Jeffrey Dean Morgan appears in his 50th Walking Dead episode

The Walking Dead episode “On the Inside” marks the 159th episode for the series, and before the series ends, it will have 177 episodes. So far, Norman Reedus has the record for the most appearances in the series, followed by Melissa McBride. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan in the series, just celebrated a milestone for his appearances with the episode “On the Inside.”

In season 6, viewers saw Negan for the first time. This was a comic book character that fans were excited to see but also dreaded, as it was known what would be coming with his appearance. It would be the most memorable introduction to a character in the history of the series.

In the final season of the series, Negan has taken on a new path. Some feel he has redeemed himself for his past actions; others think he will never be able to make up for everything he did as leader of the Saviors.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s 50th Walking Dead episode

Since his season six debut Jeffrey Dean Morgan has appeared on The Walking Dead 50 times with his appearance in “On the Inside.” This is a milestone worthy of celebration, especially in a series with an apocalyptic setting where no one is safe. And, especially for a character as vile as Negan has been in the past. He has had close brushes with death during his time on the series, most notedly when Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) sliced his throat open.

It was interesting to get some backstory on Negan’s life before the outbreak in season 10’s “Here’s Negan.” He, like many others, carried much baggage into the apocalypse. Others held theirs well, and others used this new world for an opportunity to become a villain with a God complex.

Negan trivia: 

• Negan is the fourth primary recurring antagonist (1-Shane Walsh, 2-The Governor,3-Gareth and 5-Alpha)
• Negan is the only primary antagonist to kill another primary antagonist, Alpha
• Henry Rollins, who Negan was based on, auditioned for the role. (via CBR)
• Negan’s costume was designed by Eulyn Womble, who custom made the jacket, belt and hand wraps to match the comic book characters costume (via  Talking Dead S05E16)
• Negan has killed more main characters than any other antagonist.  (Abraham Ford, Glenn Rhee, Simon, Alpha, and Beta.)

Robert Kirkman’s Rick/Negan comparison:

"When it comes to the Saviors, and Negan in particular, the way I’ve always thought about this in the comics is this is a group that’s led by a guy who’s had his morality dial a few clicks away from Rick toward the darker aspects of his personality, but is still an intellectual and capable leader who’s kept his group alive against all odds just as long as Rick has. via Entertainment Weekly"

The final season has Negan trying to deal with Maggie’s anger and frustration as they work together for survival. It has been a long journey so far, but eventually, things will have to change between these characters. Whether it is for the better or worse, we will have to wait and see.

Congrats to Jeffrey Dean Morgan on his 50th episode milestone on The Walking Dead.