The Walking Dead: Preseason Power Rankings
Season 7 of The Walking Dead has easily become one of the most anticipated events in television [...]
10. Sasha Williams
Over the last two seasons, Sasha has asserted herself as one of the strongest residents of Alexandria.
Her skills in combat have given her plenty of respect from her peers, but her attitude has set her apart as a vital member to the group.
Taking notes from Andrea's character in the comics, Sasha has become a lethal sharpshooter. Positioning herself in the water tower during conflict, not much can make it past her sights.
Sasha does find herself in a little bit of pickle heading into this season, as she is one of the group members kneeling before Negan and Lucille. In other words, she could be dead already.
All that to say, Sasha does have her abilities with a rifle to use a bargaining chip if Negan picks her. It doesn't leave her much of a chance, but it's more than many others have.
prevnext9. Eugene Porter
Eugene has had a roller coaster of a ride during his time on The Walking Dead.
He began his arc holding all the cards- claiming he knew the cure to the infection. If the group got him to Washington DC, he could surely save the entire world.
Later on, it was revealed that Eugene was lying the entire time. He was merely a science teacher who lied to others in order to survive. He was a coward, to say the least. The positive take from this, however, is that Eugene was established as a master manipulator.
Over the past two seasons, Eugene has struggled to find his place among the group. Thankfully for him, that place came with the revelation that he, and no one else, could manufacture ammunition.
This specific talent is a rarity in a dying world, so Eugene goes back to being precious cargo. He, like Sasha, is on the chopping block, but his turn as a bullet farmer will likely save his hide.
prevnext8. Maggie Greene
Maggie has always been a core member of the group since her appearance in Season 2. Her love with Glenn has been a major plot point of the series, and the death of her family has hardened her into a warrior.
There's also plenty to be said for Maggie's intellect and social skills.
When the group arrived at Alexandria, Deanna and Reg saw her as a future community leader. This will surely come in handy down the road, as her character in the comics ends up leading the Hilltop community.
Maggie is in a unique position at the moment, because she also possesses an important bargaining chip: It was discovered recently that Maggie is pregnant.
This got her out of one conflict already, and there's a good chance it could do the same again.
prevnext7. Gregory
As we know, Gregory is the current leader of the Hilltop colony. We may not have seen him on screen very much, but that will change this season.
Throughout their dealings with Negan, Rick and his people rely heavily on help from the other communities. One of these is Hilltop. The other is the Kingdom, which we will be introduced in the next few episodes.
You would think a position atop a major community would leave a man higher on this list, but Gregory's people have begun to question his tactics.
After sacrificing over half their food, and many of their lives, to Negan and the Saviors, the people of Hilltop are ready for a change in leadership. Gregory still has some pull there, but the combination of Rick and Jesus may be enough to have the people seeking new leadership.
prevnext6. Spencer
Spencer starts this season in a very interesting position. He isn't in charge of anything at Alexandria, and has made a couple of bone-headed moves over the last couple of years, but he has been around since the community began.
Not only does he have a history with the residents, but he is the son of the former leaders. Reg and Deanna led Alexandria for a number of years, and Spencer was viewed as the prince of the land.
Rick's sanity has already been questioned back at home, and the loss of a friend at the hands of Negan will make the members of the community even more unsettled.
If Spencer were to make a play for Rick's role as the leader of Alexandria, now would be the time to do it. His character goes this route in the comics, so we could see a power struggle on the series as well.
Spencer is no doubt a weaker man than Rick, but having support from the community could give him some momentum.
prevnext5. Rick Grimes
This is a tough place for Rick to be, as he has held the top spot for the majority of the series. For the first time in years, it seems as if Rick is powerless.
When he his knelt down in front of Negan, in a line beside his friends, it is made abundantly clear that Rick has run out of options.
The upside to all this? Rick has never been option-less for very long.
There's no way Rick will be able to save one his friends from certain death in the season seven premiere, but we're certain he will find a way to bounce back. He carries the events of that episode solely on his shoulders, and there is zero chance the Rick that we've come to love will just lie down after the dust settles.
prevnext4. Paul "Jesus" Monroe
Jesus came bursting onto the scene last season and he has proved his worth as a warrior, as well as a negotiator.
Serving at Hilltop's errand boy and assassin for a long time, Jesus has had a chance to get the lay of the land. He understands how Negan operates, he can talk his way out of a dangerous situation, and he tops every other character in the hand-to-hand combat department.
Possibly the biggest thing Paul has on his side, however, is the respect of the people at Hilltop.
They have already begun to question the leadership of Gregory, and Jesus has always taken care of them. If he were to ask for Hilltop's trust, or to put their trust in Rick, his people would turn away from Gregory in a heartbeat.
prevnext3. Morgan Jones
Morgan has a calm demeanor and a spiritual sensibility that makes him an incredible asset in any type of war. Whether against the walkers, or The Saviors, Morgan is the man you want beside you. His ability to remain collected is a coveted trait, and it gives him an incredible edge.
Even more powerful than his individual abilities, Morgan has just made some powerful allies in the war that's about to take place.
At the end of season six, Morgan stumbles upon a couple of armored men on horseback, and he, along with Carol, joins them on the way back to their camp. These men are from a community called The Kingdom, and they will play a key role in Rick's eventual attack on Negan.
Morgan and Carol are both able to be the connection between The Kingdom and Alexandria, but Carol's instability is worrisome, to say the least. Morgan will act as a liaison on Rick's behalf, and The Kingdom will come to the rescue.
prevnext2. Dwight
If you've gone toe-to-toe with Daryl Dixon, and come out on top, you've shown you can definitely handle yourself in this world. Dwight has done that, and more, as he bested Daryl on several occasions.
Even with his face in a terrifying state of affairs, Dwight holds a ton of power going into the new season.
His role as Negan's second is a coveted position, and he has inflicted enough pain on Rick and his people to prove he belongs there. As Negan sweeps through the area, controlling the communities, it's Dwight who often comes knocking.
His face is one people have come to fear, and Negan is the only person on the planet Dwight has to answer to. It's a great place to be, in terms of power, but can he hold on to it long-term?
prevnext1. Negan
Negan is, without a doubt, the most powerful individual in The Walking Dead Universe. Plain and simple.
Rick has often showed that his skills as a tactician are unparalleled, and Negan outsmarted him on the first try. No one in the group even saw it coming, and now the leader of the Saviors has everyone helpless.
It's also been made clear that Negan is an incredible leader. He may not be liked by everyone under his control, but he is utterly feared by all. People feel Negan, as terrifying as he is, will keep them safe. If the one person you're scared of is on your side, what is there to worry about?
In addition to his total authoritarian control, Negan also has a disturbingly cheerful demeanor. Instead of appearing angry and controlling to his followers, he puts on a smile and smashes your face in. It's downright scary, and there isn't a single person that can overthrow his rule.
At least, not yet.
Throughout the season, we will revisit these power rankings. As new characters come into the fold, and old ones are eliminated, the power struggle will shift. It will be interesting to see where all of these characters end up at the season's end.
Will Rick take back his top spot? Will Negan continue his dominance? We'll find out when The Walking Dead returns on October 23.
prev