes around and 'round Oh, it never stops You should see My spinnin' top on the ground You should see My spinnin' top on the ground It goes 'round and down, round and 'round and 'round Now, watch it, everybody What did I tell you? My spinnin' top is good Just line it up, baby, like you know you should Deeper? Aw, let me show you how Sure.
Why not? My spinnin' top Is my pride and joy My spinnin' top Is my pride and joy - [GRUNTS.]
- [PIG SQUEALING.]
I use it myself It's my own little personal toy Now, let me show you what I mean.
Now, watch it, everybody.
Now, I get it.
All these people do the twist.
[SPITS.]
SIDDIQ: Watch your step.
Here we go.
Yeah.
Okay.
Looks like I'm not the only one.
Yeah.
Let's get you a seat.
- [MAN GROANS.]
- Dante? DANTE: Go ahead and grab a seat wherever.
I'll be with you in a sec.
Dante, what the hell is goin' on? Hey, guys.
I-I-I think the illness is spreading faster than we thought.
I-I didn't want to bother you.
That is not a decision you get to make.
Damn it, man, this is why I said I shouldn't leave.
- Hey, Siddiq, he's - What? He's tryin' to help.
Start crushing herbs ginger and mint for the nausea and oil of oregano and yarrow for the fever.
This is only gonna get worse if we're not ahead of it.
You good with these rules? Yeah.
Don't be seen.
No tracks, no killin' walkers neither.
Find a bunch of bodies with holes in their heads, we might as well leave a note saying we were here.
Watch, learn, leave.
Yeah, if things go sideways, we head back.
We get split up, you meet me right here, alright? Yeah.
And be safe.
We got luck on our side, alright? Come on.
NEGAN: My porky here, he was a bastard to take down.
But I gotta say, this is exactly the kind of badass shit I will do for my new family.
BETA: Only those who have earned the right to walk among us may eat.
Earned? Big man, I helped kill and cook the damn pig.
Come on, man, alright? At the very least, I deserve a piece of bacon.
[GRUNTS.]
Whatever you say, boss.
This is Tater Bug over open air, surfin' on these proverbial radio waves.
Any interested earholes, come on back.
[STATIC.]
[KNOB CRANKS, STATIC.]
Anyone anywhere? This is Tater Bug.
WOMAN: Hello? Hello, Tater Bug? I receive you loud and clear.
I-I can't believe this.
Are you Are you really out there? [HERD GROWLING.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
MAN: Not here.
WOMAN: Keep looking.
Well, had I considered the prospect of first contact, I would've prepared proper remarks toward the establishin' of relations.
Over.
WOMAN: I don't quite know what to say, either.
I'd gotten to the point where I figured this was a waste of time.
Over.
Well, perhaps an exchange of Q&As might grease the wheels.
A few right off the top of my dome where are you located, how long have you been there, how many people do you have, and should we continue saying "over"? Over.
We can probably make do without the "overs.
" As for the other stuff, I don't think I'm comfortable sharing that just yet.
Understandable.
Any alts more within your zone of comfort? Maybe talk about our lives before all this? My personal origin entails a long and storied history.
Were you thinkin' prologue, or should I skip ahead a few chapters? I guess, uh, start with where you're from.
Certainly.
A Lone Star child at heart, I was born in the shadows of Big D.
That's a well-worn nickname for Dallas, Texas.
Yeah, I picked up on that.
I grew up in Pennsylvania, a small town called Strasburg.
Uh, dubious as it may seem, I know Strasburg, Pennsylvania, well.
- Sure you do.
- True as Coventry blue.
Durin' adolescence, I went through a significant foamer phase.
Locomotives were my jam.
As such, my parents purchased a pair of tickets to the 1995 Trainfan Expo at the Railroad Museum in, well, you guessed it.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Whoa.
I have the most vivid memory of an ice-cream shop with the most marvelous batch of black raspberry ice cream.
The Inside Scoop.
Went there all the time.
Hell, you and I might've been there on the same day.
Well, knowin' this, there's a critical question needs answerin'.
What's that? Cake cone or waffle? [LAUGHS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
[HERD GROWLING.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
Been decades since I got this much attention - from younger men.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Well, you're my patient, so it's kinda my job to keep an eye on you.
Then what's with the look of gloom and doom? I feel like I'm nappin' next to the grim reaper.
