Why Eugene Is The Smartest Character On The Walking Dead

03/05/2017 06:33 pm EST

If you've survived for a couple of years in a zombie apocalypse, you've got to be one of three things. You're either incredibly strong, incredibly smart, or a little bit of both. Most major characters on The Walking Dead - like Rick, Michonne, and Negan - fall into the latter category.

Eugene however, is a much different kind of man. Many have thought him to be useless, surrounding himself with stronger people in order to stay alive. That may be true, but doesn't that make him incredibly intelligent?

In fact, you could argue that Eugene is the smartest guy around. After last week's episode, that could be more accurate than anyone's willing to admit.

See, Eugene is the ultimate survivor. There's all this talk about rising above your surroundings, and not letting the apocalypse change you. Eugene though, he survives by doing exactly the opposite. This guy is the chameleon of The Walking Dead.

Because Eugene wants to live, more than he wants anything else, he's willing to do whatever it takes. That could mean lying to a friend, that could mean kneeling to an enemy. Eugene won't hesitate to become what he needs to be in order to survive.

However, in those actions, Eugene finds a way to secretly hold the upper-hand. Because of his perceived-innocence, people believe Eugene has no reason to lie. Everyone - Negan included - thinks that the babbling coward act being put on is a sign of weakness. It's quite the opposite though.

Eugene can make anyone believe anything, because they look right past him. By letting others see his fear, and by keeping that awful mullet on his head, Eugene is able to slip under the radar. He's useful enough that no one wants to be rid of him, but he seems too timid to be seen as a threat.

Eugene is the perfect combination of what he needs to be. The man will adapt to whatever situation is facing him, and he'll find a way to come out on the other side. He's a survivor, no matter how much you want to deny it.

Following Sunday's new episode, executive producer of The Walking Dead and director of Say Yes, Greg Nicotero will join ComicBook.com's live after show, After the Dead, for an exclusive interview recapping the episode and previewing the final four episodes of Season 7. For more information regarding how to join After the Dead live, click the image below!

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

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