2. Negan Is Introduced
Negan. The man that makes the Governor look like a puppy dog on Christmas morning. If you thought the main cast causality list the Governor laid out was bad then you need to go deep into the comic book and take a look at this guy. Although we do have a SPOILER warning in place for this piece, I'll leave out the details in regards to who falls at the feet of Negan. Needless to say, it was so unpleasant that the character's actor actually got into a war of words with Robert Kirkman. Negan is the leader of a group known as the Saviors. As the name implies, you should think of them as a type of zombie apocalypse mafia they offer protection in exchange for resources and supplies, but mete out their own brand of violence to those who don't agree to their racket. Kirkman and the producers have stated repeatably that we are a long ways off from Negan as a lot still has to happen. His story arc in the comic book is a relatively fresh one as well and is closer to the back end of things than where we find ourselves currently on the television show. That being said, there's no reason to take the producers at their word in regards to where we fall with continuity in relation to the comic book. The one reason that we might see Negan come seasons end is the reference to the Terminus "sanctuary". The headquarters of Negan and the Saviors is known as the Sanctuary, a factory surrounded by a large fence and a wall of walkers for protection. It's possible that the key phrase is Sanctuary rather than Terminus, as it could be a huge clue and indicator that this is where the survivors are heading. Although I've hinted that Joe and his group could be a part of the Hunters, it's also possible that they are really a part of the Saviors instead. It could be a fitting final scene to the season if fans are introduced to the one and only Negan before fading to black.