The Walking Dead season 9B: Introduction to Judith’s law

Judith laid down the law in episode 909 and it gave fans a glimpse of the code she lives by. The way she thinks is slightly familiar, but different from how most  characters currently think in The Walking Dead.

Judith had an interesting encounter with Negan in “Adaptation,” Sunday’s emotional episode of The Walking Dead, and showing just how tough of a survivor she truly is. Judith can be fair and compassionate, and she came across as a little naïve at times. However, Judith proved that she has her own code and is the youngest survivor to live by her own unique code while dealing with Negan.

The former leader of the Saviors is generally clever and good at getting inside people’s minds, and once again he tried to get inside Judith’s mind. Surprisingly, Judith had the upper hand in the mental challenge, which is something few can say. This was evidenced when Judith warned Negan that she will shoot if she catches a glimpse of him again. (Sound familiar?)

Judith knew the risk the moment she let Negan go but she gave him a chance to learn for himself what she knew all along: there was nothing out there for him anymore. Judith is a little girl who takes chances. (Again, sound familiar?). The rest of Alexandria, especially Michonne, is not as willing to roll the dice anymore for reasons which should be explored in later episodes.

Later in the episode, Judith managed to shoot at Negan, and almost got him. She put all past attempts by Rick to kill Negan to shame. Negan was literally on the ground and at the mercy of a very fair, yet very firm, Judith. She might not be cold enough to reject or kill someone, but she is not so passive that she will let injustice slide either. Judith took control yet again and made another decision.

This may rub some survivors the wrong way in the future, but so far Judith is two-for-two with her decisions. She gives people a chance but will kill them if they are a threat, including her similar encounter when it seemed like Magna may be a threat to Michonne. What this means for the future is that Judith will make bold decisions on behalf of Alexandria.

This also could lead to potential future problems, which may not be as positive as it did with Magna or Negan. Her law is fair and firm, but it could run into major issues in the future with Judith giving people a chance. One thing is for sure, Judith knows how to handle the situations better than most survivors twice her age.

That was just the beginning of Judith’s law and we will continue to see it this season and next season. She isn’t aware of the threat of the Whisperers yet, but it will be interesting to see how Judith reacts to people who are out to harm her people. Stay tuned this Sunday for the next episode of The Walking Dead as we continue to learn more about Judith’s law.