Carol flees the consequences of her actions. Beta hits rock bottom and bounces. Daryl and Negan come to an arrangement. Ezekiel, Eugene and Yumiko set off in search of Stephanie.

This show has always excelled at consequences and this is an exceptional episode. Melissa McBride’s work has been a cornerstone of the thing for years but here it’s exceptional. Her guilt and horror at what she’s done, the way she throws Negan under the bus and the moment between her and Daryl at the end of the episode are all rife for interpretation and will be by the characters no doubt. Carol may not have got on that boat but she’s definitely at sea and whether she can find her way home is anybody’s guess.

Ryan Hurst also steps into his own this episode as Beta. The massive Sons of Anarchy alum has always been impressive but here we see emotion, rage and guilt all wrapped up in his whispering, massive frame. The reveal that Beta is Half Moon (glimpsed on a pile of records in Fear The Walking Dead) is one of the subtlest connections the show has ever pulled off. The fact that one, silent scene tells you everything you need to know about Half Moon’s life is one of its most impressive beats of writing, direction and action. The final shot, Beta leading his herd with part of Alpha’s face as part of his mask, is possibly the most chilling thing the show has ever done.

But in amongst the horror and grim there is, as ever, an array of moments of humanity. Yumiko and Magna getting on better as friends than they ever did as lovers, Eugene tearfully begging to be allowed to visit Stephanie because surely someone new has to have something good for all of them. Jerry letting Ezekiel go on his last ride and in doing so finally acknowledging him as a friend and equal not his boss. That one? That one wrecked me. Best of all, Daryl and Negan, facing opposite directions but drinking from the same canteen. The world is dark and horrifying but it’s also constantly changing and constantly spinning towards something new. Stephanie, Carol deciding to live, the arrival of Princess and her fondness for dead people art. Beta and his horde. Not all of this is hopeful but none of this is baked yet and that’s where the show finds hope. The world is always changing. Plant your feet. Protect your friends. Build something with it. I needed that this week. Maybe you do too.

Verdict: Another very strong episode in an implausibly great tenth season. 10/10

Alasdair Stuart