The Walking Dead: Top 100 Moments

40. Maggie Becomes A Leader

Episode 808 “How It’s Gotta Be”

Original Airdate: 12/10/2017

Submitted By: Sarabeth Pollock

When Jesus brought the Saviors back to the Hilltop as prisoners of war, he was convinced that they were doing the right thing. Morgan and Tara wanted to kill them, seeing no benefit to keeping them alive. Jesus put his reputation on the line by keeping them alive and taking them to Maggie, whom he thought would see things her way.

After they were ambushed on the road by Simon and his men, Maggie returned to the Hilltop and promptly shot and killed one of Negan’s men. There was a message to be sent by killing on of Negan’s men after Simon’s people killed one of Maggie’s people. But there was also a warning being delivered to the Savior prisoners (and Gregory too): Maggie is not playing games.

As she walked away, Maggie shed tears over what she’d done, but she also knew that she’d never be taken seriously without making a power move like that. As sad as it is, it had to be done. This was the moment that Maggie officially became a leader to her people after making such a huge move. Jesus watched in horror as she acted, but he also knew that this was necessary. They were all at risk and the Saviors weren’t interested in taking prisoners.