"The Walking Dead" season 8 premiere is just around the corner, and the fans should prepare for a great battle as Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his allies go head-to-head against the ruthless Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and the Saviors. To get a greater chance to win the fight, the show is expected to reinvent Rick into someone that will lead the group to victory.
Vanity Fair noted that "The Walking Dead" season 8 may feature a refreshing change in the character of Rick Grimes. For the past several seasons, Rick has served as the ring leader of the group of survivors. His leadership has led the people to safety, although there are occasions that his hasty decisions have done more harm than good for the group. This flawed side of Rick's leadership was clearly depicted in season 7, where Negan succeeded in reducing the Alexandrians into his servants. This time around, Rick may finally realize that he is not the true leader that the group needs.
In the latest teaser from AMC, it is getting more likely that "The Walking Dead" season 8 will feature Rick stepping down as the leader of the group. He will be passing the power to lead the people onto Maggie (Lauren Cohan), who he sees as the more capable head of the team. According to the online publication, Rick's decision to turn over the responsibility to Maggie might greatly benefit the entire group.
At the New York Comic Con panel this week, Lincoln himself confirmed that his character is willing to hand over his leadership to Maggie. The actor stated that Rick is not focused on running a team, but to make the world a better and peaceful place.
"[Rick is] not a politician; he's a general," Lincoln said. "He's a sheriff's deputy, that's where he comes from." In a separate report from NME, Lincoln revealed at the New York Comic Con that Rick is very much "willing to die" if that is what it takes to end Negan's reign of terror.
"The Walking Dead" season 8 will premiere on Oct. 22, 9 p.m. EDT on AMC. The new season's premiere this Sunday will also mark the series' 100th episode.
