The eighth season premiere of The Walking Dead , titled "," serves as the show's landmark 100th episode and the official launch of the "All Out War" arc. Plot Overview
: Reviewers from X-Geeks noted a "nice blend of dialogue and action," highlighting the creative ways Negan's guards were neutralized. [S8E1] Mercy
Despite not being considered a "spectacular" standalone episode by some, it successfully set the stage for a "kinetic, action-packed offensive". It holds a "Mixed Bag" status on Rotten Tomatoes as part of Season 8, often criticized for having a stronger second half than its opening eight episodes. The eighth season premiere of The Walking Dead
Critics and audiences viewed "Mercy" as a "solid start" that addressed long-standing complaints about the show's pacing by dropping viewers directly into the action. It holds a "Mixed Bag" status on Rotten
: Rick's forces use armored vehicles to breach the Sanctuary's gates, while a secondary "black-ops" team consisting of Daryl, Morgan, and Carol leads a massive walker horde toward the facility via controlled explosions.
: The episode features a verbal standoff where Negan attempts to break Rick's resolve by bringing out Gregory, the ousted Hilltop leader, who commands his people to stand down—a command they largely ignore in favor of Maggie Greene.