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. 

“RICHONNE!!!!” screamed so many TWD watchers as that ship finally set sail.

I don’t know about you, but the latest Walking Dead felt weird…in a good way. After an insane midseason premiere, the audience got a breather for once and not with some long dramatic development episode.

It was light hearted. The Walking Dead is NEVER light hearted. The joking, music, RICK SMILING?!…It actually made things even more suspenseful because you were waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nothing gold ever stays, especially in the zombie apocalypse.

By the way, this chase scene is perfect to Benny Hill music.

No goodbyes, like last week, but a new character did enter the fold and make quite an impression for our Power Rankings this week.

 

1. Daryl Dixon (Previously 1st)

Daryl’s reign at #1 continues for a couple weeks. 1) He hasn’t done anything to lose it. 2) Dude tried pretty damn hard to get Denise some “POP!” 3) Jacking Jesus in the face (I love being able to say that) after being saved (these write themselves) was perfect.

Something to keep an eye on is Daryl’s reluctance to bring outsiders to Alexandria now. Dwight stealing his beloved crossbow and his run-in with the Saviors make his philosophy change justifiable. You get a feeling he’s going to be right about it too.

2. Rick Grimes (Previously 2nd)

#TrueDetectiveSeason3^

There is a Woody-McConaughey vibe between these two, and it was cool to see them team up again. For most of the time in Alexandria, Daryl’s been out “there” with Aaron and Rick was playing Sheriff back in town. They have flipped roles when it comes to trusting outsiders though, and that may lead to conflict…or somebody important’s demise.

3. Michonne (Previously 3rd)

I know people wanted this, and there was some buildup during Alexandria’s stand against the horde, but #Richonne does feel a little CW’ish. I have no problem with it. Rick and Michonne are a hell of a power couple in the zombie apocalypse. TV just has a way about balancing the scales and love is used to set up seriously bloody heartbreak on TWD. 

I don’t think anyone would handle the Spencer situation better than Michonne though.

4. Glenn Rhee (Previously 4th)

Glenn is one of many who didn’t get any airtime this week. Because of that, it’s hard to raise or drop him at all. His fate, as the season carries on, gets dimmer because of what comic book fans know…but I get a feeling Gimple, Kirkman and Co. are going to psych some people out.

 

5. Maggie Greene (Previously 7th)

Maggie gets a solid jump in the rankings as she reinserts herself as the calming leader of the group, which is more important with Deanna dead (and gone now). She and Glenn have also started to get their parenting skills in when dealing with Enid. That’s a relationship we’ll want to keep an eye on.

6. Carl Grimes (Previously 8th)

I don’t know about you, but I’m digging Pirate Eye-Patch Carl. Carl’s maturation seems just about complete. While Enid and even Michonne didn’t seem to understand his reasoning for leaving Zombie-Deanna for Spencer, it seemed like a huge step for the kid. He knows what it was like to say goodbye to his mom, and he probably would’ve liked to have taken care Lori’s change rather than Rick…but that’s neither here nor there.

7. Abraham (Previously 5th)

Abrahama slides is only due to lack of airtime, like many of the characters. I look forward to a redneck quip from him soon enough, but I’m beginning to worry that there’s not much of an arc left for him. Just trying to appreciate him for as long as we can now.

8. Sasha (Previously 9th)

Just about everything that applied for Abraham, applies to Sasha, although I think another tragedy (perhaps involving Abe) would make or break her as a character…and that’s why she could stick around a while longer.

9. Aaron (Previously 10th)

Right now, Aaron can do no wrong in my eyes. He should be back next week to do something meaningful, probably. Could also play into the conflict we were eluding to, regarding Rick and Daryl, as to how they deal with outsiders now.

10. Enid (Previously 6th)

We all have our reasons for liking or disliking certain characters. A certain sect of Dead fans are giving Enid the “Dana Brody” (Homeland) treatment, and I’m not sure how warranted it is. However, now may not be a good time to act all “complicated” with Carl. I think she’s worried now, like the rest of us, that something terrible is about to happen and that’s why she wants to make distance…I just think you’re better together than apart in this current world, like Glenn said.

11. Jesus (Newbie)

I really liked the introduction to Jesus. He had a similar prerogative as Rick and Darryl going after the food/supply truck.  He knows martial arts and has welcoming demeanor. He also opens the door to meeting another group with a bunch of new characters…that might not be Negan, yet.

Two questions though:

1. HOW DID HE GET ON TOP OF THE TRUCK SO FAST?!
2. HOW DID HE KNOW WHERE RICK’S ROOM WAS?

12. Denise Cloyd (Previously 12th)

Look at Denise, making moves like asking for pop for Tara. The “North-South difference” moment between her and Darryl over it was pretty funny too.

13. Heath (Previously 11th)

Now begins the rankings based on not having much to do with this week’s episode. Heath got a mention though, making runs for the community. I’m excited to see how he impacts things going forward.

14. Father Gabriel (Previously 13th)

At least Gabriel finally gets to meet “Jesus” and not die to do so…yet.

15. Tara Chambler (Previously 14th)

Sorry you didn’t get your ORAAAAANGE SODAAAAA, Tara.

16. Eugene Porter (Previously 15th)

I thought Eugene looked sharp at the gate, maybe that was just me. The dude’s come a long way.

17. Morgan Jones (Previously 16th)

If we’re going to talk about ‘ships on this show, throw my name in to bet on Morgan and Carol (#Morol) happening.

18. Rosita Espinosa (Previously 17th)

Sup, Rosita? Are her and Abraham still a thing? Asking for a friend…

19. Negan (Previously 18th)

Still looming…

20. Carol Peletier (Previously 19th)

Most interested to see how Carol has developed over the 2 month time jump. I’m worried it’s not for the better.

21. Spencer Monroe (Previously 25th)

Nice moment for Spencer. I was worried we was going to cause conflict but he really just needed to move on from his mom’s passing…and end her at the same time. Going to keep an eye on his development, but the arrow’s definitely pointing up.

22. Eric Raleigh (Previously 20th)

Still alive.

23. Tobin (Previously 21st)

Still Tobin.

24. Baby Judith (Previously 22nd)

Judith’s getting so big! Maybe soon she doesn’t need to be carried to runaway from zombies.

25. Olivia (Previously 23rd)

Hey, you’re STILL here…for now.

26. Dwight (Previously 24th)

You can tell Daryl misses his crossbow, but I love him blowing shit up still. You’re still a jerk, Dwight!

Anyone too high or too low in this week’s rankings? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!