This week’s Walking Dead returned to the Hilltop (and The Sanctuary) for an edge-of-your-seat thriller that caused shake-ups in our Power Rankings. Below we’ve re-ranked the characters based on how much power they hold after Week 14:
1. Negan
Just because Negan was ALMOST assassinated doesn’t mean we need to mark him down a peg. So we won’t.
2. Simon
Simon FINALLY returned this week to remind The Hilltop who’s ACTUALLY in charge (it’s him). Although he didn’t find Daryl and Maggie, he DID exchange the Hilltop doctor for a literal crate of Aspirin. If that’s not a power move we don’t know what is.
3. Rick
Rick wasn’t in this episode but he’s still the most powerful non-Savior out there. Also, his beard game has been on point lately.
4. Ezekiel
If Rick’s group is really about to go to war with The Saviors then they’re going to need Ezekiel now more than ever. Also Shiva.
5. Maggie
Maggie did the most this episode: she trained the people of the Hilltop how to fight, she was a best friend to Jesus when he told her he was gay, she stopped Daryl from murdering someone, then exonerated him for actually murdering someone *ahem.* Although it’s Gregory that Simon talked business with, it’s clear who the real Hilltop leader is. We just wish she didn’t have to be in hiding.
6. Jadis
Last time we checked in with Jadis and her garbage friends they were waiting for Rick to bring them more guns. Based on the preview for next week it looks like Rick may fulfill his promise with an attack on Oceanside.
7. Michonne
Michonne’s going to be VERY important in the upcoming battle against The Saviors. We just hope something like a deer doesn’t distract her.
8. Dwight
Was that Dwight or Daryl at the end of this episode? WE’LL NEVER SAY! Either way, Dwight’s still high up in the Savior ranks and therefore high up in OUR ranks (and our hearts).
9. Daryl (+1)
Daryl’s dealt with a lot lately, but nothing more heavy than the weight of Glenn’s death on his conscience. Thankfully, Maggie vindicated him this episode and laid the groundwork for him to make an epic return.
10. Eugene (-1)
DAMN it, Eugene. Your friends tried to break you out from the evil empire and YOU STAYED! OK, to Eugene’s credit he’s a coward in Alexandria and a king in The Sanctuary. BUT, the guy you report to killed your best friend with a bat! Loyalty bro, loyalty.
11. Carol
Carol’s finally convinced Ezekiel to join the fight against The Saviors…so the question is how will SHE avenge Glenn and Abraham’s deaths?
12. Jesus
Following in his comic counterpart’s footsteps Jesus told Maggie he was gay and we couldn’t be more happy for him. Not only that, but he also found time to disparage Gregory for losing them their doctor. We need more clap-backs from Jesus.
13. Sasha (NEW)
We’re adding Sasha to our Power Rankings because after chilling at The Hilltop doing nothing all season she FINALLY left and infiltrated the Sanctuary! Not only that but she foiled Rosita’s plan and embarked on her own adventure, which gives her a LOT of power all of a sudden.
14. Gregory (+1)
Started from the bottom now you’re, well, three spots up! Look, Gregory’s incompetence rarely wavers, but in this episode he at least TRIED (yet failed) to retain his doctor after Simon demanded he give him up. But maybe the visit was a good thing; Gregory seems to be emboldened by Simon’s threats and it might accidentally turn him into a good leader! But let’s be honest with ourselves…
15. Father Gabriel (-2)
Father Gabriel’s been mostly absent since he advised Rosita NOT to half-ass another Negan assassination attempt (lol). We have loved his recent character development and are excited to see more of him, but until we do we’re bumping him down a notch.
16. Morgan (-2)
After witnessing Benjamin get needlessly killed Morgan has become a bull in a china shop. MEANING you will NOT want to get in his way.
17. Rosita (NEW)
Rounding out our Power Rankings is ol’ grumpy gills herself Rosita. After enduring her bratty teenage act for most of the episode we finally got some insight into her past and realized hey, she’s not so bad after all. Even though Sasha completely blew up her mission, it’s Rosita’s encouragement that GOT Sasha into The Sanctuary in the first place.
On the Bubble: Tara, Carl, Jerry.
How do YOU feel about our Walking Dead power rankings following this week’s episode? Who do you predict will move up or down next week? Tell us in the comments!
If Tara’s on the bubble now she’ll be like nr. 8 next week.