The Walking Dead: Austin Nichols Says Spencer Wants To Be A Leader

Spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 4 follow.

Spencer’s defiance was on display by the end of Sunday’s extended episode of The Walking Dead. The last remaining member of the Monroe family audibly disagreed with Rick’s leadership, namedropping Glenn and Abraham along the way.

The young gun in Alexandria just wants to be a leader. Speaking to Spencer actor Austin Nichols, ComicBook.com got the breakdown of Sunday night’s events from the perspective of the character.

“One thing that I found in Spencer that I really like is he actually really loves his life and respects Rick,” Nichols said. “I think he wants to be a leader like Rick is. His mom was such a smart and powerful leader. I think what he does is he just rushes out too soon and he doesn’t have the experience that others have. His heart is in the right place. He wants to be a hero. He wants to help, he wants to do the right things. He just rushes out too quick.”

Spencer needs some sort of guidance in his life. After losing both of his parents, a major conflict hides inside of him. It’s part of the reason he chooses to hide guns and steal food, regardless of what the repercussion which may come with those actions.

Those questionable decisions almost cost Olivia her life and might just cost Spencer his should he not smarten up. Are there more bad choices ahead?

“I think that there might be a few more bumps in the road, but I do believe that he’s on his way to becoming a good leader,” Nichols said. “He just needs some help. He needs a tutor, he needs a mentor.”

That tutor likely won’t be Rick Grimes. Spencer’s comments landed him on Rick’s s— list, for sure.

“I remember doing that scene and I remember just looking down on Andy the whole time and I’m like, ‘The balls on this mother—er. I’m standing over you,’” Nichols said. “He’s such an incredible, Rick is such a great fighter. He’s so smart. He’s so ballsy and confident. I don’t know, I love Rick. As a viewer I love watching Rick and seeing him do that. Yeah, Spencer definitely has an ego. Along with the things that make him more human, the fact that the does know that he’s made mistakes and his heart is in the right place. Despite that he does have an ego, too. I think some of him maybe wants recognition that what he said to Rick was right.”

After all, Spencer did suggest making a deal with Negan and the Saviors rather than trotting out with an unfounded overconfidence which got two members of the squad killed.

MORE WALKING DEAD:

Negan’s Five Most Outrageous Lines In ‘Service’ / Christian Serratos On Potential Rosita And Eugene Love Story / Eugene And Rosita Love Story Ahead? / Danai Gurira On Michonne Filling Key Comic Book Role / ‘Go Getters’ Sneak Preview Released / What Did Michonne Find? / Austin Nichols Say Spencer Wants To Be A Leader

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.