The Walking Dead (TV Series) The Obliged (2018) User Reviews

Rick and Daryl at their best !

[nicofreezer · 9/10 · 13 April 2021]

" I ll die for you " " My brother ! Take my hand" Powerful episode and the end of Rick Grimes in the show is close.

Great scenes between Negan and Michonne and between Daryl ans Rick With one of the best Cliffhanger of the show 9/10.

Live for the Living

[ThomasDrufke · 8/10 · 29 October 2018]

The penultimate episode of Rick Grimes stint on the show was yet another emotionally charged and character heavy hour, and one which seems to end in some tragedy for our favorite sheriff.

We know he gets up and at least makes his way to Alexandria one last time from the previews, but being punctured is most certainly how his death begins. I'm not sure how I feel about how it happened, at least it was on screen (unlike Carl's), but it did feel a little bit anticlimactic. Though, I'm also not sure how exactly the right way to kill Rick would be. But on that note, I think Rick has had his last seen with Carol, as they shared a touching moment in the tent before he left with Daryl.

Which leads me to the best parts of the episode, Rick & Daryl's final little dispute. Albeit a bit predictable, they find their way into a massive ditch, left to figure out their differences one more time as walkers close in on them. Knowing this will be it for them, save for maybe a few lines next week, I loved their moments together tonight. They've always had such a terrific back and forth and tonight was no different.

Michonne shared her first real series of scenes with Negan since he came onto the show a few seasons ago. I didn't immediately gravitate towards those scenes, but Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Danai really brought it. Especially at the end when he's telling her that she's essentially trapped in a prison, just like him, it's just a prison involving the outside normal life, where he's actually trapped in a cell. It's interesting stuff, and definitely something they will revisit once Rick has moved on after next week.

Overall, it was a solid episode, continuing the trend of a very good start to season 9. The real test is how it will go on without Rick Grimes.

8.7/10

9.04 The Obliged Score: 89/100

[iamnotdeadpoolthnx · 9/10 · 15 November 2018]

"The Obliged" is one of Rick's final episodes. That makes this kind of episode frustrating to watch for many viewers who already know that he departs in episode 9.05. But then again i (and perhaps many more) accepted it and watched it open-minded. I still was kind of shocked and devastated when i saw the ending and cliffhanger of this episode. It was well executed but i think that many will find it again poor writing. Though i don't see Angela Kang as a lazy showrunner. I think she did the best she could do. Overall good episode with good build up and a good Daryl and Rick scene. Especially on the motorcycle.

Best Episode in Years

[Splarke22 · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

This episode was easily the best in years & I honestly think it was one of the best Walking Dead episodes EVER. "The Obliged" features incredible dialogue, parallels, callbacks, & scenes all throughout. Despite being somewhat aware of the ending prior to the episode, it still left me absolutely speechless. Really sad & scared for Rick's final episode (9x05), looks like it has potential to be literally THE best TWD episode of all time, with all the incredible callbacks to the pilot shown in the preview.

Rick's Final Moments

[martinazulito · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

I feel very sad for what will come, this was the penultimate chapter of our hero. It was a good episode, good scenes, good dialogues, the conflict and the desperation of Rick feels very alive. I'm not ready for what's coming.

Big Episode and the quality is coming back

[ha77y73ad97 · 8/10 · 3 November 2018]

Seeing Rick and Daryl back together even though on different sides of the fight does bring back some old school feels to this.

Their heart to heart in the Walker pit real shows where the series is getting back to Walkers being the problem and not the people they were fighting where the series was getting away from the original concept. I think all of the Walker incidents are all leading to the next big bad to the series the Whisperers because this heard of Walkers is being lead by someone

Good

[beemowaths · 10/10 · 13 March 2019]

I like to much this episode, really Idk why the People vote this like a 7.9 points, should be more

Rick's last stand

[yahaira-729-694701 · 8/10 · 17 February 2023]

Everyone is at each other's throat. Rick hears the truth from Daryl who gives him the 411 on who was killing the saviors, and tells him how he feels that retribution is the correct path for the saviors.. The retribution continues with Maggie seeking revenge wanting to kill Neganvwho continues to manipulate Rick and Michone. Jardis tries to barter with CRM and wants to kill Garbriel to get herself out of town. She shows her true colors as another heartless mercenary she reverts to torturing her captive. There are all kinds of sickos in this post apocalyptic world. The saviors rebel and get some guns to defend themselves against the oceanside group. Jardis barters him to the CRM. Their idealism falters Michonne losses her dream for an egalitarian state and Rick his vision for the bridge a metaphor for hoe he sees the community forming. In the last few seasons the focus shifted from Rick and his family and included other characters after seasons 6,7, and 8. Rick's last stand begins a painful tortuous ending.

