My prediction is the show will go downhill from here. The decline was apparent after the first 30 mins of the episode.
Here is the problem. The majority of the game fan base is male. They loved the game because it tapped into their male instincts to protect and in the game, they played the role of a protector.
Also, they weren't just any protector. They played the role of a father-like protector. Men love this role because its in their DNA.
The reason the show will lose its appeal to the male audience is that the wokeness will portray the women as not needing Joel for protection. Removing him as a father like a protector. Watch as the male character Joel fades into the background as a third wheel and is removed.
They did it with Rick Grimes and they will do it again.