‘The Walking Dead’ recap: Episode #7, ‘Crossed’

This week’s “The Walking Dead” episode was what we expected: Rick and the gang head off to rescue Beth and Carol from the hospital inhabitants. At first, the plan is to storm in, fight and conquer, but after a little persuading from Tyreese and Daryl, Rick agrees to take a couple of cops hostage so that they can obtain Carol and Beth with an even trade. Chad Coleman can definitely be categorized as a BFG-like character — a big strong man who doesn’t want to hurt a fly. This is pretty diplomatic behavior for a zombie apocalypse, right?

There are a lot of smaller stories going on within this episode.

Michonne and Carl stay behind with Judith at the church, but the juicy aspect of those who are holding down the fort revolves around Seth Gilliam’s psychotic break.

Father Gabriel Stokes has lost it. The past has caught up with him, and he can’t bear the truth of his actions any longer. He claws and scratches at the floor with his fingernails, sweat pours from his brow, his eyes are twitchy and then he finally exceeds his initial forms of lunacy by burrowing and breaking out of his own church. Genius. Then he proceeds to madly wander aimlessly into the woods.

Dawn seems to change her opinion of Beth, no longer viewing her as weak. Seems being the operative word. So, instead of completely condemning Carol to death, Dawn willingly gives Beth the key to the medicine cabinet. Is anyone else sensing something isn’t quite right with this picture? But maybe Dawn’s cold-heartedness is melting away, she’s going to become a beloved character and little birds will help her get dressed every morning. Dare to dream folks. Whatever Dawn’s motives may be, Beth is able to acquire proper medication that Carol needs. Hopefully she’ll wake up and go into Carol kick-ass mode. Go get ‘em, Melissa McBride!

Sgt. Abraham Ford remains with his knees bolted to the ground, unwilling to stop kneeling even when Rosita tries to get him to drink some water. Eugene hasn’t moved a muscle, which is to be expected after all those punches Abraham dished out. Michael Cudlitz is a serious force to be reckoned with.

Rick, Daryl, Sasha, Tyreese and Noah execute their plan with decently flawless precision and are able to capture three of Dawn’s cops. Officer Bob seems more than willing to help their cause, but who can you trust in this zombie-infested world? The list seems to grow smaller and smaller.

Eugene wakes up from his slumber; Abraham finally takes a sip of water; the slippery Sgt. Bob escapes the clutches of Sonequa Martin-Green (Come on, Sasha would never have turned her back on her captive!); Father Stokes may never return; and now you’re at the edge of your seat until next Sunday.

Between your prep for turkey day, let me know what you think is in store for episode eight.

Grade: B+ (I appreciate that this one wasn’t solely focused on one or two people. It was nice to see the whole group in one sitting).