The Walking Dead panelists weigh in on Negan’s future at Alexandria

Negan chose to go back to Alexandria on The Walking Dead but is he going back to prison or has he earned his freedom? Our panelists weigh on Negan’s future.

In The Walking Dead mideason premiere while Michonne was at Hilltop dropping off Magna’s group, trying to save Eugene, and collecting Rosita Negan took a little day trip out of Alexandria and back to the Sanctuary. But after realizing that Sanctuary was a lost cause and that his followers were long gone he headed back towards Alexandria.

Negan has known for a long time that the key to survival is people and having a community and it looks like he’d rather stay in his cell in Alexandria than stay at Sanctuary where there are no supplies and no people but there is freedom.

But the fact that he’s choosing to return to Alexandria, and to prison, raises the question of whether or not it’s worth it for the Alexandrians to keep him in prison. He’s been using up resources without giving anything back for more than seven years. He escaped and still chose to return to the community so maybe he’s earned himself the chance to be part of the community and contribute.

But would Michonne, as head of security and someone all too familiar with what Negan is capable of, allow Negan to be part of the community as anything but a prisoner? Is he a security risk for the people of Alexandria or could his tactical planning skills be an asset to the community? Our panel weighs on what should happen to Negan in Alexandria:

Negan’s Future

Now that Negan is returning to Alexandria will they put him back in prison or can be trusted to be a member of the community now because he escaped and came back?

Sonya says:

"I took Glenn’s death extremely hard, and I’m not inclined to forgive or forget what Negan is capable of. But the apocalypse world is built on sand and shifting allegiances are necessary for survival. It can’t be good for Alexandria to have to feed and support someone that isn’t contributing anything. There are no Saviors anymore so keeping Negan prisoner as an example has lost any meaning it had, if it ever had any. And Negan is a tough, practical, and intelligent person. He does have skills that could help Alexandria, especially now with the Whisperers on the scene. I think they should let him join the community, but keep him on a short leash."

Sara says:

"I don’t think the Alexandria community will like that Negan is out and free, but they should consider at least trying to reason with him after all of these years. If Negan can prove to be a trusted team player, there isn’t a reason why they shouldn’t let him become a member of the community.  They might very well need his help with the Whisperers."

Jeffrey says:

"I think Michonne and much of the Alexandrians will want Negan to remain locked up, but I can totally see Judith making a case for him to have some freedom. After all, she did lower her gun and let him walk free on two different occasions. Post-time jump Michonne really seems like she isn’t willing to take any chances, so I do think she will take executive action on this and make sure he is locked back up for good."

Sarabeth says:

"I have this feeling that he and Judith aren’t going to make it back to Alexandria directly. I feel like something else is going to happen. If they do make it back, I think it’s going to be in the middle of chaos as word of the Whisperers arrives, and he might have something to contribute."

What do you think should happen to Negan on The Walking Dead TWDFamily? Tweet us and tell us whether you think Negan has served enough time: @SonyaIryna, @WrittenBySara, @TWalkingDWorld, @SarabethPollock and @UndeadWalkingFS