Glenn is my favorite TWD character. But I have forgiven Negan. He saved Judith. That was enough for me. And his explanation to Maggie that if he could do it over again, he would have killed all of them was spot on.

Negan went from villain to anti-hero to "if Negan dies we riot!"

Becoming the fan favourite after killing the previous fan favourite (Rest in peace, Glenn) is an impressive accomplishment!

Three words for how Negan became the best character: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

This man has been the best character for a long time! The potential for his development was amazing and he is the perfect example of how this world breaks people but they “are not too far gone” - as Rick would say

It's crazy how Glenn was my favourite character in the series, and now his murderer; Negan has become my favourite character. It kinda feels like a bit of a betrayal, but with how well written he is and how much range JDM gives while playing him (and you can tell this role means so much to the actor) you can't resist but love the character. Before he developed and realized the error of his ways, I was eager to see him die for what he did but now I don't want him killed anymore. Not only does Negan's development make him the best character in the series, but I am also enjoying how well the show is handling the development between him and his relationship with Maggie (which is a departure from the comics, that we didn't get to explore). She will never forgive him, but they're slowly understanding each other and letting go of their rivalry as a healthier way to recover from the trauma and ending the cycle of violence. The show is extremely careful with not making them "best friends" or whatever, but it's giving us a slow process on how they're moving towards being on better terms. Which I believe will continue on in their spin-off series

I loved Negan the moment he stepped out of the RV. Because I knew what he would turn out to be. Going by the comics, I knew his redemption arc would be incredible.

We need a negan spin off show me how he built the saviors

Negan repaid his debt to the communities when he hidden blade assassinated alpha. No one else would have been able to infiltrate and Assassinate

Negan is the most honorable leader on the show. Negan always keeps his word. Both Rick and Maggie have killed people after they surrendered despite promising to spare them

I think it’s really cool that Negans technical backstory is that he was a highschool gym teacher and we see his true ability to care for others especially children in the story as his “evil” personality falls away.

Great analysis. After Rick left, Negan has become my favorite character especially seeing his redemption and growth. The last episode of season 11 that aired, where Maggie said she trusted Negan hit me so hard. You earned a subscription sir.

Negan is the reason I watch TWD.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan is like Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, it’s a match made in heaven nobody could’ve done better than them

He's putting his back on the line for carrying the show so damn hard.

He’s the definition of “never let them know you’re next move”

If the show was told from Negan's perspective he would of been the good guy. Instead of "I hate him he bashed Glenn & Abraham's skull in" it would of been "DAMN NEGAN BASHED THEIR SKULLS IN! WHAT A BAD ASS!"

I'll be honest, I don't really see many video essays or anything much besides reviews or theories on The Walking Dead anymore. Most videos I see are "How The Show Fell" and not what it's doing right to rebuild from that, and how good it is, despite its obvious flaws. Absolutely GREAT video!! I really enjoyed it. I love Negan's character so much, and JDM brings so much life to it. There are many characters that go through development on the show, but his is so obvious (obvious in the fact that everyone knew him as a ruthless and crazy leader, now to a caring member of the group, who's gained lots of trust) and fascinating.

I love Negan. To be honest, he's become my favourite character. I do not want him together with Maggie, though. It would feel weird. The "friendship" they're creating is more than enough.

Yeah I definitely agree that he’s redeemed himself for sure and that he’s been carrying this show for quite some time, can’t wait for the Negan and Maggie spin off for them to look for Rick. I honestly do want to know about how he formed the saviors though during the apocalypse. Love the fact that Father Gabriel looks exactly like John the savior from the comics too.

Awesome character analysis! For some reason I get the feeling that Negan is going to give the we are not the walking dead shpeal to older Hershel who is poised to hit Negans head with -insert poetic weapon choice- after they found a way to Rick and the teen feels like he can exact his revenge. Gah. I'm just so excited. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into these videos :). Thanks for contributing to the fandom!

Negan’s the man!!!! Loved him from the jump!! He’s so funny and witty! Definitely up in the top 3 favorites of mine in the show!

Rick passed the touch to Negan.

