Q&A Episode 10.20 “Splinter”

Better late than never right? The episode is available now if you have AMC+!

1. What can you tell us about the Commonwealth soldiers?

Nothing much about the soldiers themselves... They are just seen talking among each other over the radio and patrolling the area. The one soldier that Princess speaks to, however, states that they live in a good place, they have to protect the many many good people who live there, and they have precious resources. He tells her that he knows what's happening is intense, but it's just routine. He says he has paperwork to fill, that he's on probation already, and that he's going to get in trouble for being snatched up by a chick.

2. Is the Commonwealth mentioned by name?

No.

3. Is Lance in this episode?

There are only two soldiers who have speaking parts: an apparent commander who does the interrogations, and the soldier Princess comes into contact with, and neither is mentioned by name.

4. Do we learn anything about Princess’s backstory?

Yes. She had a stepfather who punched her in the jaw once, and her mother didn't defend her. Some nice people she's met in the past are referred to by name. She mentions having ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and an active imagination (!).

5. How does Princess escape the train car?

She really doesn't. It turns out she was imagining all of the interactions she has with Ezekiel and Eugene. Yumiko is supposedly in the next train car over, with an injury to the head that she's contained while fighting the soldiers off of Princess as they were being captured. Then Princess hears them coming and taking Yumiko away.

6. How does Ezekiel get out of where he is being held?

He really doesn't. While we are made to think that that's what's happening, a soldier comes inside Princess's train car to bring her food, and we see Ezekiel overpowering him. They have a hard time believing him when he says they just want to help, and after all the talking, Ezekiel throws a tantrum and starts beating the crap out of the guy. We see Princess yelling at him to stop, and all of a sudden, the roles switch: it's now Princess beating up the soldier and Ezekiel yelling at her to stop, then Ezekiel is gone altogether. Princess realises that she had been alone the whole time.

7. Is Stephanie mentioned?

Yes, by Princess's imaginary Eugene. He says that her kindness cannot be an anomaly among her people, so they just have to get through whatever this is to be properly accepted into their community.

8. Is Yumiko okay? Do we see her get reunited with the group?

We don't exactly know, actually. We see Eugene, Ezekiel and her with black sacks over their heads, and Princess gets one put over her head as well.

9. How does the episode end?

With Princess believing in the soldier's good intentions and telling him about herself and the others, even returning his rifle to him, only to have him open the train car door to see the others all tied up with the black sacks over their heads.

10. Anything else interesting?

Princess actually has the chance to esacpe. She has a conversation with imaginary Ezekiel, he tries to convince her to leave because she has to trust her instincts and she's always been better on her own. But she refuses, saying that they came back for her.


The truth is out there