The Walking Dead: Rick And Michonne’s “Honeymoon” Was A Sixteen Candles Tribute

Spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 12 follow.

The Walking Dead‘s executive producer Greg Nicotero is a truly passionate fan of the horror genre. When he is offered opportunities to helm episodes of the AMC series as a director, he often plus tributes to some of his favorite or more inspirational horror films where they fit — especially with the walkers.

However, Sunday night’s Say Yes episode of The Walking Dead featured a very different kind of tribute.

In the moments which saw Rick and Michonne hiding out in an abandoned school, chowing down on the best food they have seen in weeks and sharing smiles all the while, the characters were the centerpiece of a tribute to Sixteen Candles.

Nicotero joined ComicBook.com for its live recap show After the Dead following Sunday’s episode, where he revealed the details of Rick and Michonne’s “honeymoon” scene.

“That’s my Sixteen Candles scene,” Nicotero said. “I literally set the shots to mirror the end sequence in Sixteen Candles. Even the way they’re sitting and facing each other. I just really, really loved that you see them smile, and you see them laugh. And it really is the first time in my opinion, that we’ve seen these two act like a couple. They’re on a honeymoon. They’re out and they’re doing their thing and they’re raiding these houses and they’re getting it on in the van. A lot of it is, ‘Okay, no one’s around, let’s actually get a chance to be ourselves for a little bit.’ So, we had a lot of fun and I know they had a lot of fun with the episode.”

Chili and mac & cheese will never be the same for fans of The Walking Dead. Not unless they come in the same bag.

MORE WALKING DEAD: Did We Just Meet The Whisperers? / Gallery Of Rick And Michonne Getting It On / Another Sign Michonne Is Taking Andrea’s Place / ‘Say Yes’ Recap With Spoilers / Nicotero On Sasha And Rosita’s Mission / The Sixteen Candles Tribute In ‘Say Yes’

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