ThisWalking Deadarticle containsMAJOR SPOILERSfor both the show and the comics.
So where might the first half ofThe Walking Deadseason seven go based on what we know from the comics?
First, we need to break down what story arcs will probably be covered.
The villain made his first appearance in the big anniversary issue #100.
Oh, thats not good enough a description for you?
Heres Charlie Adlards panel-by-panel murder of Glenn:
Yep.
Ricks words to Negan immediately after the execution mirror the final panels of issue #100. cuts off Ricks right hand.
Of course, its not the first time the amputation has been teased on the show.
Something to Fear doesnt end with Glenns execution.
This all echoes Maggie and Glenns sentiments at the end of season six.
The battle leaves several Saviors dead and also leads to the capture of Dwight.
Rick wants Negan to think Alexandria is scared so that they can strike when he least expects it.
All of these events are notably quieter in terms of action.
Itll be interesting to see how the writers inject action into the episodes.
Ill be very interested to see how Carl and Negans time together plays out on the show.
Its an intimidating palace for the cruelest of dictators.
During Carls time at the Sanctuary, we learn how the Saviors function as a society.
The Saviors operate like a cult (Were all Negan, etc.
), bowing when Negan enters a room and listening to his every command.
Its a mark of shame at the Sanctuary.
Im sure well learn more about that story in season seven, too.
Negan has set many other rules at the settlement, rules the Saviors believe keep them alive.
Theres no reason not to follow him, right?
Carl demands to see Negan, who immediately takes a liking to him.
In fact, Carls relationship with Negan is a very special one.
In the end, Negan allows Carl to go back to Alexandria unharmed.
Its not the last time these two will talk, though.
Again, Carl is a bit older on the show.
This dynamic might not work as well since Carl is not quite at an impressionable age anymore.
Still, it should make for some really great scenes for both of the characters.
Especially Carl, who really doesnt get his fair share of memorable moments beyond getting shot, of course.
Ezekiel & the Kingdom
Negan and the Saviors arent the only new additions toThe Walking Deadthis season.
Weve already seen some glimpses of Ezekiel and Shiva in the official trailer.
Shiva, who was created for the show through a mix of CGI and animatronics, looks especially cool.
Before he became a postapocalyptic leader of man, Ezekiel was a zookeeper.
His exact origin isnt known beyond the fact that he grew up without much support from his parents.
Ezekiel is somewhat vain, declaring himself king of his people, whom he calls subjects.
Hes also a bit of a showman not unlike Negan and even has a throne to sit on.
Ezekiels demeanor is sort of for show.
Which is why he has a ferocious tiger, of course.
But even when hes not with Shiva, Ezekiel has a bit of a surprise in store for assailants.
Using the veil of his age, Ezekiel is able to cut attackers down when they get to close.
The Kingdom is as impressive as its leader.
The soldiers that protect the settlement dress like knights, donning heavy armor and carrying spears.
They even ride on horseback.
Jesus takes Rick to see Ezekiel so that recruit him and his settlement for the impending war against Negan.
Jesus agrees, although the Hilltops leader, Gregory, is much more hesitant.
(Well probably see some conflict between these two character this season.)
Regardless, Ezekiel is on board to join forces with Alexandria and the Hilltop to take down the Saviors.
The game is afoot!
The soldiers decide to escort them back to their settlement to give Carol medical attention.
That might be the way in.
The plan is to take out the individual Savior outposts before moving in on the Sanctuary.
An attack on one of those outposts might be a good way to kick off the midseason finale…
Meanwhile, Negan and his boys arrive to Alexandria for their next supply pick-up earlier than expected.
One thing Spencer definitely doesnt understand about Negan is that he values strength, even in his enemies.
When Spencer goes behind Ricks back, Negan sees this as weak and cowardly.
The writers have mostly been busy setting him up as a potential love interest for Rosita.
That could all change once Spencer finds out what Negans done to Alexandria, of course.
One thing to note is that What Comes Before and March to War are surprisingly low on major deaths.
Theyre really the deep breath between Something to Fear and All Out War.
Besides whoever Negan kills in the season seven premiere, Spencer will probably be the other major character death.
And again, Im guessing Heath will also die during that supply run episode with Tara.
When Rick arrives to find Spencer dead, all hell breaks loose.
They almost manage to kill Negan until more Saviors show up from beyond cover.
Negan apparently keeps a unit of snipers with him everywhere he goes.
So much for their friendship.
Shiva even eats some people.
During their escape, Negan tells his men that theyre going to war.
I really hope Jeffrey Dean Morgan gets to say these exact lines.
I wont accept anything less than erect penises taking off like helicopters.
So thats a map of season seven based on what we know from the comics.
Its vital that the show has its own identity after all.
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