I got my mom and dad to start watching the walking dead last year when Season 10 was starting to wrap up and us three all have different opinions on Negan. For me I love Negan and I sympathize with him a lot and understand that the apocalypse changes people. My dad is in between, he likes Negan’s humor and personality. But likes others more than him. And then there’s my mom…she sortuv likes Negan but she really wants Maggie or Hershel to kill him. Glenn was my moms favorite character and right as he swung that bat at his head, she full blown started screaming and stomping on the floor. My mom likes Negan’s actor, but every episode we see Negan in. She always says she wants Maggie to kill Jim.

I think you are right. Negan is a product of his experiences. And I see a lot of people say you can't compare Negan to anyone ells; that he is just straight up evil. The truth is many of the shows heroes have had very dark moments including Rick. Many people forget Rick lost his mind for a time after he lost his wife. And I know some people would say "well Rick did not go on a killing spree like Negan", but they forget that Negan killed them because his pain needed a victim. The experience caused him to snap in a different way than Rick. Rick's wife died in labor; there was no one to take her death out on except the dead.

I absolutely love Negan as a character, I'm completely in awe of how well Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrays him, just in general as an actor he deserves all the praise in the world.

Never blamed Negan for Glenn or abe's deaths. They killed 30 if not more of his ppl and he wanted to only kill one which is more then fair imo. Glenn's death is purely Daryl's fault as well and since nobody confronted him about it and he never seemed to regret that fact caused me to never forgive Daryl for it

One of the greatest ironies of watching WD for me has been my two favorite characters. Literally Negan... And Glenn.

As of now he is the only character i still watch the show for

Negan is in my oppinion one of the best characters ever written in a no BS type of way. We know from history that some of the greatest heroes we worship were also pretty disgusting human beings and hated villains to their enemies. There hasnt been one human being that was purely good or evil and i think in special in these times were everyone gets offended by anything, we remember that life isnt like that. People have reasons for being who the are, and what they do. No one is evil in their own mind and any good villain is the hero of his story. The most despicable historical figures had very good intentions, and some of the most applauded examples of kindness also had their very dark secrets. Id like us to differentiate more and stop seeing people as evil or good.

I absolutely adore Negan. I loved every minute I saw of him on screen, dressed up as him for Halloween, and rock a KILLER leather jacket because of him. 100% my favorite character in this show who's still around.

Negan is my favourite character, hands down, he is second in character development to carol and is overall still a funky charismatic good guy, obvs no one's going to forgive him lickety split but I love his dynamic and as you said, parental nature

If you would have told me 6 years ago that Negan would be my favorite character, I would have flipped. I love how they have redeemed him

If Negan and Rick teamed up at first and were never enemies…. I honestly think they could’ve saved humanity. Or been hella close

I cried so hard at the "here's Negan" episode.

Hurt people, hurt people. Negan has grown so much and in such a believable realistic way. He has really carried the show for the last 5 years.

Loved the video! Negan is definitely the most complex character and one with a constant arc being carried out throughout the show. Every moment with Negan reveals something about his character and is essential to his growth.

I think that Negan's character development and redemption arc is one of the most profound elements of current day TWD. He was introduced as a villian, and was a foreboding presence for almost 3 seasons - him and the Saviours underpinned a massive part of the show and really highlighted that Rick and the others weren't as untouchable as they thought. It created massive inner conflict because of how many different approaches were being taken by people like Rosita, Maggie and Rick to actually deal with Negan and the Saviours, and arguably caused Carl's untimely death. Although I think that Carl's death meant nothing in the end because of Siddiq's eventual death in Season 10, you can't say that his death didn't change things. Rick became motivated to build a network of communities and create a civilisation with laws, principles and systems all because of Carl's dying wishes; if Carl was still alive, Rick perhaps may not have had that extra motivation brought on by the intense desire to honour his son and may have led to Negan coming out on top. I loved Glenn and Abraham just as much as the next person, and their deaths were devastating, but their deaths made Rosita and Maggie much better, and more importantly; stronger characters. In Maggie's case, she was pregnant and the loss of Glenn motivated her to want to build a better life for her child. Maggie was far too comfortable at Alexandria and had not experienced any significant change in her life for quite a long time, and Glenn's death was unfortunately the thing that kicked her into gear and made her into the badass that she is today. Rosita was strong to begin with just like Maggie, but Abraham's death after their split and her having to forgive Sasha for what happened between them was something that really showed how good of a person Rosita is and cemented in my mind that she was capable of doing what it took to survive far past what others would. On top of all of that, Negan has truly redeemed himself, and has proven his loyalty the group and ultimately his belief in what Rick began building before his dissapearance. He has tried tirelessly to build bridges with Michonne, Maggie, Rosita, Eugene, Aaron and many more. He has saved multiple people in the group; Judith during the snowstorm, Aaron when he couldn't see properly, Lydia when she was attacked shortly after the deaths of Henry, Tara, Enid, etc at the hands of Alpha, and before her death, saved Sasha from being raped, and killed the man who attempted to do in front of her. He has also done other good deeds, such as trying to save a mother and child, killing Alpha after being an inside spy essentially, and helping Daryl finish off Beta. Not only that, but he has repented for his actions, and admitted that he regrets doing what he did and how things turnt out. Although yes he did admit that if he could do it again he'd of killed everyone in the lineup, he has accepted the situation and tried to gain the trust of everyone he wronged and traumatised. Not to mention that at one point he was literally mantaining large amounts of farmland in Alexandria, and did all the jobs that nobody else wanted to do. I think that he's so so well written, and even if you hate him for his past actions, he's usually right. He's honest, (probably too much) and is genuinely loyal. In the absence of Rick, I secretely always hoped that he'd eventually become part of the council at Alexandria or he would be the one responsible for leading groups when going out on runs - in Season 11B he has definitely become more trusted, and I'm hoping that in 11C he might be trusted enough to work alongside Maggie with zero animosity on either side.

