The Walking Dead: 10 Things That Happen After The War With Negan
9. Civilisation Is Partially Rebuilt
There's a reason why Rick tosses Negan in jail instead of executing him. Caged, the fallen villain becomes a symbol of the new society that rises up from the ashes of all-out war, a world where laws and justice have been restored.
When the dust from the battle has settled, the comics jump forward in time by around two years or so to a period where Alexandria has been trading extensively with Hilltop Colony and The Kingdom, allowing all three to thrive.
Killing is outlawed, agriculture is booming, resources are plentiful and jobs of the traditional kind become a thing once again. Something close to the civilisation the survivors once knew is restored and the zombies largely fade into the background.
The TV show looks set to follow the comics' lead on this one as the scene featuring an 'old man' Rick in season 8's trailer hints at an impending time jump.
Where it is likely to deviate is with the length of said jump, with the protagonist's dramatically aged appearance suggesting a leap of between five to 10 years is on the way, while in the source material it's around two years.
The peace, however, is short-lived since a new threat reveals its zombie-flesh covered head shortly after the new status quo sets in.