[CHUCKLES.]
Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm just, um, a little concerned.
Oh, hon, in this world, most don't get the luxury of driftin' off in a nice, comfy bed.
I should be so lucky.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
Get some rest.
Hey, hey, I'll get it for you.
Oh, thanks, man.
[DOOR CREAKS.]
About what I said earlier, I, um No worries.
I get it.
We're stuck with pre-industrial-age meds, and simple shit can suddenly become a big deal.
We'll figure it out.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Thanks, Dante.
I-I appreciate your help.
You should.
I'm kind of amazing.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Get some rest, boss.
Alright, come on.
[DOOR CREAKS.]
Mm.
[COCO CRIES.]
Hey, Coco.
Hey.
It's okay.
It's okay.
Shh.
Aww, it's okay.
Uh, Daddy gotcha.
Oh, it's alright.
Hey.
Hey, it's okay.
Hey.
No, no, no, no.
Oh, it's okay.
[CHAIR CREAKS.]
There you go.
[CHAIR CREAKING, CLOCK TICKING.]
[HEAVY BREATHING.]
[ROSITA GROANING.]
ALPHA: Open your eyes.
[SCREAMING.]
Open your eyes.
[SCREAMING CONTINUES.]
[DISTORTED.]
Open your eyes.
[HERD GROWLING.]
Clearly, we are not jivin'.
And, you know, to be honest with you, I totally understand the position you're in.
You gotta be, like, the tough guy and keep everybody in line.
I mean, hell, you know, I had guys just like you to keep my shit tight.
Alright, maybe not just like you.
Uh, hell, if I had some monster your size, things would've turned out different.
Look, whether you like me or not, I will be joinin' this team, so maybe we should find a way to get along, you know, and stop pissin' on each other's boots.
You will never be one of us.
You're too loud, too weak, too full of ego.
I mean, it ain't ego if I really am that awesome.
You are a waste, and Alpha will see it.
So cards on the table, then? Cool.
I dig that.
See, I'm not here for you.
I am here for Alpha.
So you go ahead, and you throw your little tests at me and you scowl and throw me on the ground like a five-and-dime Frankenstein.
I don't give a shit.
See, big man, I ain't goin' anywhere.
Finally, something we can both agree on.
You won't be going anywhere.
[GRUNTS.]
[GROWLING CONTINUES.]
Wait a minute.
Did you just make a Goddamn joke? I would be impressed if I wasn't so pissed off right now.
[GRUNTS.]
You have got to be shittin' me.
What the hell is this? He saw me.
We can take him back, see what he knows.
Maybe it's a good thing.
Did you plan this? No.
[GRUNTS.]
What's this? It wasn't in your bag.
Guess you missed it.
Come on.
We don't have time to argue.
It's done.
Roller rinks never made much dollars-and-centavos sense to me, purely on a risk/reward analysis.
Too afraid of falling? Injury combined with humiliation.
Not my favorite pastime.
This deet exchange on our formatives has been very enjoyable, and at the risk of said humiliation, I wonder if we could dip our toes into some real talk.
I It's been great, honestly.
But I don't really know you.
You might be a threat.
Maybe it's better if we let this be, you know, what it is.
What if I were to share specifics? Who's to say I'm not a threat to you? People are dangerous.
I'm well aware.
And yet, I have a twinge in my belly that says you lean toward the "good" column of the alignment chart.
I do know you.
My given name is Eugene Hermann Porter, and I propose we continue these convos on the reg, with the hopes of buildin' more.
Should that meet with your approval and/or interest, of course.
Hello, Eugene Hermann Porter.
I'd like that.
I'd like that very much indeed.
So we're in agreement, then.
- We are.
- [CHUCKLES.]
But But let's just keep this between us for now.
I wanna trust you, but if I hear anyone else, I'll know I can't.
And you'll never hear from me again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Okay, just you and me.
Copy that.
Over.
[CHUCKLES.]
He was weak.
I expected more.
He will serve us better as one of the dead.
NEGAN: I'm ready for my Goddamn skin suit.
You best bring that extra-long tape measure on account of my humongous balls.
Hi.
I'm Negan.
We haven't formally met, but I sure as hell know who you are.
And whether my reputation precedes me or not I'm all in.
Whatever you want, whatever I got, it's yours.
Shh.