Spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 14 follow.
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The Walking Dead‘s Episode 7×14 (The Other Side) was focused on Rosita and Sasha’s mission to kill Negan but managed to slip some important moments of character growth into its run time.
Not only was Jesus’ sexuality revealed, along with some of his more personal burdens, but Eugene Porter seemed to reveal more of his true colors in The Other Side. Towards the end of the episode, Sasha and Rosita offered the false scientist a chance to escape and head back to Alexandria but he elected to run inside Negan’s Sanctuary and remain loyal to the Saviors.
Naturally, all of The Walking Dead‘s fanbase yelled at their screen in frustration as one of our beloved Alexandrian survivors appears to have truly betrayed us.
According to Eugene actor Josh McDermitt, he is just doing what makes him most comfortable and gives him not only the opportunity to survive but also eat as many pickles as his heart desires. Speaking to ComicBook.com ahead of The Walking Dead‘s PaleyFest panel, the actor shared his perspective of the moments from The Other Side.
“I think if Eugene is gonna do anything, he wants to do it on his terms,” McDermitt said. “I also think he’s comfortable living there. He’s scared all the time and a big source of that fear is coming from Negan so if he were to leave he would be just as scared because Negan’s gonna come after him. I don’t think he wants to leave. I don’t think he wants Negan to hurt anyone. I don’t think he wants his friends to get hurt but if he can live in the Sanctuary and just live in peace, he’s gonna take that over anything.”
Really, it’s the food which is winning Eugene’s heart. “I mean, look, they have pickles at the Sanctuary for crying out loud,” McDermitt said. “The last time we saw the pantry at Alexandria, it was empty. That’s why he didn’t leave! He’s a fat guy. He’s got food. He’s got pickles. He likes the sodium.”
With Sasha running into Negan’s Sanctuary and committing the first act of war, it’s likely Eugene will have to make a more defined decision in the near future. Will he remain loyal to the Saviors?
MORE WALKING DEAD: Who Did Rosita See? / Tom Payne On Jesus’ Sexuality Reveal / Austin Amelio Teases Rosita/Dwight Reunion // Andrew Lincoln’s Amazing Series Ending Idea / Melissa McBride Wants A Rick/Carol Reunion / Showrunner Promises “Conclusive” Finale
The Walking Dead TV series airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.