Loved the character the day he was introduced. Also JDM is incredible. Couldn’t have cast a better actor. Imo he has carried this show since ‘Rick’ departed.

Negan is one of my favorite antagonists of all time. This video was great, subbed!

He really went from the most hated to the most loved

Negan caring for kids is the best thing imo because it the fact that he doesn't want to hurt them. Even in an apocalypse you know your boundaries and seeing him visually hurt at the news of Carl's death broke him

So many great actors, fantastic characters, etc etc. Even when Negan was pissing me off early on, I could appreciate what an amazing villain he was. Been missing this show so I like to watch vids about it from time to time. Thanks for this! Such massive character growth with this one.

09:30 when we meet Negan. Rick and the group have just killed 30 of his friends.. He had every reason to believe they were evil, and a threat to his community.. his first cause of action being to make an example out of them. He does.. Though he realises later (His redemption) how many people he truly did harm as a leader, when there were other harder ways to help people. He ruled with the whip instead of a nurturing hand.

That scene of Negan killing Abraham and Glenn still haunts me, even after seeing behind the scenes of Glenn's mask and everything related to that. That super blood chilling speech that Negan was giving, the moves, the "who will die first" anxiety attack, heart pumping like FUCKING crazy... that's why i respect this show.

if negan dies i give up all hope on the show hes simply the best character

Love Negan when he's with the whispers so funny just takes the piss.

People got pissy about Glenn dying and it was so weird. The show didn’t actually start losing steam to me until around the middle of season 7 when it was clear the episodes were gonna be TOO character centric. Also I wasn’t a fan of Rick and Michonne as a romantic couple, I liked them better as a buddy cop combo. Carl dying honestly took my passion out the show, I was so invested in his character, that’s what made me want to tune out but I didn’t until Rick “died”. From there I only watched every now and then. Negan and Simon and Gregory were honestly very good villain additions to the show and provided the most entertaining scenes of seasons 7 and 8, but Negan isn’t someone to lead the series at this time since Carl and Rick aren’t there. It doesn’t really make his transformation that impactful..Negan is the best thing about season 9 and 10, honestly though. The show is only afloat because of him.

Awesome video bud you earned my sub!! And in regards too Negan almost killing Carl in the season 7 finale I see that as Negan (Seeing Red )as he talked about in the season 10 finale and if Negan would have killed Carl I think he would have felt even worse than when he found out Carl died like he originally did in season 8. And during the season 8 finale Negan finally deciding to kill everybody is again him almost seeing red but still being conscious enough to know there's too many threats both within and without his ranks and so this is the only way to end the war. And what separates negan from some other villains is the fact that he's not mentally too far gone! the governor,beta Alpha, the claimers and the cannibals at Terminus they were all rabid and too far gone where as Negan much like Rick is able to tap into that Primal violent side and use it to defend themselves and their people but they never lose self-control like the other villains but Negan in his prime unlike Rick took joy in the violent things they were capable of doing like a sick psychopath,he saw it as a good time and to insert dominance, prove himself bigger badder crazier than those within his ranks and without where has Rick he struggled with that side of himself for a while!

