The Walking Dead: A look back and a look at what’s next for the survivors

Father Gabriel

Father Gabriel has had an interesting journey. He’s gone from a cowardly priest who left his parishioners to die when the apocalypse began to a fighter. When he first met the group he didn’t trust Rick at all, but still reluctantly followed him. When the group got to Alexandria Father Gabriel tried to sabotage the others and told Deanna that she should kick Rick out. He even at one point tried to commit suicide by walker, but lacked the courage.

But somewhere along the way Father Gabriel had an epiphany. He saw that Rick was doing what needed to be done to keep the group alive and keep the community intact. And he changed. He went from being a liability to being a contributing member of the group. Now he’s one of the people that Rick counts on, especially when it comes to keeping Judith safe. Seth Gilliam commented on what he would like to see for Father Gabriel in the coming seasons:

"“Having a massive congregation — a congregation that was made up of members of Alexandria, and the Kingdom, and Hilltop, just like these huge Sunday sermons — would be fantastic. And perhaps even a love interest. You know, priests they take a vow of celibacy, but they’re also supposed to be anti-violent. So, you know, if he’s killing he might as well be loving. Why not?”"

After the journey that this character has had he would be well-equipped to provide the spiritual sustenance that members of the community alliance need. If Father Gabriel survives the war maybe the other survivors will finally have the peace to start thinking about their spiritual development instead of just surviving.