Carl Grimes, the son of Rick Grimes, embarks on a dangerous and morally ambiguous path when he attempts to sell guns in Season 8, Episode 8, “How It’s Gotta Be.” This single act highlights his evolving character and his increasingly radical approach to ensuring survival in the post-apocalyptic world.
The Context of “How It’s Gotta Be”
Before diving deep into Carl’s actions, it’s crucial to understand the overall climate of “How It’s Gotta Be.” The episode, the mid-season finale of Season 8, is marked by escalating conflict between Rick’s group and Negan’s Saviors. The Saviors launch a counterattack on Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom, leaving our protagonists scattered and vulnerable. This backdrop of violence and desperation significantly informs Carl’s decision-making process.
Carl, witnessing firsthand the brutal realities of war and the constant threat to his community, takes matters into his own hands. He believes he can secure a peaceful solution, even if it means operating outside the bounds of Rick’s authority. His attempt to broker a deal with Siddiq, a newcomer to the Alexandria Safe-Zone, ultimately involves offering firearms as leverage. It’s a pivotal moment illustrating Carl’s burgeoning independence and his willingness to challenge the established order.
The Gun-Selling Transaction: Details and Motivations
Carl’s plan is deceptively simple: use the guns as a bargaining chip to convince Siddiq to stay in Alexandria and contribute his medical skills. He recognizes the value of a doctor in their besieged community. However, the exchange is fraught with risk. Carl is venturing into unfamiliar territory, engaging in a transaction with someone he barely knows, and potentially exposing himself and Alexandria to danger.
The scene itself is brief but impactful. We see Carl displaying the weapons and outlining his proposal to Siddiq. He speaks with a surprising level of confidence and maturity, showcasing his growth since the early seasons. Although the deal itself isn’t entirely successful in the way Carl intends, it demonstrates his resourcefulness and his willingness to think outside the box.
The underlying motivation behind Carl’s actions is crucial to understanding his character arc. He wants to protect his community and ensure its long-term survival. He sees the guns not as instruments of violence, but as tools for negotiation and leverage. This idealistic perspective, born from his desire for peace, ultimately clashes with the harsh realities of the world he inhabits.
Carl’s Lasting Impact and the Significance of the Guns
The episode ends with a devastating revelation: Carl reveals he has been bitten by a walker, effectively sealing his fate. This knowledge throws his earlier actions into sharp relief. Knowing his time is limited, Carl’s desperate attempt to secure Alexandria’s future takes on an even greater poignancy.
The guns, therefore, become a symbol of Carl’s final act of selflessness. He uses them in an attempt to improve the odds of survival for others, even as he faces his own imminent death. The fact that he ultimately fails in his initial goal doesn’t diminish the significance of his efforts.
Carl’s Legacy and Echoes in Later Seasons
Carl’s death has a profound impact on the entire group, particularly Rick and Michonne. His dying wish – for Rick to find peace with Negan – serves as a guiding principle for the remainder of the series. While the gun-selling incident might seem minor in comparison to his overall arc, it contributes to our understanding of Carl’s complex and evolving character, and foreshadows his later emphasis on compassion and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Carl’s attempt to sell guns in The Walking Dead:
1. What type of guns did Carl try to sell?
While the specific models aren’t explicitly stated, the guns appeared to be a mix of rifles and handguns, consistent with the types commonly used by the Alexandrians. They were clearly firearms capable of inflicting significant damage, making them valuable as both weapons and trading chips.
2. Why did Carl feel the need to sell the guns in the first place?
Carl saw Siddiq as a valuable asset to Alexandria, particularly due to his medical knowledge. He believed offering guns would incentivize Siddiq to stay and use his skills to help the community. Carl’s primary motivation was to improve Alexandria’s chances of survival.
3. Was Rick aware of Carl’s plan to sell the guns?
No, Rick was not aware of Carl’s plan. Carl acted independently, making the decision without consulting his father. This illustrates Carl’s growing autonomy and his willingness to challenge Rick’s authority.
4. Did Siddiq accept Carl’s offer for the guns?
Siddiq didn’t exactly “accept” the offer in the traditional sense. He initially helped Carl bury a walker, demonstrating his willingness to help others. This act of kindness was what truly convinced Carl to trust him, and he ultimately brought Siddiq back to Alexandria without explicitly requiring an exchange of guns for medical assistance. The relationship was built on trust and shared humanity, not a business transaction.
5. What was the immediate consequence of Carl selling the guns?
The immediate consequence wasn’t a direct negative impact. The real issue arose from Carl’s walker bite, discovered shortly after. The act of helping Siddiq, and his intentions behind it, were overshadowed by the revelation of his impending death. The gun-selling was, in essence, a prelude to a larger tragedy.
6. How did Carl’s death affect the future of Alexandria?
Carl’s death had a profound impact on Alexandria and its leadership, especially Rick. His dying wish for Rick to find peace with Negan became a guiding principle for the rest of the series, influencing Rick’s decisions and shaping the future of the community. It directly influenced the narrative’s trajectory toward a more peaceful resolution.
7. Was Carl’s decision to help Siddiq ultimately a responsible one?
This is open to interpretation. While Carl’s heart was in the right place, his actions could be seen as reckless and potentially dangerous. Bringing a stranger into Alexandria without proper vetting posed a risk to the community’s security. However, Siddiq proved to be a valuable asset, suggesting that Carl’s gamble ultimately paid off.
8. Did Carl’s actions contribute to the conflict with the Saviors?
Indirectly, Carl’s actions could be argued to have contributed to the conflict. Anytime resources, including weapons, are diverted from established defenses, it could potentially weaken a community. However, in the grand scheme of the war, Carl’s small act was not a significant factor in the overall conflict. His intentions were purely humanitarian.
9. What does this episode say about Carl’s character development?
This episode demonstrates Carl’s significant character development. He has evolved from a naive child into a resourceful and compassionate young man who is willing to take risks to protect his community. It showcases his growing independence and his willingness to challenge the status quo.
10. How does Carl’s gun-selling compare to other characters’ decisions about weapons?
Other characters, like Rick and Daryl, often use weapons directly for combat and survival. Carl, however, attempted to use them as a tool for negotiation and humanitarian aid. This highlights his distinctive approach to survival, which prioritizes compassion and community over brute force.
11. What role did the guns play in the broader narrative of Season 8?
In Season 8, guns generally represent the constant threat of violence and the ongoing struggle for survival. Carl’s actions highlight the moral complexities surrounding the use of weapons and the desperate measures people take in a post-apocalyptic world. They serve as a symbol of power, control, and the ever-present danger.
12. Could Carl have handled the situation differently?
Potentially, Carl could have discussed his plan with Rick or other members of the Alexandria council before acting. A more cautious approach might have involved vetting Siddiq more thoroughly before offering him guns. However, given the urgency of the situation and Carl’s desire to act quickly, his impulsive decision is understandable. He believed time was of the essence.