The Walking Dead Review: We Are the End of the World (Season 10 Episode 2)
To go forward, we must go back. The Walking Dead Season 10 Episode 2, “We Are the End of the World,” tackles the harsh new reality the Whisperers find themselves in, as Alpha looks for new ways to consolidate her power.
It’s a bold move to jump into more Alpha and Beta origins so early into the season, but it proves rather integral: it’s not a snapshot of earlier times, instead becoming a window into how both think, something incredibly important for what comes next.
Ryan Hurst is a standout on the episode as Beta, able to do so much with his body language and his eyes. The patrol to round up more walkers, and how Beta uses sound to attract them out of the parking garage, is this fascinating manner of drawing the enemy as a source of power, using the threat as opportunity.
Beta appears to view walkers as a form of currency, his anger only boiling over when several walkers are put down due to Frances’ crying. It’s not entirely dissimilar to the past, Beta’s attachment to a walker in particular (his friend from recovery treatment, smartly only presented in subtext and in the picture) a major loss for Beta when he’s put down.
That this friend from recovery is the basis for Beta’s walker mask is a testament that despite the Whisperer mantra being primal-driven, there is still the impossibility of taking humanity entirely from the equation. It also happens to be Alpha’s weakness, as well, with her still upset over Lydia taking sides.
Perhaps that will be the downfall of the Whisperers, in the end: that instinct to be animals may falter, and humanity will find its way out at the moment they need it the least.
Mary and Frances (the Whisperer sisters) are a way of showing the Whisperers’ brand of loyalty. Sacrifice, and seeing weakness, are sources of showing worthiness in Alpha’s eyes. Under her rule, ruthlessness is her form of currency, where followers must be willing to prove themselves in order to earn their keep.
But Frances’ loss of her child seemingly should be the ultimate form of proving her worthiness; instead, being justifiably upset over her loss is treated as weakness, rather than a form of coping. The conclusion, of Mary taking down her own sister for the good of the pack, is as large a statement of how far the Whisperer clan is willing to go to protect Alpha and her dominance.
There are certainly cracks in loyalty, but the direct top of the food chain is as solid as it’s going to get.
The main cracks in Alpha’s leadership is an unwillingness to let go of Lydia, a direct contrast to her own rules, along with starting to show signs of mercy, as she does with Frances when all signs point to punishment. It’s hard to tell if this is Alpha is questioning her own methods, or if she sees the Whisperers as fractured and needing everyone they can get with the main The Walking Dead groups nearby.
The past scenes are an opportunity to see the strands of connection that Alpha and Beta begin with. They are two outsiders who find peace in chaos. It’s a clean and clear realization that Lydia is truly her weak point, making the present storyline hold some nervousness over what the communities are willing to do to protect themselves from the Whisperers with Lydia in their possession.
As Aaron mentions on The Walking Dead Season 10 Episode 1, “Lines We Cross,” he’s uncertain if they are the heroes anymore. Maybe that will be tested in the future.
The Walking Dead Season 10 Episode 2, “We Are the End of the World,” helps establish the bond between Alpha and Beta, showing the techniques needed for keeping their followers in line, and showing their methods of gathering herds. Though the power struggle may come across as unstable, for two agents of chaos, that may be exactly as they want it.
Placing the enemy directly in the spotlight allows us to see them unfiltered, and how they are human despite their inhumanity. Alpha may be an inconsistent leader, but it’s what makes her a more dangerous foe: she’s unpredictable. The Governor dealt in force, and Negan dealt in control. Alpha deals in that unpredictability, making force and control antiquated in comparison.
What did you think of this episode of The Walking Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.