I'm still behind the live broadcasts, just watched this one. I thought this was a very good episode. Well written, well acted and well shot. (Well, the acting for the 'kids' was acceptable, but the main characters did a good job.)
Daryl looks like he's practically based off of the original Fallout game's "Vaultdweller" when he's roaming the post-apocalyptic countryside with his dog. The dog in that one was named 'Dogmeat'. But the image of the loan rebel walking through the desolate waste with a dog by his side is unmistakable.
I'm sure later episodes have shed light on the history here, but Michonne's behavior is certainly annoying. She seems to have done a complete 180 from where we left her, poring over law books and looking forward to a larger civilization. Its a mystery what happened. If this were the last 2 seasons, I'd assume that there will be no satisfying pay-off that would explain her character behaving this way. It would end up just being a bizarre change for reasons that make no sense when they show me the interim events. But this season has earned my trust back, so I'll wait and see.
Having read the comics, I wasn't surprised when Negan's cage was left open. But I wonder if they're going to play off the comic's story to set fans up for little twists. I fully expected him to pick up his ball and go back to sit in his cell. I know there are several that want him executed (fans), but the show is more interesting to me if he's an active character. Its missing the playfulness that both Glen and Abraham could bring to a scene. Negan isn't the same kind of humor, but I do think the show can stand a bit more humor.
The scenes with the herd, the darkening mist and the graveyard where fantastic. That was very well done, and a treat to watch. (Eugene's manner of speech used to be amusing at times, but it just kind of grates now. If he becomes an even larger roled character, I hope they play that down a bit.) I had no inclination that Jesus was at risk. I was thinking, "Finally, they're showing him to be a pseudo-ninja like he's supposed to be."
I think the strategy of dressing up like a zombie is actually extremely risky. (If you farted or burped, would the herd turn on you?) There are still ranged weapons even if people aren't using live ammunition for firearms, and it would be pretty common to shoot zombies from some distance.
I think Henry is taking over some of what Carl's character was meant to be in the comic. It actually works a bit better since the actor looks like a more believable adolescent than Chandler was looking.
Anyway, overall I very much enjoyed the episode, and thought the unveiling of the Whisperers was handled well. I'm very curious what they're doing with Negan next.