Good, apart from a few stumbles

[TheDonaldofDoom · 29 October 2018]

I'm so glad Angela Kang has saved this show from the brink of collapse. She's not perfect, but she's doing a mightily better job than Scott Simple. Take the scenes with Rick and Daryl, for instance. Daryl has been transformed into a three-dimensional character at last, and it feels totally natural. Now, it's true that their wonderful exchange happens after an idiotic moment in which they fall into a pit, but hey, don't expect TWD to not have stupid moments, ever. TWD has always had a bit of stupid. Both Rick and Daryl are developed incredibly well this episode, and when they're attacked by walkers I felt genuinely anxious, the first time I've felt like that when watching TWD for ages. Rick's blunder at the end actually makes sense too, thematically speaking. He's become too ideological in chasing this dream of a civilised world that he's gotten too attached to things like the bridge. When he's told it won't work, he doesn't listen. He makes a mistake. If this cliffhanger truly leads to Rick's death, it'll be the first time I can remember that a major character has died as a consequence of a mistake they made, and that mistake was a product of their development over the course of the series. What I mean to say is, Rick's mistake doesn't fell like a dumb plot device, it's a mistake you can actually understand. But it's still a mistake, and mistakes have consequences.

In other areas, this episode still messes up. Seeing Michonne's similarity with Negan implied the way it is in the cold open is good, but this subtlety is ruined when Negan flat out explains it later on. Someone needs to tell the writers, show, don't tell. Don't treat viewers like idiots. Other gripes I had included the introduction of yet another generic Savior who'll probably be killed off soon enough to progress the plot, and the continuing Gabriel/Garbage Lady subplot that I can only describe as utterly bizarre. But on the whole, I liked this episode a lot.

The Obliged

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 6 November 2018]

The first decent episode of the show in awhile. The Walking Dead is past its prime, but Rick and Daryl tripped in the hole made for good television.

Seeing Negan up to his old tricks is good, but at least the episode had a clear point. The ending clearly set up the stage for an epic goodbye for Rick next week, whether it happens on that rock or not.

Best episode since No Sanctuary

[fazzabix · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

I don't know why some of the haters are still watching this show if they didn't like this episode or others this season. So far this season has been terrific and this episode the standout. There were plenty of terrible episodes last season, so again I ask, why are you trolls still watching? The show has improved beyond my wildest expectations and if u don't like these episodes, what were you expecting after last season? There was plenty of time to quit during the very mediocre Season 7 and awful Season 8. I came back for Season 9 hoping for just a little improvement (like Season 6 standard). So far these new episodes have been the best I've seen since Season 5 (my personal favourite).If you haters think this season or episodes are bad or worse than last season, I don't know how you ever liked this SHOW in the first place. This ep 10/10 for me.

Michone and her cliche

[SSAJ420 · 6/10 · 18 November 2018]

Michone and her cliche.. God!!!! They are in need of a professional script writer please!!

Best episode in years? LOL

[ThomasJ_9120 · 4/10 · 1 November 2018]

This show should have ended 5 years ago, its basically the same thing over and over battling a different group every season except they stretched the Neagon storyline 3 years which makes it worse. Lazy writing , poor showrunners and very few decent actors , and even the good ones have no material to work with. Did you seriously just have Rick fall off a horse and land on concrete with bars sticking out one going right thru him ? If that's how you kill off the main character and who the shows about it's just pathetic. I can totally understand why Andrew Lincoln is done with this show as am I!

Amazing

[stephen-61594 · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

This hands down has to be one of the best episodes in the entire show. Seeing rick and daryl having that heart to heart talk, really hit you in the feels. While i can't wait for the next episode i am also dreading it. But season 9 has been amazing so far and only 4 episodes in. This is easily a 10 because it was an awesome episode and i want to throw it off from those trolls giving it a 1.

So What Did We Learn Tonight?

[sevenlilxenos · 8/10 · 29 October 2018]

Is Michonne going cra-cra? Engaging Negan in extended conversation seemed against her usual stoic character as Negan can still mind screw and manipulate anyone, even if he is going a lil "bat" sheet crazy after 2 years of incarceration.

