Each week, we’ll give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe…and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
How are we doing? You good?
Sunday’s Season 6 midseason premiere was one of The Walking Dead‘s best episodes. The suspense was at an all-time high for most of the characters. Violence and gore was cranked to 11. We even got some development for a number of characters, which we’ll go further into in the power rankings.
The bodycount we heard about going into the episode was certainly not overstated. There was blood, heartache, and some Tiger Woods fist pumps too (at least on my end).
Before we get into the remaining character ranking, a few goodbyes from last week’s list:
Sam Anderson (Previously 29th) – Admirable attempt to be brave for a second. TWD didn’t hold back on devouring him though. Yeesh. No way he was getting out of that horde alive though.
Jessie Anderson (Previously 13th)– That one hurt…for both Rick and the rest of us who were rooting for the future Mrs. Grimes.
Ron Anderson (Previously 30th) – Suck it, Ron. Seriously.
Alpha Wolf (Previously Last) – TWD has a knack for either redeeming certain characters a little or throwing them off the deep end right before their demise. Going back for Denise, his hostage, and also protecting her showed some change in The Wolf. It was fitting how Carol was the one to shoot him down and for Morgan to end him.
Wade (Previously 27th) and his posse – I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING (more on that in a minute). The open may have been the best since the pilot episode of the show. Sorry that was at Wade’s expense. I did enjoy some of his banter.
And now the living…
1. Daryl Dixon (Previously 1st)
Daryl blew shit up and it was fantastic. No crossbow? No problem. He hangs on to the #1 spot for basically bailing every character out of imminent doom – blowing up the Saviors, then setting the water on fire that burned up the remaining horde. There’s an argument that his role has diminished on the show (that could lead to his end by the finale). I think he remains all that is pure on the show, and the angel wings on the back of his vest signify that.
2. Rick Grimes (Previously 2nd)
The #RickRage was on full display Sunday night. He also ignited the Alexandrians to finally stand up for themselves and fight back. He led one hell of a comeback against some nearly impossible odds…The problem is that it all came after a tragedy, which was partially his fault. He could’ve stepped in and ordered Sam to go with Gabriel, but he didn’t. Chopping off Jessie’s hand that stayed gripped to Carl was a veteran move though.
3. Michonne (Previously 3rd)
Heads up move of the night goes to Michonne for ending Ron. Michonne is a basically in the Grimes family now, right? Was there to help Carl while Denise fixed him up. Was the first one out to follow #RickRage against the walkers. Then was immediately checking on Judith after.
4. Glenn Rhee (Previously 4th)
Second time this season Glenn was nearly thrashed apart by walkers, but this time he did it to lead them all away from his wife. His willingness to sacrifice himself for Maggie is unbelievably admirable, and his pep talk to Enid showed the leadership qualities he’s picked up from Rick and all the people he named to her (Dale and Herschel).
5. Abraham Ford (Previously 11th)
“Can you get the gate? Appreciate it, pal.”
Line of the night after Abraham saved Glenn from breaking all of our hearts (again). Abraham is the right kind of crazy at this point in the show, and proven to be more valuable than most.
6. Enid (Previously 14th)
I’m not sure Enid is afraid of anything other than people getting close to her. Backing up Glenn to save Maggie was a big step for her, and was just about as brave too. With Ron gone too, I get the feeling she’s going to play a big role in Carl’s recovery.
7. Maggie Greene (Previously 4th)
Maggie didn’t really do anything to slide in the rankings. It was a result of circumstance and people stepping up when she couldn’t. Maggie’s role will be huge in the rebuild of Alexandria, but in the short term it was cool to see her and Glenn reunite…again.
8. Carl Grimes (Previously 7th)
RIP, Carl’s right eye. This was actually something that fans of the books were looking forward to. How would the TV show make that work? Well, they did. How he responds will be interesting…Will he resent Rick (again)? Will he have an eye patch and become “The Next Governor”? Or will it make him stronger…because “what doesn’t kill you…”?
9. Sasha (Previously 12th)
Sasha jumps up a little for extending Abraham’s life a few more seconds (before Daryl saved them both) and then coming back with the group to save the day. Her manic moments seem to be behind her…for now.
