WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead season 11, episode 22The Walking Dead season 11, episode 22 finally turned Negan into a true hero. The character has reverted to his old ways from time to time after undergoing a redemption arc in seasons 9 and 10. This is shown in his mocking Glenn's death and leaving Maggie for dead. Yet The Walking Dead season 11, episode 22 proves Negan's redemption is finally complete.
In The Walking Dead season 11, episode 22, "Faith," Negan and Ezekiel plot to form a resistance against the Commonwealth when the Warden becomes aware of their plans. At first, as he indicates to Ezekiel, it appears Negan is going to betray the group to protect Annie and their unborn child. This serves to make it more surprising and satisfying when he chooses to give himself up as the sole person responsible for the uprising. The moment gives Negan's redemption in The Walking Dead a definitive conclusion, and in doing so honors the memory of Rick Grimes in a way that would make him proud.
Negan's Sacrifice Proves His Redemption Is Complete
Throughout his entire journey in The Walking Dead, Negan has mostly been about self-preservation and survival. It's these desires that led him to commit some of his worst atrocities. Even when he started changing for the better in seasons 9 and 10, those desires were still there, most evident by those actions mentioned above as well as his declaration that he would kill the entire group if he had the chance again. To that end, his intention to sacrifice himself to protect others proves that those desires no longer control him anymore.
Negan's sacrifice ultimately proves that he has finally become a true hero. What's most telling about this change is that it helps Ezekiel see him as a better man, leading to his surprising decision in The Walking Dead season 11 episode 22, "Faith," where he defends Negan from being executed. This is particularly powerful because up until that point, Ezekiel refused to absolve Negan for his past actions. It all serves to show that he has finally proven to everyone that he is a changed man.
Negan Proves The Spirit Of Rick Grimes Is Alive In TWD
In giving up his life for the greater good, Negan also proves that the spirit of Rick Grimes still thrives in the world of The Walking Dead. For all his time as leader, Rick made decisions that would involve putting his life on the line for others. While it may not have always worked, it still showed how strong his resolve is. That this nobility has now rubbed off on one of his greatest enemies proves that Rick Grimes's impact on The Walking Dead is still felt, and also proves that his decision to spare Negan is not for nothing.
For now, it's safe to assume Negan will not be dying anytime soon during The Walking Dead season 11, as he is set to appear in Dead City alongside Maggie. What's important for now is that he has finally proven that his redemption did not falter, and he is a better person because of it. Only time will tell if Negan continues down this path of heroism. Fortunately, his decision in The Walking Dead season 11, episode 22 is a good sign of things to come.
New episodes of The Walking Dead premiere every Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC and one week early on AMC+.