Our Walking Dead character Power Rankings shifted significantly following Episode 715. Sasha’s plan, Rick’s mission, and Dwight’s decision ALL had ripple effects on our list. See who moved up and down below:
1. Negan
Episodes like this make it difficult to hate Negan completely. As much as every iota of him screams ‘villain’ he does abide by SOME sliver of a moral compass – specifically his stance against sexual assault. After almost getting attacked by ‘Rapey Davey’ (sounds like a red flag sort of name) Negan showed up, put a knife in him, and tried to recruit Sasha to his cause. There’s no doubt he’s still in charge and those under him MUST abide by his rules. So, will Sasha?
2. Simon
Simon may not have been in this episode but he’s still #2 in Negan’s book, meaning he’s #2 in our rankings.
3. Rick
Rick finally returned to form this week when he took over Oceanside to retrieve guns for the Scavengers. As successful as it ended up being, we couldn’t help but notice his intimidation tactics, which included forcing innocent people to get on their knees, demanding they give him their stuff, and threatening their lives. (Sound familiar?) Negan parallels aside, Rick’s back and ready to do more cool stuff…and THAAANGS.
4. Ezekiel
If Rick’s going to have a chance against Negan and the Saviors he will absolutely need Ezekiel on his side. Look to see more from the king in the finale.
5. Maggie
Maggie (who’s pregnant) finally got the ultimate edge over Gregory this episode when she saved him from a walker and proceeded to treat him like a teenager who just drank alcohol for the first time. “It’s his first time,” she justified to apathetic Hilltop passerby. After the incident Gregory left The Hilltop, seemingly leaving that leadership role open.
6. Jadis
Looks like Jadis and her ragtag group of garbage people will finally receive the guns they asked for following the attack on Oceanside. So, now what?
7. Michonne
Michonne’s impression of comic Andrea gets better every week! We’re happy her new rifle skills helped assist Rick in the Oceanside take-over. With Sasha imprisoned we’ll need her marksmanship now more than ever.
8. Daryl (+1)
After being through the ringer this season, Daryl’s finally returned to form to kick ass and crossbow-kill walkers. As if that wasn’t enjoyable enough, he FINALLY has an edge over Dwight, who just decided to switch sides. As exciting as that is, will Daryl let him?
9. Eugene (+1)
Although Eugene encouraged Sasha to go through with Negan’s plan to help the Saviors, he AT LEAST tried to help her in her own mission. Unfortunately, he misunderstood her plan and assumed she was trying to kill herself, for which he had the perfect pill-sized solution. Damn it, Eugene.
10. Carol (+1)
Carol’s out for blood and ready to fight. With the Kingdom on her side, there’s no telling what she’s capable of.
11. Jesus (+1)
Aside from bringing communities together, Jesus is quickly proving himself as Maggie’s #2…her Simon if you will. This relationship can only result in good things if Gregory’s truly gone from The Hilltop.
12. Dwight (-4)
Ohhh Dwighty boy, you finally switched sides! Although comic fans saw this coming a mile away it was still surprising to see the WAY you did it. We’re definitely pro-Dwight being on Rick’s side, but we’re dropping him down our rankings since he currently lost all standing with the Saviors and doesn’t hold much clout with Rick, either. Still, this move could be HUGE for our survivors in the upcoming battle.
13. Tara (NEW)
We’re finally adding Tara to the rankings because she actually produced this episode. Even though she almost f-ed up the plan by (foolishly) getting captured by Natania, the fact she TOLD Rick about Oceanside, which led them to take their weapons is enough for us to add her to the rankings.
14. Father Gabriel (+1)
We’re rewarding Father Gabriel with an extra spot up this week after he got head shots on head shots during the Oceanside walker invasion. *Sniff* he’s come so far since Season 5!
15. Rosita (+3)
FINALLY, Rosita did something we can all agree with. Capturing Dwight for Rick was HUGE, and although Dwight probably volunteered to go, she still sealed the deal and gave Rick a major asset in the upcoming war. Nice going, Rosita!
16. Morgan
Morgan’s back to his old clear self again and that can only mean trouble for those who get in his way, in this case the Saviors.
17. Sasha (-4)
Oh Sasha, what are you doing? Sacrificing yourself is one thing, but relying on Eugene to come through with your secret kill Negan plan was just stupid. We’re beginning to think this plan of yours wasn’t completely thought out. Since your mission is crumbling around you, we have to drop you down.
18. Gregory (-4)
It’s so refreshing to see Gregory at the bottom of our list again. One could argue he shouldn’t even be on it after his no-show against his first walker encounter, but leaving him out of the list just wouldn’t be fun!
On the Bubble: Carl, Enid, Natania.
How do YOU feel about our Walking Dead power rankings following this week’s episode? Who do you predict will move up or down in next week’s finale? Tell us in the comments!
Poor sasha