The Walking Dead Midseason Report Card: Best Episode, Most Emotional Death and More!

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Negan has arrived.

OK, well he technically made an appearance on The Walking Dead Season 6 Episode 16, but The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 1 is where he really got things going in violent and graphic fashion with the deaths of two main characters.

And Negan and the Saviors' presence and dominance have been hanging over The Walking Dead Season 7 ever since.

In fact, this seventh season of the series has featured a broken and divided Rick and company, each trying to make their way in this Negan-ruled world. Though, from the looks of The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 8, Alexandria and company may be gearing up to fight back.

But just how good was the first half of The Walking Dead Season 7?

It's time to break it all down for you with the latest TV Fanatic Report Card!

1. Best Episode

This one will probably have varied answers from the fans. While I initially would have said The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 4 because of the fantastic performances from Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Andrew Lincoln, and the ability to create tension and suspense without actually killing anyone, I'm going to choose The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 8. This was an episode that again showcased Negan, but it highlighted various characters and was the turning point in Rick choosing not to fight back. And how fantastic was Rick and Daryl's reunion as the characters got back together at the Hilltop? It moved the story along and made me excited to see what's coming up next.

2. Worst Episode

The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 5 was just boring. While it was great to see Maggie getting a chance to step up and show off her leader skills, I wound up not really caring. And what was up with basically no one even in the Hilltop community? And then there was the Carl and Enid storyline/romance that was tedious and uninteresting. This was an hour I don't need to revisit again.

3. Most Intriguing New Character

I was super skeptical of Ezekiel, and the way he spoke throughout The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 2 just felt like a stretch. Yet, when he revealed that it was all an act, a role for him to take on to help lead people, more depth was added to the character. It made me want to learn more about him, and I'm curious to see how he interacts with Rick and company. Oh, and he has a tiger.

4. Most Annoying Fake Out

The Walking Dead needs to stop with the fake outs, especially in the seventh season. Cliffhangers are fine, but pretending to kill a character off, followed by a "Nope! We got you!" is just annoying. And the one that comes to mind was on The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 6, making Tara and viewers think Heath was dead, except he wasn't, or at least the walker with a similar hairstyle wasn't him. Just an eye-rolling moment for sure.

5. Best Villain

It's got to be Negan. This leader of the Saviors is charming and vile at the same time, and he's got no problem killing his enemies himself. And the brutal way he killed Glenn and Abraham? This is one scary guy that has earned his title as the best villain... which will make his eventual defeat that much more fantastic.

6. Most Emotional Death

Glenn's death on The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 1 was a major gut-punch. Abraham's death to lead off the premiere seemed like a safe pick for the show, but when Negan decided to bash in the head of a second, and it was Glenn, it was a shock. Sure, it was in the comics, but after the debacle with the magic dumpster, it seemed like Glenn would be safe. And on top of that, it was heartbreaking to see him calling out to Maggie while sputtering through his last moments of life. This is a character we've been with since the beginning, and he will be sorely missed.

7. Least Interesting Romance

Sorry, but rollerskating Enid and Carl top this award. There's nothing really there between them, and devoting huge chunks of time to them together feels like such a waste. I just wind up rolling my eyes and hoping we get on to something else. It's great for Carl to get a little romance, but it's just not working here.

8. Standout Performance

Jeffrey Dean Morgan has been captivating in his role as Negan, but I'm going to give this one to Andrew Lincoln. Portraying a normally resolute leader with a bad-ass edge, Lincoln has been able to illustrate a broken Rick Grimes this season. He's revealed a new side to Rick, and in so many scenes he's been able to provide an emotional and heartbreaking performance without any dialogue. Lincoln definitely deserves more recognition for his work in this role.

9. Community with its Members Least Likely to be Around

Looking at you Hilltop. You may have a great character like Jesus in your company, and then there's Gregory, but who else is there? Whenever we've popped into this community this season, it felt like there's no one to be found aside from the main characters, and that's including Sasha and Maggie. Where are you all? Hiding? Sleeping? Seriously, where do you all go during the day?

10. Best Reunion

Rick and Daryl reuniting was an emotional and well-played out scene. No dialogue was necessary as these two "brothers" got back together again. And to top it off, Daryl handed Rick his gun, which means Negan better get ready. A war is on the way.

11. Overall Grade

The Walking Dead Season 6 Part 1 gets a C+. Agree? Disagree? What would you grade it?

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