The Negan Effect: Spotlight on Maggie Greene

Negan has taken the illusion of stability in The Walking Dead and struck it down with a single swing. This week we look at Negan’s effect on Maggie Greene.

As we land full circle into Season 7 of The Walking Dead, Maggie Greene is about to lose her armor. You might be thinking of Negan using Lucille on Glenn. No. It’s the one who’s always really been in charge. The man who swore to keep them safe to her father. The last speck of light in a show haunted by violence, horror, and turmoil. Rick Grimes.

During every pit-stop and change of direction on the season 6 finale of The Walking Dead, Rick’s unalterable coat of invincibility on the group was slowly chipping away. Maggie reassuring Rick throughout the trip of her unwavering confidence in his leadership.

Retirement or Development?
In sports terms, you could say it was one of those moments where a legend can’t get his body to accomplish what his mind wants to do. An end of a prime as a new rival emerges to take the reigns. Yet like all legends, no one knows when their time is truly up or simply tested.

Neither did Maggie Greene. All she could do is hang on to the hope that somehow Rick would figure something out… Until the moment he joined the rest of the group, kneeling. His halo lost. Maggie Greene’s fallen angel. The couple that never was, a chemistry that was there yet unspoken.

Maggie started off as the farmer’s daughter, the innocent Southern girl keen on help and heavy on family. These were the simpler happier times for Maggie. Her slow descent would start at the hands of The Governor. His blade instantly making her an orphan. In Hershel’s place, there was Rick. The man who told Glenn he should tell Maggie that he loves her. The sheriff who time and time again saved Maggie and her sister Beth from impossible situations.

At arms length of Lucille

For the first time, the group is exposed and defenseless in a different way. No longer is it just the mere threat of bodily harm chomping at their futures. Their pride is at stake. Negan breaks his opponents. It’s not just a case of temporary loss of upper hand as in Terminus or Joe’s group. It’s not just defeating your rival at costs as in this case of The Governor.

Negan looks to be straight forward in imposing his will in a ruthless business-like manner. It’s elegance in making things personal yet not personal at the same time. A game of chance.

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