The group in Oceanside continues to train in case the Whisperers return; tensions are high as the heroes struggle to hold onto their concept of civilization.
The origins of Alpha and Beta are revealed; Alpha attempts to toughen up Lydia as they prepare to walk with the dead; the Whisperers create their herds.
The outcast Lydia is badly treated by three Alexandrians. When Negan saves her from an attack, the life changes in Alexandria. Meanwhile Michonne and a group of Alexandrians head to Hilltop to save survivors of a collapsed wall.
The Whisperers are coming for Hilltop, after Daryl and Lydia's encounter with Alpha, the communities must decide whether to run or fight; Eugene's communication with Stephanie gets complicated.
Michonne takes Virgil back to his mysterious island to reunite with his family; in exchange, Virgil promises weapons that could change the tide of the Whisperer War.
Heroes and villains reckon with the aftermath of the Hilltop fire; Eugene takes a group on a journey to meet Stephanie, with the hopes of befriending another civilization.
Maggie returns, to the dismay of Negan; the trials she endured since leaving have made her harder in order for her and her son to survive; Daryl and Maggie unexpectedly fight an unseen and unknown threat.
Daryl and Carol find an old cabin that takes Daryl back to his years away from the group after Rick disappeared; he relives the painful memory of meeting a reticent survivor and the toxic events that amplified his relationship with Dog.
With Maggie's map, Gabriel and Aaron search for food and supplies to bring back to Alexandria; checking out one more location, they chance upon a stash; faith is broken and optimism is fragmented when they are put to the ultimate test.
Eugene, Ezekiel, Yumiko, and Princess are captured and separated. Princess struggles with memories of her traumatic past and tries to escape one way or another with the help of Ezekiel.
Daryl and Carol come to a fork in the road and head their separate ways. Each going into their own type of survival mode, the easiest of challenges become much harder.
Carol takes Negan on a journey, hoping to minimize the increasing tension. Negan reflects on the events that led him to this point and comes to a conclusion about his future.