# The Walking Dead; 7.09 "Rock in the Road" (open spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 13, 2017, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714 "2017-02-13T00:13:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2017, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/21 "2017-02-13T19:35:02Z")
As we watched Simon departing after having trashed the place, Mrs. Plant (v.3.0) remarked, “I want to see him die.” ---
**Author:** ![Sinaptics](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@Sinaptics](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinaptics)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2017, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/22 "2017-02-13T20:23:13Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > I think the implication was Gabriel was being forced at gunpoint to do what he did. The bible was his way of calling for help and revealing the culprit. > > That said, I thought it was funny that a character who betrayed them at least twice was being commended for his loyalty. I can’t see what else “boat” would mean except the pontoon boat. But how would he even know where it’s at? The above would explain some things: you take our food and we’ll take yours. But I didn’t get the sense that Gabriel was in danger when he was taking the food. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/23 "2017-02-13T20:47:54Z")
> [@Sinaptics](#): > > But I didn’t get the sense that Gabriel was in danger when he was taking the food. He was acting goofy, but the guy _is_ goofy. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2017, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/24 "2017-02-13T20:52:48Z")
> [@Sinaptics](#): > > I can’t see what else “boat” would mean except the pontoon boat. But how would he even know where it’s at? > > The above would explain some things: you take our food and we’ll take yours. But I didn’t get the sense that Gabriel was in danger when he was taking the food. I thought (and I could be wrong) by writing “Boat” he was telling them to go to the boat where they found the food in the first place which is how they ended up getting caught in the end. And to be honest those people (if it is them) were taking their own food back. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/25 "2017-02-14T00:14:10Z")
> [@BeepKillBeep](#): > > My disappointment with Ezekiel is we know he’s going to join them. This is not going to be some kind of shock when it happens. I guess the only thing we have to look forward to is what will be the catalyst. My guess is that the Saviors kill Richard and Ezekiel realizes that the Saviors have no interest in long term peace. I kind of wish they would get on with it already. Your ‘kill Richard’ guess may well be correct. But I would bet that Carol will be part of the “Ezekiel decides to join the anti-Negan initiative” plotline. There will be a Meaningful Conversation. ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/26 "2017-02-14T00:22:01Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Your ‘kill Richard’ guess may well be correct. But I would bet that Carol will be part of the “Ezekiel decides to join the anti-Negan initiative” plotline. There will be a Meaningful Conversation. I’ve been thinking about the Carol-Ezekiel thing a bit. I’m not sure yet whether Carol will convince Ezekiel to fight or whether Ezekiel will convince Carol to go back into battle. But I agree one way or the other it will play a role. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/27 "2017-02-14T02:27:21Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > As we watched Simon departing after having trashed the place, Mrs. Plant (v.3.0) remarked, “I want to see him die.” Show her Trevor in Grand Theft Auto V. That guy is the voice and motion-capture model for him. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/28 "2017-02-14T02:38:11Z")
> [@BeepKillBeep](#): > > I’ve been thinking about the Carol-Ezekiel thing a bit. I’m not sure yet whether Carol will convince Ezekiel to fight or whether Ezekiel will convince Carol to go back into battle. But I agree one way or the other it will play a role. Morgan and Carol will talk each other into it. Does Ezekiel have insects in those dreadlocks? Are there insects that prey on the other insects? ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/29 "2017-02-14T03:27:49Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Show her Trevor in Grand Theft Auto V. That guy is the voice and motion-capture model for him. Simon also made an appearance on Breaking Bad. ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/30 "2017-02-14T03:28:54Z")
> [@BeepKillBeep](#): > > I’ve been thinking about the Carol-Ezekiel thing a bit. I’m not sure yet whether Carol will convince Ezekiel to fight or whether Ezekiel will convince Carol to go back into battle. But I agree one way or the other it will play a role. I think when Carol finds out what happened to Glenn and Abe, she may be moved to take action. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/31 "2017-02-14T03:55:04Z")
> [@Biffster](#): > > Simon also made an appearance on Breaking Bad. That guy’s great. Didn’t see him in that, but he was in an episode of **Better Call Saul** , in a memorable sequence where Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) deftly takes his guns away from him. Here it is: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/jS6kAKj8R9o/maxresdefault.jpg "Better call Saul: Trevor Vs Mike") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS6kAKj8R9o) ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/32 "2017-02-14T04:12:38Z")
[quote=“El\_Kabong, post:31, topic:779714”] That guy’s great. Didn’t see him in that, but he was in an episode of **Better Call Saul** , in a memorable sequence where Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) deftly takes his guns away from him. Here it is: [/QUOTE] Ha! I meant Better Call Saul. All part of the Breaking Bad extended universe. Why don’t you send Uncle Fester on his way and me and man mountain here can do the job just the two of us. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/33 "2017-02-14T06:02:43Z")
The actor that plays Simon was also in Westworld. ETA: Steven Ogg. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/34 "2017-02-14T17:11:06Z")
[quote=“El\_Kabong, post:31, topic:779714”] That guy’s great. Didn’t see him in that, but he was in an episode of **Better Call Saul** , in a memorable sequence where Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) deftly takes his guns away from him. Here it is: [/QUOTE] He’ll always be the [creepy locksmith](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPW_lwU_Hwc) from Broad City to me. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/35 "2017-02-14T19:08:48Z")
One thing I forgot to mention: Rick’s story about the rock in the road (from which the title of the episode comes) was really dumb. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/36 "2017-02-14T19:31:13Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > One thing I forgot to mention: Rick’s story about the rock in the road (from which the title of the episode comes) was really dumb. I figure he made it up on the spot. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2017, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/37 "2017-02-15T09:55:24Z")
They really ratcheted up the comic book-iness with that whole audience with the king sequence. ---
**Author:** ![rainy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/38 "2017-02-15T16:08:35Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > They really ratcheted up the comic book-iness with that whole audience with the king sequence. Yeah, that scene was painfully bad to watch. Rick and Daryl just aren’t the types to play along with the kinds of games Ezekiel is playing. The scene from earlier in the season, where Ezekiel explains that his act gives people something to hang on to would have been better saved until this moment, or slightly later, like right after Daryl got through telling him where to stick his bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/39 "2017-02-15T16:41:32Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > One thing I forgot to mention: Rick’s story about the rock in the road (from which the title of the episode comes) was really dumb. Yeah, painfully dumb. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2017, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714/40 "2017-02-15T18:01:49Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I figure he made it up on the spot. The story appears in [_The Progressive Course in Reading_](https://books.google.com/books?id=F5kAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA20&dq=%22There+is+a+story+told+of+a+king+who+lived+long+ago+in+a+country+across+the+sea.%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwigibf_1pLSAhVOzmMKHRYVBUQQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=%22There%20is%20a%20story%20told%20of%20a%20king%20who%20lived%20long%20ago%20in%20a%20country%20across%20the%20sea.%22&f=false), Butler, Sheldon & Company, 1900, this particular copy of the book having been transferred to the Harvard College Library on 21 January, 1910. > [@gytalf2000](#): > > Yeah, painfully dumb. I didn’t think they story was appropriate. Yes, I can see that Rick was trying to tell Ezekiel that rewards come to those who make the effort. But in the parable, the reward comes to only one person who had no help. Rick is seeking allies to help him fight Negan. The story does not teach that everyone wins when everyone works together. It teaches the opposite: The Kingdom and Hilltop will receive the benefits of Alexandria’s efforts, without having to do the work themselves. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-7-09-rock-in-the-road-open-spoilers/779714.md?page=3)