Talking Dead 711: Eugene as the Karma Chameleon

On Talking Dead following “Hostiles and Calamities,” The Walking Dead executive producer Greg Nicotero talks about Eugene shifting sides. Is he playing a role or is he a Savior now?

After watching Eugene in The Walking Dead episode “Hostiles and Calamities” the big question is whether or not Eugene truly has become one of Negan’s Negans.

Host Chris Hardwick announced that 89% of fans on Talking Dead believe that Eugene is playing a role to save his life. Only 11% believe that Dr. Eugene Porter really is a Savior.

The Walking Dead executive producer, director, and FX guru Greg Nicotero appeared in one of the clips to discuss how Eugene is a lot like a chameleon. “I like that it’s a little vague as to whether or not he’s actually playing a role or if he’s actually going over to the other side,” Nicotero said. He compared Eugene to Carol assuming other identities to fit into the situation she finds herself in, only she does it much better than Eugene does.

In any case, the idea of Eugene being a chameleon is intriguing.

When we first met Eugene he was the precious cargo that Abraham and Rosita were protecting as they made their way to Washington DC. Dr. Eugene Porter was the key to saving humanity, or so they thought. He lied in order to get them to protect him, because ultimately Eugene cares about Eugene. Survival is of the utmost import to him.

Later, in the sixth season episode “Twice as Far,” Eugene tells Abraham that survival is about adapting:

"The key to survival is allowing oneself to be shaped by the assigned environment. In doing so, a broad range of capabilities are acquired allowing one to flip the script and use said capabilities to shape said environment for maximum longevity. I’m saying I’m in the process of said stage two. I’ve changed, adapted. I’m a survivor."

No one really knows a lot about Eugene’s past. He has made up so many stories that it’s hard to figure out what was true and what was made up. It’s clear that Eugene possesses a high intelligence, and he’s able to survive by finding ways to make himself invaluable to the group that offers him protection.

When Negan tells Eugene that he doesn’t have to worry about his safety anymore, the lightbulb goes off inside Eugene’s head. You can see his expression change, and he quickly pledges allegiance to Negan. But did he mean it?

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Eugene has demonstrated time and again that he’s mainly concerned with his own safety, and despite the VIP treatment he receives at the Sanctuary, it’s really hard to believe that he would switch sides and become a Savior. However, as with all things Eugene, you never really know what he’s thinking.

Eugene is the epitome of a chameleon.