8 Reasons The Walking Dead Has Lost Its Way This Season

2. Neutered Rick

Really, how many times do we need to rehash this story?

Rick faces a crisis. Rick makes a decision that ends in death. Rick loses his confidence, no longer feels that he can lead, winds up a hollow husk of a man. He forgets to shave for a bit, is irritable, and some of his followers question his leadership.

So we've come to the annual crisis point. The only good thing to say about Rick this season so far is, well, at least it's over. That happened the moment Daryl handed his manhood back in a very obvious phallic reference by way of his gun.

What would have been a great alternative to this tired rehash would have been Rick playing coy. Acting the role of a whipped puppy with Negan but secretly being in control, rallying his people, and laying down traps for the first half of the season - which could then pay off in the second.

Instead, we're likely to get a rushed second half where Rick is suddenly back in full swing, sets up the Saviors, teams up with the Hilltop and other survivors, and comes out on top. It will work in the end, but it could have been so much better.