The Walking Dead: S7 Mid-Season Premiere Glance

So, The Walking Dead is back after its winter break. When we left our main characters before Christmas, they had soon grown tired of Negan's dictatorship over them and knew it was a system that just couldn't continue. Reuniting with the previously held prisoner by the Saviors Daryl, the smell of an uprising was in the air. The mid season premier built on that feeling although it also let us know that this uprising would be anything but easy.

The first thing to say about the episode is that it definitely benefited from a lack of Negan. I'm a big fan of the character and of Jeffrey Dean Morgans portrayal of him. However, because he is such a big character I found that he overshadowed pretty much everyone else he appeared on screen with. Aside from a couple of voice overs courtesy of a stolen Savior , he was absent but I don't think that was a bad thing. If anything, I didn't really notice that he wasn't in the episode. Of course, while Negan himself may not have appeared, his right hand man Simon certainly made his presence known.

Simon the Savior is a truly terrifying
antagonist.

Steven Ogg is excellent as the psychotic Simon. In many ways, he plays the role like his GTA5 character Trevor. He's menacing, unpredictable and truly terrifying because of that. While Negan 'plays' by a set of rules, you get the feeling that were Simon in charge he wouldn't. For that reason, while the removal of Negan is obviously of the most import, at least he keeps Simon on a leash. If Simon were in charge then life for the other communities would probably be far worse. In the premiere, he seemed to take delight in smashing up Alexandria during a failed hunt for Daryl.

Rick and Michones impressive new way of dispatching
walkers was a great scene!

Possibly the biggest talking point, well one of them at least, of the whole episode has to be the cable dispatch of a walker herd. Upon coming across a steel cable laced with explosives that ran across a highway (to keep a herd away from the Saviors base no doubt), Rick knew that they needed the dynamite and rockets for their fight against Negan. However, the herd was soon upon them so Rick and Michone each drove a car which was attached to the cable down the highway, slicing walkers in two. Arguably one of the most impressive ways we've seen walkers be dispatched so far!

In an episode with so many talking points, it's hard to pick a second and final one to talk about. However, that ending has to at least get a mention. The episode was titled Rock in the Road and Ricks smile said it all. In any other time, being surrounded by a huge gang of armed people would've spelt danger. Here, it means that Rick has found a way of moving his particular rock; Negan and the Saviors. With the Kingdom refusing to have any part in a potential uprising (although that is sure to change), Rick knew he was short of people and weapons. This new group, should he manage to get them onside, solves both of those problems and will only help our survivors in their upcoming fight against the Saviors.

What did you think of the season 7 midseason premiere and what do you think is next for our survivors? Also, where the hell is Father Gabriel? Please, feel free to comment below...