Sunday’s episode of The Walking Dead has taken the series to a place it’s never been before. While it is definitely the darkest episode yet, it’s also the one fans believe should earn Danai Gurira an Emmy.

The episode, “Scars,” reveals the harrowing details of how Michonne (Gurira) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) received the X-shaped marks on their backs. SPOILER ALERT: It was the doing of Michonne’s former college friend, Jocelyn (Rutina Wesley), and her hoard of feral children. Both Jocelyn and the kids threaten Michonne’s life and the lives of Judith (Cailey Fleming) and Michonne’s unborn baby. Faced with no other option, Michonne has to mow down the kids to save herself and her children.

“We desperately wanted to make sure that was clear,” she said. “The more that we thought about it the more we said, these kids have to be feral, they have to keep coming at it, they have to be the ones that aren’t letting her off the hook. They don’t run away; they keep charging at her and even though she is protecting herself and ultimately protecting her child, she is torn and tormented over having to do this.”

Gurira’s acting helped sell the episode, and many fans–as well as the actual Walking Dead Twitter account– are calling on the actress’ powerful performance to be nominated at the next Emmy Awards.

Let’s start the “Nominate @DanaiGurira for an Emmy” petition right now #TheWalkingDead

— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) March 18, 2019

#TheWalkingDead 914 is one of the most intense, nerve-racking episodes of I ever watched. May be the darkest episode TWD has ever done. But so, so, so, so good. Have someone or something to hold.

— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) March 13, 2019

Tonight’s episode was one of the darkest, most well written episodes of TWD ever. Danai Gurira’s performance was incredible. She deserves all the Emmy’s!! #TheWalkingDead

— junglejim4322 (@kaitlinpadgett2) March 18, 2019

A round of applause to the amazing cast for their outstanding performances tonight. One of the darkest, most well written episodes of TWD ever. People said the show would die with Rick. They were so wrong. #TheWalkingDead

— Abraham Ford (@TheAbeFord) March 18, 2019

My Thoughts on this episode:

Michonne is such a treasure to #TheWalkingDead , if you didn’t appreciate her before, you better damn well have appreciated her and @DanaiGurira after tonight’s episode!

I love love love Judith & Michonne. That’s all. I need to hug my mom now????

— Sara Danvers???????? (@writtenbysara) March 18, 2019

I wasn’t kidding when I said this episode of #TheWalkingDead was powerful and impactful.

Give @DanaiGurira all the Emmys right now.#NominateDanaGuriraForAnEmmy

— Sarabeth Pollock (@SarabethPollock) March 18, 2019

Danai Gurira performance tonight on the walking dead is Emmy worthy no B.S. #TheWalkingDead

— K.C. (@XiiThGldtr) March 18, 2019

Tonight’s episode was one of the darkest, most well written episodes of TWD ever. Danai Gurira’s performance was incredible. She deserves all the Emmy’s!! #TheWalkingDead

— junglejim4322 (@kaitlinpadgett2) March 18, 2019

Wherein Danai Gurira earns an Emmy nomination. #TheWalkingDead https://t.co/OY0DH66VLY

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace) March 18, 2019

Wherein Danai Gurira earns an Emmy nomination. #TheWalkingDead https://t.co/OY0DH66VLY

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace) March 18, 2019

GIVE DANAI GURIRA AN OSCAR OR AN EMMY FOR THAT PERFORMANCE HOLY SHIT #TheWalkingDead

— bᵣₒdy (@brodyisokay) March 18, 2019

Still thinking about last night’s episode of #TheWalkingDead⁠. I think “Scars” is one of the best in the show’s entire run. It touched on so many issues, including motherhood and child soldiers. And @DanaiGurira absolutely deserves an Emmy nomination. #TWD⁠ ⁠

— Lisa Bee (@leebee4life) March 18, 2019

.@DanaiGurira‘s powerhouse performance in #TheWalkingDead episode ‘Scars’ can’t be ignored. Can the series finally win an acting Emmy? Also, the #TWD franchise starts to gear up for that #Richonne movie we all crave. RECAP: https://t.co/utvkK3fzff

— Hidden Remote (@HiddenRemote) March 18, 2019

So was this Danai Gurira’s Emmy or Golden Globe episode? I think so. #TWD #TheWalkingDead

— Rabia formerly @rahbeeuh (@fairlyliterary) March 18, 2019

Danai Gurira performance tonight on the walking dead is Emmy worthy no B.S. #TheWalkingDead

— K.C. (@XiiThGldtr) March 18, 2019

This was a dark episode but Danai’s performance was incredible. I felt everything. She’s amazing and doesn’t get enough credit. She deserves an Emmy for this episode #TWD

— Richonne_TWD (@LincolnxGurira) March 18, 2019

GIVE DANAI HER EMMY #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/qniY2oTNrd

— Film & TV rants (@FilmTVRants) March 18, 2019

What do you think about this episode and Gurira’s performance?

READ MORE:

They Knew Better: Marvel Releases New ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Poster After Glaring Omission Of Danai Gurira’s Name

It’s Official: Danai Gurira Is Leaving ‘The Walking Dead’