Ep 3. The Cell

In season 7 episode 3 of The Walking Dead titled The Cell, the focus shifts away from Rick and his group and onto Daryl, who has been taken captive by the brutal and ruthless Negan. The episode takes place entirely within the confines of the Sanctuary, the main base of operations for Negan and his group of Saviors.

The episode opens with the sound of Dwight listening to "Easy Street" repeatedly, while Daryl is being held captive in a small, dark cell. Dwight is a key member of Negan's group, and it quickly becomes apparent that he is the one responsible for torturing Daryl and attempting to break him down mentally.

Throughout the episode, we see Daryl being subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torture, including being forced to listen to "Easy Street" over and over again, being fed dog food, and being locked in a small, dark closet. Despite the abuse, Daryl remains resolute and refuses to break down, even when faced with the possibility of his own death.

Meanwhile, we also get a glimpse into Dwight's backstory and motivations. It's revealed that he was once a member of a group that Rick's group had encountered in the past, and that he had been incensed by the way they had killed his friends and taken his wife. He had willingly joined Negan's group in order to seek revenge against Rick and his group, even if it meant betraying his own friends and values.

As the episode progresses, we also see the wider workings of the Sanctuary, including the way in which Negan maintains his power and control over his followers. We see the various jobs and tasks that the Saviors are required to perform, as well as the way in which they are treated by Negan and his lieutenants. We also see the extreme measures that Negan is willing to take in order to maintain his hold on power, including the brutal punishment that he doles out to one of his own followers.

Overall, the episode is a bleak and harrowing exploration of the dynamics of power and control in a post-apocalyptic world. It's a study in the ways in which even the strongest and most resilient individuals can be broken down by relentless physical and psychological torture, and in the complex motivations that underlie even the most seemingly uncomplicated character choices.