Eugene is a really weird dude.

Power is corrupting Mags, Jesus needs to check her ego before its too late. Maybe Mags will gets the honor of killing Ric. Better than Walkers, am i right? Could they be setting the table for a Michonne vs. Mags cat fight over Negan? Hmm.

Rick and Daryl perfectly mix fighting with plot exposition and recap. Exploring each others philosophy and point of view while down in a hole/grave felt very symbolic.

Polly is a really weird chick.

Father Gabe is an expert at appearing humble and altruistic when all along hes really just saving himself. Gabe doesn't fool me, hes got Eugene's cowardice gene. Notice the hungry Walker had the same pearl necklace as his ex-organist?

Carol really does have a pair. Savs appear as desperate as Negan as many would rather die with their boots on than serve Rick and his people. Some bridges just cant be mended.

Rick, the Pied Walker Piper, on a magically appearing White Horse all while Michonne is at home reading fairy tales to Judith, REALLY!?

Ending looked like dumpster Glenn 2.0. Will Rick get saved just to die a lil later? Previews suggest a dream sequence or seeing his life play back while dying.

Here we go, its been a fun ride Sheriff Friendly, gonna miss you dude.

8.5/10

Lost for words

[conca-628-183372 · 9/10 · 29 October 2018]

I'm lost for words, this episode was one of the best. Loved the interaction between Negan and Michonne, talking about her children, Negan talking aboht his wife and how they are "the same".

Maggie on her way to Alexandria to see and potentially kill Negan but will have to deal with Michonne first. The interaction between Rick and Daryl was heartbreaking and amazing, the last scene had me in bits but I won't spoil that. Just watch and watch next weeks episode, my emotions are going to be all over the place.

Overall, it was an amazing episode; great dialogue, great character development and an incredible cliffhanger.

This season is so good

[jordanterry-48958 · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

Best season since season 5 (so far) , I hope it stays like this but I have no idea what the show will be like once Rick Grimes has gone :'( he is one the best characters in TV history and I don't think many people would argue that, he's just an amazing character and I've loved following his story through the years , It makes me feel depressed knowing that he's no longer going to be on the show.. some people might find that weird because he's just a "Fictional Tv Character" but to me he's so much more then that, I've watched him grow and become a leader and a great father and farmer lol can't believe he lost his family :( although it wasn't his fault, i hate when people call Rick a bad leader and say he's responsible for the lost of his son.. he's always done the best he could, sure he's made some bad decisions but he's always put his people first and no one else could of done better.

R.I.P Rick Grimes <3 (not sure if he'll die yet but still) episode 5 is going kill me

One of the Best Episodes of the Last Seasons

[claudio_carvalho · 9/10 · 30 October 2018]

Maggie decides to head to Alexandria to kill Negan. Jesus sends a message to Rick that leaves the construction camp with Daryl to intercept Maggie. However Daryl tries to stop him and they fall into a deep hole. Meanwhile Jed and the Saviors confront Carol and the people from the Kingdom and there is a shootout, attracting herds of walkers putting the lives of the trapped Rick and Daryl in danger.

"The Obliged" is certainly one of the best episodes of the last seasons of "The Walking Dead". The tense segments are equally divided by the protagonists of this series, giving the chance to enjoy the characters that has been worshiped by the fans along the last nine years.

Michonne stays with Judith in Alexandria during the days and relaxes during the night hunting down walkers nearby Alexandria. Her pointless discussion with Negan is probably the only annoying part of the show. The segment of Gabriel and Jadis (a.k.a. Annie) is intriguing and she leaves him alone in the landfill since "she wants to move fast". Maggie decides to head to Alexandria to kill Negan and leaves Hilltop disregarding the words of Jesus. Carol and her people of the Kingdom are attacked by Jed and the Saviors and only next week the viewer will learn what happened to both groups and the consequences of the herds of walkers attracted by the shooting.. But Rick steals the show with great participation with Daryl. His dream is being shattered by part of his people led by Maggie and Daryl that have grudge and hatred of Negan and The Saviors for what they did. The conclusion is scary and cliffhanger. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "The Obliged"

Great

[beemowaths · 10/10 · 19 February 2019]

Great episode, with hype i love it, IDK why the People vote this episode bad, was nice, really

Not bad, but:

[Gernot S. · 7/10 · 29 October 2018]

