MVP from The Walking Dead episode 1101 Acheron Part 1

The Walking Dead’s final season kicked off with an amazing episode. Episode 1101, “Acheron Part 1,” was filled with tense moments and outstanding character interactions. The group is in a very dark period as Alexandria is trying to rebuild the structural damage and build up food reserves for the residents.

We saw a group on a mission at the military base, which spiked some anxiety at certain moments. The cinematography was different than we are used to seeing, and it was a pleasant change-up going into the final season. That drop of blood and the walker! WOW!

The tunnel scenes weren’t are dark as they appeared in the trailers, so viewers could see more of what was going on. No one in this group is a member of the Negan fan club, that is for sure. He was brought along for his knowledge of the city, and he wasn’t too keen about this.

Many people in this episode could have earned MVP, Carol for her bravery, Daryl for punching Nega, Aaron for being a champion for Alexandria, etc. But…

THIS WEEKS MVP FOR ACHERON PART 1 IS – NEGAN

Negan first sauntered onto our screens in his leather jacket, red scarf and swagger to meet our group on their knees to receive punishment for the killing of Negan’s Saviors. He was one of the most villainous characters to grace our screens on this series, and many have not and will not ever forgive him for what he did to Abraham and Glenn. Not to mention the other vile things he had done during his reign as leader of the Saviors.

Negan The Walking Dead

Carol gave him the opportunity to live in seclusion away from Maggie, the vengeful widow. Still, his conscience and imagination were too much to live with, so he returned to Alexandria to face whatever comes his way.

This week he was told that he would come with a group on a mission to infiltrate Meridian, the Warden’s old home that the Reapers had overtaken. This location has food that the residents of Alexandria desperately need. The Wardens make it very clear they want nothing to do with Negan. Even Alden and the others who have lived with Negan for years taunt and torment him as we have never witnessed before.

We find out that they bring him along to navigate the streets and eventually subways of Washington DC. When he advises him, they ignore what he says; he tries to talk to Daryl, who won’t listen, he tries to warn them of flooding, but Gabriel cuts him off. This keeps happening until he snaps, as he can take no more. He has it out with Maggie and brings up Glenn’s name, earning him a well-deserved punch in the face from Daryl. Which eventually gets a gun pointed in his face by Maggie. She warns him to keep pushing her and sees what happens.

But, here’s what I think, him mentioning Glenn was his test. He thought that if anything pushed her over the edge, that would be it. And, if that didn’t force her hand, nothing ever will.

So, when Maggie cried out for his help, he saw no reason to extend that help to her. Was it a dick move? Probably. Did she deserve it? Probably. Was it right? No.

I am not saying he deserves forgiveness, redemption, or anything else; I am saying in this instance, who can blame him?

So, I am giving him the MVP because he was fed up and who else wouldn’t have done the same thing had they been in his shoes?

The Walking Dead “Acheron Part 2” is available on AMC+ now and will air on AMC on August 29.