Hands down the best character arc in the entire series. He is so well written and portrayed.

He's been one of my favorite characters since he showed up. Now he's my number one favorite characters

Negan is very similar to Jamie Lannister. At first you develop this pure hatred toward them, and then you slowly grow to love them. Personally i love Negan. He redeems himself despite his past and how he deceives you but end up not being a traitor. You can also tell he hates his past just like any other, but he shows real potential, remorse and love when it is required. Negan is the kind of man who will always stay true to himself while he is able to change his nature for the better. Same goes for Daryl. Daryl & Negan are my favourites without a shadow of doubt. I think my reasons are: they both share a hard and brutal past in each way. They're critical to situations and people that seems off to them, and not scared to speak up if they feel it is needed. Neither of them pretend or act like something they aren't. I especially love the vulnerability. It never falls easy on them, yet their efforts and attempts are genuine to be human and relatable to the other characters of the show or the viewer. Which is also why i think Eugene ends being an absolute beast of a man.

His dedicated episode was one of the best

When he killed Glenn, I started to cry, it genuinely shocked me. He was my favourite from his first episode.

Earned a sub here great character analysis. I remember wanting Negan dead by Ricks own hands cause of what he would put the group through but at the same time loved when he appeared cause he would be intimidating af making the show great at that time & now he is definitely top 3 favorite character. It would’ve been cool to see him run a group again like the sanctuary but with a whole different mindset now that he has a kid on the way.

Negan is honestly the only reason I started watching this show

I really hope Rick does show up in the last season so he can see how much Negan has changed

I don't even see him as changing. He's always been the same man with the same ideals, and has adapted different roles when they make sense. He only looks bad because we follow the characters that he has to punish, and even then showed he valued life by only killing two. Now his empire is down and a dictator isn't what is needed, he's doing the logical thing and being part of the team.

The way his desperation for saving his life blew off when he couldn't save his life,that transition in his character was fair enough to be accepted and his smooth transition with helping the original characters is also amazing. And his paternal instinct is what shows how tender his heart is and how he feels when Carl dies shows the reality of that man. He's my favourite character no matter he killed Abraham and Glenn.

Negan instantly became the best character, the first episode he was in

I knew about the comic before the show, he was my favorite from it. Rick's group had too much plot armor, Negan shook things up and made it interesting again

Negan is the biggest reason I even watching the show, when there is a episode without it already became more boring, I like Daryl Dixon he is always a badass but Negan just makes the show better, no exceptions

So agreed! So many of us canceled the show after he killed Glen, but after watching all of it, the complexity of Negan and the purity of Judith make them the best characters....well, Darryl and Carol are the BEST characters, but Negan and Judith become my favorites.

There has been less than a handful of characters that could single handed fight a hoard of walkers and survive Negen is one of them. Even early on though he had quirks that were odd for his character the attempted rape and his interaction with the kid's other things too. He had a unique personal code that he followed from the word go. Even Sasha's death pained him although there wasn't a lot of time to see it. Here's Negen is one of my favorite episodes.

Great analysis!

I really enjoyed your character development on Negan and agree with your views. I can't wait to see more Negan and Maggie in the future.

I read a fan fic. Basically TWD from negan perspective and it felt very much like braking bad. His character wasn't an evil character but a chaotic one.

tbh i think he hardest hitting death in twd was lucilles death. She thought negan abandoned her and ended it. Probably just a few days ago. Its heartbreaking to see that she really didnt have that much hope negan would come back...

I enjoyed this. I'm still conflicted when it comes to Negan. But the way he's been with the kids, including Herschel is very powerful.

i love how this show forces perspectives in a complex way

love your TWD videos, I'm new to the fandom & your videos are just making me love it even more

You can't deny that Negan has shown that he is a changed man. I can never forgive him for his bad actions, only be grateful that he wants to be different and make up for what he thought he had to become.

i remember sitting there watching the infamous scene with my parents and when the episode ended, i just burst out into the tense silence like ‚oh my god this is AMAZING writing - like, the actor is so COOL and the character is so objectively interesting and fun to watch, he‘s my new favourite-‘ and then i just cut off because they were both staring at me horrifiedly. and my mum just quietly goes ,…bless your enthusiasm but you sound like a total psychopath‘ fair, i guess.