...the "danger situations" this season are so constructed, it's cringeworthy. It's like the dead can't be menacing anymore, without (literally) throwing our guys into a pit or pinning them down otherwisely. :-)

Another winner

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 13 May 2023]

Will admit to not having high expectations at all for 'The Walking Dead's' Season 9. While really liking to loving Seasons 1-5 and finding a huge amount to admire about Season 6, Seasons 7 and 8 were really not up to standard and were huge disappointments (despite having some exceptions). Especially Season 8, where the worst episodes were pretty dreadful and where many of the episodes were mediocre or less. It felt like the show had lost its identity and what made it great in the early seasons, and this viewer really did feel that it was completely dead.

The previous three episodes of Season 9 though were absolutely great and felt like 'The Walking Dead' had returned to its roots, rediscovered what made it so good in the early seasons while also starting a new chapter. Especially "Warning Signs", the show's best episode since "Not Tomorrow Yet". Season 9's fourth episode "The Obliged" is another major winner, and another example of how Season 9 was the best since Season 6 and one of the more consistent seasons in the show's history.

It isn't perfect, with Negan's dialogue tending to over explain and it was not necessary when it was stuff that could easily have been shown.

Other than that, "The Obliged" is absolutely excellent. It is a very stylishly and atmospherically made episode, with no signs of self indulgent gimmicks or showing off. The music is also full of atmosphere of the haunting and ominous kind, while also having emotion that is not spelled out. The more action oriented moments in the final act are thrilling, suspense laden and well choreographed with nothing coming over as ridiculous or chaotic. The ending is powerful and shocking, making me eager for what would happen in the next episode.

Furthermore, the massive improvement in the writing obvious in the previous Season 9 episodes carries over into this one too. The previous two seasons had a lot of (too much) extraneous talk, long winded-ness and soap-opera, next to none of that is here apart from some long winded-ness but even that was done far worse in Seasons 7 and 8. Instead the scripting is tight and thoughtful on the whole, treating the characters and the viewer with respect. The story absorbs throughout, even when not fast paced it never felt dull and nothing for me felt confusing or over silly, and there is even some nice tension.

None of the characters frustrated me, with none of the intelligence insultingly ridiculous and vague decision makings and motivations that plagued too much of Season 7 and nearly all of Season 8. The chemistry between Rick and Daryl in the final act was off the scale and played a major role for why the latter stages made such a big impression emotionally. Also really connected to both. The performances are never less than strong all round, with the poignantly bittersweet one of Andrew Lincoln standing out with intense Norman Reedus close behind.

Concluding, absolutely excellent once again. 9/10.

one of the best TWD episodes

[belanglos1 · 6/10 · 29 October 2018]

The acting is great, the camera work is mediocre as always, the story has its flaws.

I am not a reader of the comics, I only come for the entertainment value. It can't compare itself to the best running shows in terms of character development, or production. It often looks like a low budget flick like "sharknado", but I guess that's what the main audience wants.

This episode was basically a portrait of the entire series. showing the weaknesses in writing and effects (when down in that pit especially) and showing its soap opera like character developments. Still one is engaged into the story, since it's well acted. It's the one show that I can easily live without but watch when there's nothing else to do.

this is a soap opera horror show with a little fun.

6/10 for the "best" episode - if you don't like soap opera fun horror shows. this is nothing for you!

It's been my experiance...

[intrepidami · 5/10 · 29 October 2018]

...that most intelligent shows don't end on a cliffhanger, and then show you how it turned out seconds later in the previews for next week?

But I guess that passes for brilliant showrunning and writing according to all the 10/10 reviews.

Shocked

[mpw-23506 · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

Wow. I am honestly shocked at the route that they are taking for retiring the character of Rick Grimes. I was almost certain for as long as I knew Andrew Lincoln was leaving that Rick would just get fed up and leave, alive. After his being impaled, I'm obviously not on board with that anymore. I'm very curious to see what comes next, and cannot wait until next Sunday. As for the rest of the episode, still very good. Rick and Daryl in the pit was a little cartoony but a good enough way of putting them in close quarters to try to deal with differences. I would have preferred to see a little more of how Maggie will go about her assassination plan, but the open endedness gives for a possibly very exciting plot line. Carol is continuing her badassery, which is nice to see. I do hope that the battle won't be a big thing, because the last thing anyone wants is a season 8 repeat. Very happy about this episode and the future of the show. 10/10.