What is Carl doing at the gas station? Who does he meet and what happens?
They are planning the attack on the Saviors and the gas station is the rendezvous point for Carl and Rick meeting back up. There is a Muslim man (Siddiq?) lurking in the shadows and when he sees Carl he starts talking and basically begs Carl for help. But Rick shows up and fires off some shots to run him off. Carl is upset by this. (Carl later returns and brings him some food).
What's going on at Alexandria?
Very few shots at Alexandria. They are leaving for the big attack on the Sanctuary, and Michonne and Carl are among those who are to stay behind to defend the community just in case. Rosita also stays behind and is not happy about it.
What's up with all the explosions? What's their purpose?
There is a gigantic herd that is making its way along the highway (could possibly be the same one from last season), and the explosions are used to cause the herd to change direction and start going towards the Sanctuary. This is all part of a very elaborate plan of attack on the Sanctuary.
Who all takes part in the Sanctuary attack and what happens?
It's a very well-orchestrated attack. First, all of the Saviors at each of the lookouts are taken out. Then a motorcade of cars, each equipped with sheets of metal on the sides to act as shields, make their way to the Sanctuary. They take out the guards in the courtyard, break through the fence, and the fight is on. The RV is also rigged with explosives and when they go off that serves as the final explosion to lead the horde to the Sanctuary.
What are Daryl, Carol, Tara, and Morgan doing together?
Daryl, Carol, Tara, and Morgan are kind of the "horde team". They spend a great deal of time timing the horde and predicting where it will be at the time of the attack. That way, they can figure out exactly where to put the explosives. Daryl takes out most of the Saviors at the lookout posts. Although Rick does take 1 out and allows him to be eaten after the Savior taunts Rick and says that Negan is going to kill Carl for this. Most of the others are part of the caravan that goes directly to the Sanctuary.
What is Rick's demeanor like in this episode?
He's extremely confident at least in front of everybody especially Negan. But behind the scenes and before the attack, the fear is still definitely there and we can see it in his eyes.
What is Gregory doing at the Sanctuary?
Gregory is there and we assume has been there since he left the Hilltop last season. He makes a speech and says the Hilltop is loyal to Negan. And if anyone from the Hilltop continues to fight the Saviors, their families will be kicked out. When no one responds and they stay by Maggie's side, Simon gets pissed and pushes him down the stairs.
Do Negan and Father Gabriel get trapped together? How does that scene go down?
Yep. After Father G is ditched by Gregory (who took his car while Father G was saving his ass) the Sanctuary is overrun with walkers. So Gabriel goes into the only room he can find unlocked. Unfortunately, Negan found the same room and we get the shitting pants scene from the Comic-Con trailer.
Does anyone die?
Except for several Saviors at the lookout posts, no.
Does Rick take a picture of the Sanctuary? When does this happen and how does that scene play out?
Yes, he takes a Polaroid picture of Negan hunkering down and hiding during the attack and before he has to leave because the herd is coming.
**BONUS**
- "Old man Rick" visions run in spurts throughout the episode. The final one towards the end of the episode features Judith around 10 years old talking about an upcoming festival.
- Daryl and Dwight coordinate the attack through secret messages sent inside arrows.
Extra Tidbits:
- There is a brief scene where Michonne and Rick kiss goodbye before Rick leaves for the attack.
- The episode ends with a flashback to a portion of Rick's big inspirational battle-cry speech that also opened the episode.
- Michonne will be present in one of the "fast forward visions". Apparently while Rick has aged into old man Rick, Michonne's looks haven't changed at all. She retains her youthful beauty. Carl is in this vision too but apparently you can't see his face to see the age progression.
- Carol and Daryl hug and speak briefly right right before Carol, Tara, and Morgan part ways with Daryl so that he can go set off the explosives and get the herd heading for the Sanctuary.
- After the big battle at the Sanctuary, Carol joins up with Ezekiel and the other folks at the Kingdom, and there's an attack on this Savior outpost. A grenade does go off, but we don't get to see what happens next. We just see smoke, and because this was towards the end of the episode we won't get to see what happened next until 8.02.
- The episode title relates a little bit to Carl, but mostly to the new character he encounters (Sidiqq)
- When Gregory gives his speech at the Sanctuary about how the Hilltop stands with Negan, Jesus yells out, "The Hilltop stands with Maggie!!
