The Walking Dead Season 8 Premiere: 6 Ups And 2 Downs From 'Mercy'

5. Hilltop Stands With Maggie

Walking Dead Rick Maggie
Gene Page/AMC

Maggie's gradual development into a true leader has been one of the show's better character arcs over the last season-and-a-half, and has felt especially pertinent following the death of Glenn.

She took huge strides to becoming the leader of Hilltop in the Season 7 finale, standing alongside Rick and Ezekiel as they declared war, and Mercy continues that trajectory nicely.

Maggie is incredibly assured in her newfound position, and it's a role Lauren Cohan handles well, with just a subtle progression of her already steely determination and bravery, while the authority feels natural and well-earned. When Jesus, in the face of Gregory's long-anticipated betrayal, shouts "Hilltop stands with Maggie" it's a truly triumphant moment, but even more interesting is Rick telling Maggie he wants to follow her when this is over. This is still his show, but he's got some able assistance.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.