The Walking Dead: Breaking down the extended season 8 sneak peek

Following The Leader

In a candid and very sweet moment, Rick tells Maggie that the Hilltop is lucky to have her. She says that he is the one who taught her how to be a leader:  “You showed me how to be someone worth following,” she says.

Rick pats her shoulder, telling her, “Good. After this, I’m following you.”

We don’t know at this point whether or not Gregory is still around, but there’s no question in Rick’s mind that Maggie is the de facto leader of the Hilltop.

This is another milestone moment for Rick because up until this point he has always been the leader of the group. We know from the season 7 episode 12 “Say Yes” that Rick is tired of being the leader. He tells Michonne that he’d be content sitting back while someone else takes over. Could it be that after the battle is the point when he backs away from the spotlight?

It’s hard to say if we should jump to the conclusion that Rick is ready to retire from the Ricktocracy just yet. He could very well be giving Maggie a boost in her confidence, not only because she kicks ass but because he’s proud of the person she has become. Either way, this interchange does indicate that a power shift could be coming.

But not yet.