The moment we saw Rick sniveling, in tears, and completely desperate, everyone had the collective realization: this is the end of Rick's leadership. And the start of Negan's dictatorship in The Walking Dead.
It sets the tone for the gloomier side of things to come. And according to Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd, it's also the end of what we previously saw as a Ricktatorship.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hurd confirmed that everything fell into place in Rick's mind, and settled him at potentially the lowest point he has reached in the show so far.
"We've always seen Rick making the choices as to whether he wants to leave or not and what the premiere proved is that it's Negan's world that they're living in now. it is very much about Rick and the choices that he has made and has to accept and to realize and where he is in this new world order."
Negan's killings in the first episode also ended—or perhaps began—something in one major character: Daryl. With debates left and right sparking on whether it was his fault that Glenn is now dead, Hurd hinted that it wasn't about the blame, but rather the learning that they take after the fact.
Even though Daryl stepped out of line in those crucial moments, no one thought that Negan will take that as a sign to start bashing another head. But because his actions had led to that, Hurd described Glenn's death as being "integral" to Daryl's character now.
"The show is all about the choices that we make and the fans either relating to those choices, being horrified by them, or understanding them."
Just how far will Daryl's dark side take him following this? We'll just have to watch and see.
The Walking Dead airs every Sunday, 9:00 p.m. on AMC.
Read:Check out Steven Yeun on Conan.
This is Scott Derrickson's wishlist for Doctor Strange's sequel.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Fandoms