‘The Walking Dead’: Negan And Carl’s Relationship Discussed By Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chandler Riggs, And ‘TWD’ EP Gale Anne Hurd [Spoilers]

The Walking Dead Season 7, Episode 7, titled “Sing Me A Song” aired last night on AMC. As promised in the promo and sneak peek clips, Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) came face-to-face with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in the Sanctuary. Based on the events from the episode and what happens in Robert Kirkman’s comic books, what can fans expect? On Talking Dead, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chandler Riggs, and executive producer Gale Anne Hurd discussed the two characters and what to expect regarding the future of their relationship.

TWD spoilers are ahead. Do not continue reading if you don’t want to know what to expect on the zombie apocalypse TV show.

The Walking Dead fans have been wondering for months if Negan and Carl’s relationship would follow the comic book storyline. It appears that it might based on what happened in Season 7, Episode 7. As viewers recall, Carl made it to the Sanctuary and killed two of the Saviors. However, he didn’t kill Negan. Instead of the villain taking Carl’s life, he decided to give him a tour of the Sanctuary and had some interesting and comical conversations with the teenager.

On Talking Dead, Chandler Riggs and Gale Anne Hurd appeared to discuss the television show. When asked if Carl Grimes respects Negan in a way, the actor confirmed this. He added that Negan talks to Carl like an adult instead of like a child. However, that doesn’t mean that Carl is Team Negan. When escorted back to Alexandria, Carl did try to convince Negan not to enter baby Judith’s room, but his attempt failed.

At the end of the episode, Negan and Carl sat on the porch with the villain holding baby Judith. He was in a way, taking Rick’s (Andrew Lincoln) place, sitting in his rocking chair, sitting next to his son, and holding his baby girl. If Rick comes back and sees that, it will be the ultimate show of power because there isn’t anything Rick will be able to do about it. There is also the possibility that Negan is slowly and carefully trying to destroy the relationship between Rick and Carl Grimes. Negan is an expert at manipulation and knows how to get inside people’s heads.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan didn’t appear on Talking Dead, but a clip of an interview with the actor was played for viewers. He said that the relationship between Negan and Carl in the coming years is going to be “awesome.” That seems to imply that there will be more interaction between the two characters. In The Walking Dead comic books, Carl ends up going to Negan for advice on a lot of things, including girls. He also said that Negan thinks Carl is “something special” and is fascinated by the young man. Out of everyone at Alexandria, Carl certainly has shown the most guts in Season 7, even though he could have gotten himself killed.

Executive producer Gale Anne Hurd explained why Negan made Carl take off his eye bandage on The Walking Dead. He wanted Rick’s son to feel vulnerable. He certainly did that because Carl started to get embarrassed, ashamed, and emotional. Negan bounced between ridiculing Carl and treating him like a son, having “fatherly” talks with him, and then showing off his power and control. There were a few different instances in which Negan showed Carl how he commanded respect from the Saviors. In a way, it as like he wanted Carl to see that his way was the best way to survive and thrive in the zombie apocalypse.

He also told Carl why he was keeping Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) a prisoner. Negan explained that Daryl will make a good soldier once he is broken. He was more open with Carl than he has been with anyone else, at least from what fans have seen so far. Could Negan be trying to create a relationship with Carl and if so, what does he expect from the young man?

What do you think will happen with Negan and Carl in The Walking Dead?

[Featured Image by Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC]