The Walking Dead: Our panel discusses Negan and Judith’s relationship

Our The Walking Dead panel discusses Negan’s transformation and Judith’s role in it as well as Negan’s future in Alexandria.

On The Walking Dead Negan finally broke free after being in jail in the basement cell for more than seven years. When he first was imprisoned Negan was kind of a mess and was not dealing well with captivity and the end of his reign over the Saviors. When Maggie confronted him in his cell more than a year after his capture, intending to kill him, she let him off the hook declaring that he was already suffering a fate worse than death.

Over the years it seems like he accepted his fate and he even was trying to better himself by meditating with Father Gabriel. But when he got the chance to escape it seemed like maybe the old Negan would resurface as he headed right back to the Sanctuary.

He clearly wasn’t prepared for what was waiting for him there. The place was abandoned and falling apart. There were some Saviors and workers lingering around the property as walkers but everyone was either dead or gone. The Sanctuary couldn’t stand by itself and without the other communities propping it up with food and supplies.

A humbled Negan went to return to Alexandria, preferring the possibility of returning to his cell to the possibility of living alone with no supplies in the shell of the Sanctuary that he had once ruled. But his delightful and unexpected frenemy relationship with Judith might give him a shot at redemption and the chance for a meaningful life as part of the Alexandria community.

Let’s Discuss Judith And Negan

Do you think that Judith will become a positive influence on Negan and will help him change from his old ways?

Sonya says:

"I don’t know that his relationship with Judith will change his attitude as much as it will shift his loyalty. It’s clear that Negan feels paternalistic towards Judith. Maybe it’s because Rick is gone, or maybe it’s just because Negan seems to have always had a soft spot for the Grimes children. I think that the combination of his realization that the world he created is gone for good and that he needs to find a new community for safety and survival and his affection for Judith will make him want to fit into Alexandria and become part of the community. But I suspect when things go sideways and Alexandria is under attack the old Negan won’t have any trouble making an example out of anyone who threatens Alexandria or Judith."

Sara says:

"I definitely think that Judith will play an important role in changing Negan into a new and better person. They have a really great bond together where Negan really admires Judith for being so honest and tough on him. Judith represents change and the future in the show and I think she will definitely bring that change to Negan."

Jeffrey says:

"I am extremely excited to see Judith’s impact on Negan. Even though I will never be able to forgive him for what he did, I do believe everyone is able to redeem themselves, even if it’s just partially. I don’t think Negan will ever totally move past his old ways, but I do think Judith is helping him develop a softer edge. Judith is really the only person that doesn’t have a memory of Negan’s bad behavior, so it seems as though she will be able to develop her own opinion on him."

Sarabeth says:

"I absolutely do. Negan has a thing for kids, as we saw with Carl, and I think he has a sense of duty to protect her and watch out for her because of what happened to Rick, but mainly because of what happened to Carl. I could see Negan telling Judith about her brother and how much he admired him. It’s a strange, avuncular relationship, but I’m ready to see more."

What do you think TWDFamily? Did you like Negan and Judith’s relationship on The Walking Dead? Do you think Negan is going to have a role to play in Alexandria moving forward? Tweet us and join the discussion: @SonyaIryna, @WrittenBySara, @TWalkingDWorld, @SarabethPollock, and @UndeadWalkingFS