With the conflict being adverted between the Saviors and the Safe Zone residents many characters begin to cross a new line in The Walking Dead, issue 169. New opportunities present themselves for Rick, Negan, Dwight, and Maggie. With these opportunities choices will be made that will have lasting consequences affecting the communities going forward.
The Good:
People are questioning Rick’s decisions and how it will benefit the four communities. In particular, Rick becomes aware of Eugene’s radio conversations with Stephanie. While Eugene is conducting one of his communications, Rick attempts to open up a dialog for the two communities to work together. Stephanie, upon Rick’s recommendation, agrees to meet some members of his community to see if they want to form a partnership. This presents a problem for Rick as he initially seeks Jesus and Aaron to go on this trip but both men, who would die for Rick, refuse. Following this Rick asks Dwight to go on this trip and he also refuses. Mainly because he is questioning Rick’s judgment in the several wars that they have had, letting Negan be free, and killing Sherry the woman he loved. Furthermore, Dwight makes it clear that Rick has no control over his communities and almost caused another war to break out between the Saviors and the Safe Zone and that it is time for him to step down as the leader. All three of these men, as the title of the comic states, are crossing a line by refusing to follow Rick as they feel his decision put them and the communities at risk. While this is occurring Negan is gathering some supplies as he is leaving the Safe Zone permanently due to his arrangement with Rick. While he is leaving Maggie is moving her people back to the Hilltop to began rebuilding it. While on the road she order’s Dante to follow and keep tabs on Negan, as she does not plan on letting that monster escape again. With this order she is implying that she wants revenge against him for what he did to Glenn. Rick, Negan, Dwight, and Maggie have all made choices that have had severe consequences, and all four are about to embark upon that road again.
The Bad:
The comic’s biggest problem is how believable the character’s are in questioning Rick’s judgment. For over 50 issues Jesus, Dwight, and Maggie have followed Rick with little to no questioning. In this time they have faced the initial warning from the Whisperers, personal attacks, gone through a war with the Whisperers, and lost loved ones, not once questioning Rick’s judgment. Given that these characters have supported Rick all throughout the war, this raises questions about how believable these character’s actions are when they begin to criticize his actions that led to a war that they supported.
The Verdict:
Clearly The Walking Dead, issue 169, is steering the comic in a new direction. As Rick is attempting to facilitate a new relationship with a community located in Ohio. At the same time he is addressing criticisms from both Dwight and Maggie for actions he has taken in keeping the four communities safe. These criticisms have forced Rick, Dwight, and Maggie to make choices on how they best see fit to ensure the safety of the communities they live in. Without a doubt, Walking Dead, issue 169, is the beginning of a major change for this comic series.
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