10. Aaron (Previously 10th)
Aaron’s done and said the right things for most of his time on the show. It was no surprise that he would go join Rick on his stand against the horde. Doesn’t seem like someone who has needed much convincing since he was the one who brought Rick’s to Alexandria.
11. Heath (Previously Unranked – Total Oversight)
Leaving Heath out was a mistake last week, but he wasn’t particularly high on this. However, Heath was one of the most important characters in Sunday’s episode because he represented the newfound courage in the Alexandrians. He rallied the group to jump out and help Rick, who he was always suspicious of.
12. Denise Cloyd (Previously 20th)
Denise represented some serious hope for the group. Even captured, her safety kept characters like Tara, Rosita and Eugene motivated. She also seemed to ignite something in The Wolf that made him human again…for a brief moment.
13. Father Gabriel (Previously 26th)
The biggest jump goes to Gabriel, for stepping up in every opportunity that was presented to him. Protecting Judith before the Andersons were devoured and then rallying the weakest remaining Alexandrians definitely redeemed him of his past betrayal of Rick. It’s also nice that a Wire alum can still represent, unlike Bob and Tyreese.
14. Tara Chambler (Previously 15th)
Motivated to save Denise, Tara remains a solid force on the show. Always ready to help when needed and that keeps her ranked around the same spot.
15. Eugene Porter (Previously 19th)
Big turn for Eugene. He was working on building up courage to help his people over the past couple episodes. Then when he was told to stay behind, he dropped an inspiring line and joined the #RickRage while rocking his mullet. Eugene represents the weakest link in the pre-Alexandria group, and you’re only as strong as your weakest link. (High five for sports cliches).
16. Morgan Jones (Previously 8th)
In an episode where every character is stepping up, Morgan was left feeling sorry for himself. Mostly for allowing his Wolf hostage get away and Denise being captured, but also for losing his cool to fight Carol. Obviously he took care of business when it was most important but if Morgan’s going to be a Jedi, he better damn act like one. Because doubt leads to anger, anger leads to hate…You know the rest.
17. Rosita Espinosa (Previously 16th)
Like Tara, Rosita doesn’t jump or slide very far…simply for being solid.
18. Negan (Previously 6th)
Still haven’t seen the dude and his appearance is looming, but his impact doesn’t feel as immediate as it did before Wade and his crew got blowed up (real good). Wade’s line about “popping one of you right off the bat” should linger with viewers for a while though. Don’t think Negan will know who was responsible for torching his Saviors, but he’s going to make someone pay for it.
19. Carol Peletier (Previously 9th)
People are going to hate this but Carol had the biggest slide for me. She was responsible for at least 2 major issues in the episode…
- Denise wouldn’t have been kidnapped had she just left Morgan alone with The Wolf.
- Sam wouldn’t have heard her voice and gotten eaten had she not put all that fear in him…which was pretty unnecessary to begin with.
If you felt bad for The Wolf after he seemed to transform into a decent person, that’s fine. But he had that bullet coming. I don’t see any reason that would have justified her killing Morgan, like she said she should have. He made a good point stating how similar the two were. That will either bring them closer together or kill them both, I assume.
20. Eric Raleigh (Previously 21st)
Hey look! Eric’s okay! And he did some fighting too! That’s neat.
21. Tobin (Previously 18th)
I was even happier that Tobin was alive, but disappointed he thought about holding Gabriel back. Not sure if he was in the church out of necessity to protect those held up there, or because he was scared.
22. Baby Judith (Previously 17th)
This kid does no wrong. Still worry about her as she’s probably Rick’s last bit of sanity.
23. Olivia (Previously 22nd)
Hey, you’re here too. Yay.
24. Dwight (Previously 23rd)
Dwight gets a hat tip for providing Daryl with his rocket launcher.
25. Spencer Monroe (Previously 25th)
Congrats Spencer! You’re officially in last place (after all the other characters were eliminated on Sunday). If anyone seems likely to cause immediate conflict after Alexandria has gotten itself put back together, it’s the guy who will likely be upset that his mother trusted Rick, Michonne and Maggie with her plans before him. He’s been unraveling all season, and will probably be THAT guy who ruins a good thing.
Anyone too high or too low in this week’s rankings? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!
michaelpiff 