CLEVELAND, Ohio – This has been one of the best, most action packed stretches in "The Walking Dead's" history. Yet, everyone seems focused on one moment that won't come for a few more weeks.
The arrival of Negan, "The Walking Dead" comic book's most popular and ruthless villain, has loomed large over Season 6. Rick, Daryl and the group will head to Negan and the Saviors' compound during tonight's episode. We may (but probably won't) meet Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
The reason everyone seems so transfixed on Negan's arrival is because of what it means for a major character.
[SPOILERS Ahead]
In Robert Kirkman's comic, Negan takes out his aggression on Rick's group by bashing Glenn's head in with a baseball bat. It's a stunning and monumental moment.
The fact "The Walking Dead" controversially teased Glenn's death during the first half of Season 6 has opened the door to speculation as to who Negan will actually kill. Uproxx thinks the evidence points towards Daryl Dixon, because he took out a group of Saviors during the season premiere. I'm not so sure.
TV Guide thinks Michonne is an option, now that she's dating Rick (a kiss of death for previous female cast members). Personally, I've had my sights set on Heath since actor Corey Hawkins signed on for Fox's "24" reboot.
Yet, if that were the case then you would have to look hard at Michonne and Daryl, as both Danai Gurira and Norman Reedus are participating in other film projects. You'd also have to consider Lauren Cohan made time to film the three movies that come out this year, including "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (Jeffrey Dean Morgan appears in that one too). She's still on the show.
Negan For fans worried about Daryl or Michonne, you can probably relax. Despite several characters biting the dust over the past six and a half seasons, none of the deaths have been all that shocking.
Characters like Shane, Lori and Dale all die at some point in the comic book. T-Dog, Bob and Sophia never seemed essential to the show. Tyreese, Andrea and Hershel's death were all predictable to some extent.
You could make the case the only exception was Beth. Personally, I saw her death coming from a mile away. However, "The Walking Dead" showrunners toyed with our emotions in finally giving Beth a compelling storyline right before blowing a hole in her head.
Daryl and Michonne's deaths would absolutely be shocking. And you have to wonder: Other than the surprise factor, what does "The Walking Dead" gain from killing either of then off? This is the most marketable in the history of television and, outside of Rick Grimes, those are the two most marketable characters.
I'm still leaning towards Heath, given the high profile nature of a "24" reboot. It's hard to imagine him being on both shows or "The Walking Dead" recasting him. Given the way this season has progressed, I also wouldn't rule out someone like Abraham, Tara or even Morgan, whose view on humanity might come back to bite him.
It's fun to speculate. But it's important we remember we'll likely have to wait until the season finale for answers. Even then, the show could leave us with a cliffhanger as to whom he kills.
For now, enjoy the next four episodes, as more characters are introduced and riveting storylines take shape.