Episode 9 of Season 7, titled “Rock in the Road,” marks the return of the series after the brutal mid-season finale. The episode focuses on Rick and his group as they begin to recover from Negan’s tyranny and search for allies to fight back against the Saviors.
Rick’s Change of Heart
After witnessing the horrors caused by Negan, Rick finally accepts that submission is not the answer. He realizes that the only way to survive—and to honor those they’ve lost—is to fight back. Rick gathers the people of Alexandria and explains that they must find other communities willing to stand against the Saviors.
The group prepares for a journey to The Kingdom, hoping to convince King Ezekiel and his people to join the coming war.
The Roadblock
While traveling, the group encounters a massive roadblock set up by the Saviors. Dozens of abandoned cars are stacked across the road, clearly meant to stop anyone trying to pass.
As they explore the area, they discover a disturbing sight:
A tripwire connected to explosives, and a long cable stretched across the road. Hanging from the cable are multiple walker bodies, all tied together. On each walker is a sign or message from the Saviors, a grim warning meant to intimidate enemies.
Rick realizes this is part of Negan’s psychological warfare—using fear to keep other communities in line.
A Dangerous Plan
To clear the road, Rick and Michonne come up with a risky idea. They attach a steel cable between two cars and drive them in opposite directions. The plan is to slice through the walker line and cut them apart, clearing the obstacle.
As they accelerate, the cable tightens and decapitates the walkers one by one. It’s a tense and brutal sequence, but the plan works. The road is finally cleared, and the group continues toward the Kingdom.
Tension and Uncertainty
Despite the small victory, the journey is filled with tension. Everyone knows that a war with the Saviors is coming, and not all of them are sure they will survive it.
Rick remains determined. For the first time in a long while, he shows hope and leadership, inspiring the others to believe that Negan can be defeated.
Arrival at the Kingdom
The group finally reaches The Kingdom, where they once again meet King Ezekiel and his loyal protector, Shiva the tiger. Rick tries to convince Ezekiel to join the fight against the Saviors, explaining that no community will ever truly be safe under Negan’s rule.
However, Ezekiel refuses. He believes that staying neutral and avoiding conflict is the best way to protect his people. His decision disappoints Rick and the others, but it also shows the difficult choices every community must make in this harsh world.
A New Discovery
As Rick’s group prepares to leave the Kingdom, they stumble upon a mysterious new group. These survivors appear suddenly, surrounding Rick and the others in a junkyard-like environment. Their intentions are unclear, leaving the episode on a suspenseful note.
This encounter hints that new alliances—or new enemies—are about to enter the story.
Ending and Themes
The episode ends with a sense of rising momentum. Rick is no longer broken by Negan. Instead, he is determined to unite the communities and start a rebellion.
