Season 7 Spoilers ahead, you've been warned*
The season seven premiere of The Walking Dead aired on Sunday. I've been anxiously awaiting the news of who Negan would finally kill after the long wait and cliffhanger season six ending. With all the time in between, there was a lot of speculation of who would get the ax, or rather, the bat. That being said, I had mentally prepared myself for this episode, but I honestly was not prepared at all. Here are just some of the emotions that I experienced as I watched the beginning of a story-changing season.
1. Fear
I don't think I really understood what Negan was capable of at the end of season six. Sure, it looked like Rick and his group were in some trouble, but I'm always used to them coming out on top despite everything. As I watched the opening scenes and watched Rick's reaction to everything around him, I knew the group would not be coming out unscathed. There was a point during the episode where Negan's kills are unveiled and my heart actually started racing. Negan isn't afraid to use brute force and fear to get what he wants and that became very evident this episode. It also sets the tone for the rest of the season and honestly the rest of the storyline. Negan has become a catalyst for many characters and for how the story is going to play out.
2. Anger
Ah, Daryl. How I've enjoyed seeing your character progress since the first season. I'm ready to fight the fan girls, but Daryl, you messed up big time. I remember watching Abraham get his face bashed in and then you had to do something about it, which is understandable considering your character. However, YOU GOT GLENN KILLED. I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to forgive you for that one quite yet.
3. Sadness
I love Abraham, don't get me wrong. But I wasn't ready for Glenn to go. Throughout the series, he became my favorite character, along with Maggie. And now, he's gone. He won't get to see his baby. Maggie has basically lost everyone. It's probably the most heartbreaking moment of the entire series. Not to mention his final words as he's struggling to breathe "Maggie, I'll find you". I don't think I've ever been more upset about a character death in any show or movie until this moment.
All in all, it was a brutal season premiere. However, I'm really excited to see how this is going to affect decision making and Rick's group moving forward not only for this season, but the seasons to come.
