The Walking Dead: Chandler Riggs Reveals Why Carl Respects Negan

Spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 7 follow.

Carl’s iconic eye scar reveal and sing-a-long moments from The Walking Dead comics were realized on television in Sunday’s “Sing Me A Song” Episode 7×07.

Naturally, fans are wondering why Negan doesn’t just kill Carl after he snuck into the back of one the Saviors’ trucks and used a machine gun to mow down a few men upon arrival. Clearly, Negan has some sort of twisted interest or respect for the little Grimes boy.

However, it may come as surprise to learn that Carl reciprocates that weird unexpected respect.

“I think the whole reason behind Negan bringing Carl to the Sanctuary is to build more respect from carl towards Negan,” Carl Grimes actor Chandler Riggs said on Talking Dead on Sunday night. “I think it works for the most part.”

Carl, a teenager forced to grow up in the apocalypse, is tired of being treated like a kid. That’s no secret. He has lashed out at his father a few times when he is told to “stay in the house” or anything along those lines. Negan, on the other hand, doesn’t treat anyone like a kid.

“Negan treats Carl like an adult which is kind of cool because you see Rick and Michonne treating Carl like a kid,” Riggs said.

Furthermore, Carl is facing a moral dilemma of who to follow.

“Carl is really not sure where to go,” Riggs said.

In The Walking Dead comics, Carl never goes so far as to align himself with Negan and the Saviors. Viewers likely won’t have to worry about Rick’s only son betraying him in favor of the guy who killed their friends, regardless of how many life lessons Negan thinks he has to offer.

MORE WALKING DEAD:Major Events Teased In Opening Credits / What Did That Sign Say In 7×07? / Danai Gurira On Michonne Filling Key Comic Book Role / Austin Nichols Say Spencer Wants To Be A Leader / Season 7 Has Actually Been Packed With Great Content / Midseason Finale Preview / Photos Of Carl’s Eye Socket Reveal / Is Negan Going To Kill Judith?

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.