The Season 8 premiere of The Walking Dead is full of references to the series. One homage, in particular, makes us believe that a new leader will soon emerge on the show. The others pay tribute to Season 1 of the series.
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
In perhaps the most talked about scene, we see “Old Man Rick.” It’s a little unclear if this is a nonlinear storytelling technique or just another hallucination by our hero. Either way, it ties back to the first episode.
Some fans even thought Rick was awakening from the coma again (meaning, the entire series was a dream). Luckily, that’s not the case.
Carol Sees The Cherokee Rose Homage
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
In another quick shot, we see Carol and Tara waiting on a bridge. Below, hundreds of walkers are led by Daryl Dixon. They’re headed to the Sanctuary for a secondary attack on the Saviors.
While the ladies wait, Carol looks over to see a graffiti flower on the interstate. This reflects on her relationship with Daryl Dixon. Back when her daughter Sophia was missing, Daryl told her the story of the Cherokee Rose.
It’s been a part of her ever since.
Carl Grimes, The New Leader Of Alexandria
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
There are several moments in the Season 7 finale and the Season 8 premiere, where our leaders are trying to pass the leadership. Rick tells both Michonne and Maggie he looks forward to a day where they will lead.
In the premiere, Rosita and Michonne are forced to stay back due to their injuries. Rick also makes his son Carl stay back. Michonne tells Carl Grimes that he will soon be a leader in Alexandria. He’s unsure of her comment, but another homage makes us believe this will happen.
When Carl Grimes finds Abbud in the world of the undead, he looks a lot like his dad from back in the first season. He’s carrying an empty gas can, and he even bends down under the car the same way. This is how Rick saw the zombie girl in the pilot.
Rick then scares off Abbud, and we see a dispute between the two. Before Rick can leave, he sees another woman walking up to him. This also reminds us of the zombie girl. This time, however, Rick shows no fear.
Did you catch all of these flashback references in the premiere?