I love your videos! Just discovered them few days ago and I already watched so many of your video-essays about the walking dead. love this content and your way to analayze the seasons, single episodes or characters. just great :) greetings from Germany!!!

I started watched walking dead like a year ago. I knew who negan killed. But still that season finale had my heart racing the whole time. It’s crazy how good the episode was.

It is so crazy how good he is I don't even like TWD but I love watching Jeffery do his thing and he is amazing.

I really wanna know what Rick is gonna react like knowing how much NEGAN changed hell he even risked his life to save ricks daughter

Great video man!!! I completely agree with your opinion on Negan. Still to this day my favorite as well:)

What i find crazy as well is the fact that Negan and Maggie were alone in that house and when Negan said he's leaving and tries to take the food back to the community Maggie starts pushing him and punches his chest. And Negan doesn't even retaliate. It shows that he isn't just trying to minipulate the audience to make us think he's playing the good guy then he's going to do something evil in the second part of season 11, i think that scene shows he has definetly changed. Because he could have just literally beat the shit out of her or killed her but the fact he took it and didn't retaliate shows how much he's changed

I’ve always loved Negan.. and honestly thought he was better as a villain. I loved the dude, Negan was such a bro, couldn’t help but respect tf out of him

The intro to the character was the hard part for me, but I also felt that I needed time to get to know the character, and now that the show is coming to a close, he's definitely one of my favorite characters.

He's been my favourite ever since his introduction. Great character, one with actual development and an arch too.

You know it's some amazing writing casting, and acting when the person who enters the series brutally murdering your favourite character, quickly becomes your favourite character. Never have I had that. Kudos JDM.

I truly believe that Negan is the proof of concept of what Rick said in his speech at the prison: "We all get to come back." If things had happened differently, if fate had allowed, guys like Shane and The Governor probably could have been where Negan is now. His character arc demonstrates, if not the virtue, then the value of mercy, of how killing every enemy you face isn't necessarily the smart thing to do.

Man literally sees any child and is like "mh, yes mine" is is probably the best dead in the apocalypse. He never let that misfortune lash out at kids just adults

This one show of the Walking Dead I wil never forget, so memorable and brutal.

Negan is what Rick would of been had Rick lost everyone in the battle for the prison.

Negan was/is my favorite ever since he stepped out of the RV

He saved Dog, too, when he saved Judith in the snowstorm. Fully redeemed at that point.

Negan is the only man we know of to keep a large settlement alive compare to rick . Negan literally had good system ( by Apocalypse standard) Also had about 2 settlement with agreement toward each other and made sure those settlement were kept in line and never really over stepping them in the process . Dude was like Gangus Kong Only reason why he lost was because he over play his hand and his love for rick

Important to realise there are people out there who don't know of Negan's change, Rick, Morgan, Dwight and Sherry. Wonder if they'll ever meet and what will their reaction be?

I watched TWD for the first time last year. I went in knowing that Negan would kill Glenn at some point, but I didn't know when. Abraham had become one of my absolute favorite characters, so imagine my shock when he dies in this scene before Glenn does. Even knowing the major spoiler I was still shocked. This entire scene was just so expertly well done. And despite hating Negan, I agree that he is one of the best characters on the entire show, and I actually view him more as a better guy in the latest seasons. Ever since Rick left, Negan has become my favorite character. Negan is a rare example of a villain actually changing and becoming more of a hero in a way.

i suffered all those seasons waiting for negan to show up

Agreed from from seasons 7 to 11 his been my favourite character in the show.

Negan is one of the few good points of season 7-8 and by in large the plot of those seasons is great, it’s just annoying that they dragged it out over 2 seasons. They took way to long to explain way to many things.

Best character I hope he never killed and he plays more like him. Loved him in Rampage...

You are so underrated man

I lovvve you walking dead videos! I know I’m probably the only person that hasn’t seen game of thrones, but I JUST finally started watching it and the spoiler at the end of this video?!? Ughhhh 😭😭😭💔💔💔

Negan is the best character hands down…..

I legit never ever hated negan lol, his charisma made him so likeable to me I honestly didnt even care he killed glenn and abe. Been one of if not my favorite character since “pissin our pants yet?”