The Walking Dead season 9, episode 10 recap: Lydia reveals past on Omega

The Walking Dead gradually unraveled the truth of Lydia’s past in several flashbacks showing the decay of her parents relationship.

This recap contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season 9, episode 10.

The Walking Dead concluded with Alpha on The Hilltop’s doorstep on a cliffhanger style ending. Most of the episode centered around Lydia revealing her past in sequential flashbacks where both of her parents decided they’re going to act the way they want if it’s the end of the world. It felt kind of like an early Fear the Walking Dead season 1 shelter with windows covered in makeshift wooden boards.

At first, Lydia’s father kept telling his wife no one was coming to help them as she attempted to calm their daughter down with a song. Lydia’s father would cut off his beard because it was only his wife that liked it, not him, and he doesn’t have to keep it anymore.

Everything would change once an individual at the shelter had a nervous breakdown and decided he would flee the shelter. Lydia’s mother was more than displeased, grabbing him away from the windows so he couldn’t make noise… Then choking him to death. Lydia’s father was carrying her at the time and starting singing her song to calm her down, and it appeared for himself as well.

Seemingly scared of his wife, in a followup flashback, Lydia’s father would grow his beard back. By then, Lydia’s mother had shaved her head because she didn’t need it now that’s the end of the world. She can do as she wants! Eventually, Lydia’s mother would decide it’s time for the family to leave and let the other survivors fend for themselves. Lydia’s father would disagree, and tell her she can’t go with Lydia.

At first, Lydia would remember herself screaming when the person her mother choked re-awoke as a zombie leading to her father getting bitten to protect her. However, after Henry would let her out of her cell to walk around Hilltop, she would suddenly remember the truth. It was Lydia’s mother who had murdered her father and lied to her for years about it so she’d forget.

Lydia by the way, got Henry to eat a worm in her time outside, showing Henry will do anything for a girlfriend. You can’t be surprised though, Henry looked like he was about to do anything for Enid when he walked into The Hilltop.

No Negan sighting this episode, leaving his future in Alexandria a mystery. It’s also unclear if Luke and Alden are still alive for a potential trade, as Lydia said her mother and the group would most likely have killed them already. However, Lydia also said her mother wouldn’t come for her after two days. But then Lydia’s mother showed up right at the gate, by tracking Luke’s search party right back to the doorstep.

Lydia’s mother would introduce herself as Alpha, and say all she wants is her daughter back. Considering Daryl spotted bruises on Lydia’s arm and was told they’re from her, it’s unlikely he’ll want to give her back. However, Tara and the rest of The Hilltop might be willing to make peace if Luke and Alden can be returned in the exchange.

Check out The Walking Dead cast and alumni Thank Andrew Lincoln in a heartfelt video.