The Walking Dead: Siddiq is working to honor the promise he made to Carl

The friendship between Carl and Siddiq may not have lasted long, but its impact has spanned years and is still being felt today. Carl taught Siddiq a lot in their short time together, and these lessons are crucial in the current story arc. 

When Siddiq first entered The Walking Dead back in episode 801, no one could have ever predicted that he would be part of one of the most shocking and devastating deaths the show has ever done. It was in this episode that Carl reached out to Siddiq and tried to bring aid to him, a complete stranger who desperately needed relief.

Even though their first meeting didn’t exactly go that well with Rick chasing Siddiq off, it was clear that Carl trusted this stranger. While out in the woods in episode 806, Carl came across Siddiq once more and offered him food, water, and shelter. The three famous questions were asked and Siddiq really saw how much Carl cared as they bonded over their mutual drive to honor their mothers. Unfortunately, this would have deadly consequence as just minutes later, Carl ended up with a bite wound on his side after helping put a handful of walkers down.

When the bombs fell on Alexandria and everyone was forced to retreat into the sewers, Carl revealed his bite and the world of our survivors came crashing down. Siddiq saw firsthand how much Carl sacrificed just to assist him bring some mercy to the undead. It was here, as Carl said goodbye to the people he loved dearly, that Siddiq shared his appreciation for the kindness and compassion he was shown. Carl took a chance on Siddiq, and in their final moments together, Siddiq promises to honor Carl. With a tearful handshake, Carl congratulates Siddiq on being “stuck with us” and becoming an official member of the family.

At the current point in the story, it has been roughly seven years since Carl met his end. In the time since, Siddiq has become an important figure at Alexandria, working as the primary medic and training others such as Enid. Had Carl never decided to trust and help Siddiq, think of all of the people that may have lost their lives or would be simply worse off in that time. Not only is he a medic, but Siddiq is also on Alexandria’s Council and plays an important role in deciding the laws of the community.

The character of Siddiq has become a trusted member of the group, but it obviously wasn’t always like that. All these years later, he finds himself in a tricky position as Michonne is hesitant to trust Magna’s group and bring them into the fold. Siddiq knows what it is like to be an outsider and a newcomer, so he really hits it off with the strangers, but he also understands that bringing in new people can have deadly consequences.

Even so, Siddiq clearly wants to give Magna, Yumiko, Connie, Kelly, and Luke a chance…just as Carl did for him. When escorting the crew to the Hilltop, Siddiq questions if Michonne is keeping her promise to Carl. This causes her to pause for a moment and think. Siddiq himself knows that he is doing what Carl would want, and by urging Carl’s family to do the same, this is yet another way that Siddiq is working to honor his fallen friend.

The power of Carl and Siddiq’s short term friendship cannot be overstated. They did not know each other for an extended amount of time; it was really only a day or so. Still, Carl made the ultimate sacrifice to not only give Siddiq a home, but to make him feel comfortable and part of the family. A lot of time has passed, but Siddiq still carries that sacrifice with him and knows that he wouldn’t be where he is today, making an impact on the survivors, if it weren’t for someone helping a stranger. Magna’s crew are still strangers, but Siddiq is helping them and giving them a chance…just as Carl would.