WARNING: Major Spoilers ahead for The Walking Dead comics, especially the All Out War storyline!
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If you’ve been a fan of The Walking Dead for some time, you’re well aware that the show can closely follow the comics during certain story arcs. Then again, sometimes the show veers pretty far off the path, allowing characters like Carol and Morgan to grow even more.
Either way, the comics are a helpful tool when trying to find out more about a certain character, or in which direction the show could go next. This is especially helpful when learning about smaller characters, like Richard.
In the show, Richard is the right-hand of King Ezekiel. While he’s loyal, he’s definitely a little more aggressive than his leader. He’s the only person in The Kingdom actively pursuing a war with the Saviors, as The King wants to be much more patient.
With his reckless behavior, many fans are predicting that Richard could die soon. Whether he picks another fight with a Savior, or tries too hard to push Ezekiel to war, people are starting to feel like Richard’s days could be numbered.
When looking to the comics, that may not exactly be the case.
Again, just to give an extra-fair warning, there will be comic spoilers ahead.
Richard had a much smaller part in the comic than he does in the show. He actually only appeared during a span of four issues. The guy was loyal to his King, and gladly went to war when Ezekiel talked Rick into it.
Yeah, if you didn’t know, Ezekiel was all for the war in the comics. He’s the one who convinced Rick to jump in and fight Negan, not the other way around.
Anyway, during the first big attack on Negan’s men – in issue 118 – Ezekiel and Richard let a group of soldiers to one of the Saviors’ outposts. They were tasked with killing of the soldiers that were stationed there.
During what became a complete failure of an assault, Richard was killed. He was shot by a Savior by standing only a couple of feet from Ezekiel.
Since they are much further from an All Out War on the show, it’s likely that Richard had a chance of surviving a bit more. The only factor that would change this, is Ezekiel’s desire not to fight.
Something will need to convince The King that a war is necessary, and the death of Richard could be that catalyst. Ezekiel will see this as proof Richard was right, as well as the way to fulfill the desires of a fallen friend.
Either way, it’s safe to say that Richard is probably safe this week. Beyond that however, there’s no telling.
MORE THE WALKING DEAD:
Will Carol And Daryl Reunite? / Tom Payne Reveals Jesus’ Sexuality / Rock In The Road Recap / How Will Rick Convince King Ezekiel? / Khary Payton Explains Ezekiel’s Decision
The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.