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The Kingdom is a location which first appeared in Season 7 of AMC's The Walking Dead. It is a community of survivors ruled by "King" Ezekiel.
Pre-Apocalypse
Nothing is known about the Kingdom before the apocalypse, except that it was some form of school, with part of it (the garden) being built for common recreation and study, according to Ezekiel.[1]
Post-Apocalypse
At some point Ezekiel and his men took over the school.
Its survivors are often seen wearing armor and riding horses. They have an affinity for melee weapons such as spears, but guards also use firearms. They also have gardens and other agricultural areas and have grown enough to maintain the community. They have at least some electricity. Festive events such as movie nights take place. They have many fields, houses and a theater.
Deal with the Saviors
Unbeknownst to most of the community's residents, the Saviors exact tribute from the Kingdom. However, unlike the situation with the Alexandria Safe-Zone, the Saviors seem to allow them to keep firearms. The leader of the small group of Saviors that collects from the Kingdom, Gavin, is a firm but fair leader and treats Ezekiel well, unusual for a Savior.
At some point after the establishment of this deal, approximately 20 months into the apocalypse, Morgan Jones and Carol Peletier of the Alexandria Safe-Zone are found by a few guards and taken to the Kingdom, where they first meet King Ezekiel. Upon meeting them, Carol acts weak and innocent, a common tactic for the hardened survivor when dealing with new people. After the two settle into the Kingdom, Morgan joins Ezekiel, Richard, and others on an outing to feed pigs with zombies, later offering them to the Saviors for that week's tribute.
When they return, Morgan agrees to teach Benjamin, a youth of the community, Aikido, a martial art in which Morgan specializes.
During an attempt to leave the Kingdom, Carol is caught by Ezekiel and Jerry, Ezekiel's steward and bodyguard. Carol and Ezekiel then have a discussion about him seeing through Carol's facade and how he met Shiva. He suggests that Carol "leave and not leave". He allows her to stay in cottage just outside the Kingdom.
Rick Grimes's Arrival
A short time after these events, Paul "Jesus" Rovia of Hilltop Colony tells Rick Grimes, the leader of the Alexandria Safe-Zone who has with his group fallen under the Saviors' rule, about the Kingdom's existence and they along with other members of Alexandria head to the Kingdom. They meet Ezekiel in the theater and Rick proposes his plan to fight back against the Saviors. While Ezekiel ultimately refuses to join them, he grants Daryl Dixon asylum in the Kingdom where the Saviors won't be able to find and harm him, as Daryl has recently escaped from imprisonment by the Saviors.
Government and Society
The Kingdom has a bizarre monarchical government. It is headed by its first self declared 'King', King Ezekiel personally. Under him are his knights who work as soldiers, scouts and scavengers. Notably among them is Jerry who also works as his personal bodyguard and steward. Richard also seems to stand as one of the high ranking members of the guard and may be Ezekiel's second in command with military matters. Ezekiel is a benevolent, yet flamboyant and charismatic ruler who is well loved by his "subjects". He used his experiences of playing kings in theatre to portray himself in such a manner.
Citizens of the Kingdom live in an almost angelic environment. There is a school system, a choir and a market place. Society seems to be the most like former world governments compared to other communities with the exception of its governing body.
Inhabitants
Survivors
- Ezekiel - Leader
- Shiva - Ezekiel's pet tiger
- Jerry - Steward/Bodyguard
- Richard - Soldier
- Benjamin - Soldier
- Dianne - Soldier
- Daniel - Soldier
- Colton - Soldier
- Kevin - Resident
- Henry - Resident
- Morgan Jones - Newcomer
- Daryl Dixon - Newcomer
- Many unnamed people
Killed Victims
- Numerous counts of zombies
Deaths
- 8 survivors killed by zombies in the past, including Benjamin's father
Appearances
TV Series
Season 7
Trivia
- The Kingdom is described as being much larger than Alexandria with a bigger population. As of Season 7, there are about 40 people living in Alexandria, indicating that more than 50 people live in the Kingdom.[2]
- The Kingdom appears to be located near the city of Rosslyn, VA. It is not yet confirmed if the Kingdom is actually in Washington, DC, as it is in the comics, or if it is Virginia.
- The choir credited in "The Well" is actually a choir from Georgia State University's School of Music. The choir members were only brought in for one episode and have not filmed for the rest of Season 7.[3][4]
References
- ↑ The Well
- ↑ http://www.ew.com/article/2016/10/12/walking-dead-morgan-lennie-james-season-7-kingdom?xid=entertainment-weekly_socialflow_twitter
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/thewalkingdead/comments/5anzcm/hear_that_choir_thats_my_sister_on_the_end_singing/
- ↑ http://news.gsu.edu/2016/10/31/dramatic-score/