The Suicide King (The Walking Dead)

"The Suicide King" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American television series The Walking Dead. It originally aired on AMC on February 10, 2013. The episode focuses on the aftermath of Rick's group's failed attempt to rescue Daryl from Woodbury.

The episode title refers to the playing card, the Suicide King (or one-eyed king), which depicts a king holding a sword to his head. This imagery parallels the themes of desperation, self-destruction, and difficult choices present in the episode.

The plot revolves around Daryl's ambivalence regarding his potential return to Rick's group, conflicted as he is by his experiences and relationships formed in Woodbury. His brother, Merle, plays a key role in his internal conflict. Rick, meanwhile, grapples with the psychological impact of his experiences and the leadership decisions he's forced to make. Andrea, caught between Woodbury and her former group, attempts to maintain peace and mediate between Rick and The Governor. The episode culminates in a community-wide frenzy in Woodbury spurred by events surrounding Daryl and Merle's perceived treachery, forcing difficult decisions upon both brothers. The episode further explores the breakdown of Rick's mental state, showing his increasingly erratic behavior and questionable judgment.