Negan's whole point of view, his whole approach to the apocalypse, and to his life, is pretty tested.' To test whether his approach really works, and if it doesn't work with a guy like Rick. That what he's doing and how he does it is not only explained a bit more - his thinking and why he does how he does - but also to test that. For him to be tested in ways that aren't just physical.

When asked about his goals for Negan this season, the showrunner explains, 'It was to dig a little deeper into him.

Gimple hints that we'll be learning a lot more about Negan in Season 8, especially when it comes to challenging the seemingly confident villain's worldview (something that Gabriel could feasibly be a part of). Seth Gilliam as Father Gabriel Stokes - The Walking Dead _ Season 8, Episode 1 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC Credit: But, they do some wonderful work together.' They're two just tremendous actors, and sometimes you game it like, 'Let's see those guys together.' There's actually a pretty big point to it. 'I mean, when they first interacted in Alexandria, I thought it was hilarious. 'It's just interesting to see them learn about one another, and to interact,' showrunner Scott Gimple tells us. While you might expect Negan to want to kill the preacher outright (or at least use him as a human shield), it sounds like there'll be a little more to their storyline in coming episodes. The triumphant tone of the premiere fulfilled the promise of the Season 7 finale and leveled the playing field between Rick's posse and the bad guys ending with the Saviors' base being overrun with walkers and leaving two unlikely characters - Negan and Father Gabriel - trapped in a trailer with no obvious way out. The title for The Walking Dead's Season 8 premiere couldn't be more appropriate after last season saw our heroes being continually outwitted and oppressed by Negan and his brutal Saviors, this opening hour showed our characters and the audience some mercy, with the forces of Alexandria, Hilltop and the Kingdom banding together to fight back against the bat-wielding bully. Entertainment > TV Shows This recap contains spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 8, episode 1, titled 'Mercy.'

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