After what seems like years of waiting, we are now mere hours away from The Walking Dead’s season six premiere! And so in between baking Carol cookies and coiffing my Eugene inspired mullet, I bring to you predictions!
6. – Daryl Gets His Groove Back
As a huge fan of Daryl (Norman Reedus) from seasons one and two, it’s been disappointing to watch what was once a nuanced character become so, well, emo. The expected arrival of comic fan favorite Paul Monroe, aka Jesus, puts the position of Daryl somewhat in jeopardy. Monroe is an able survivalist who becomes one of Rick’s most trusted allies. Sound familiar? The show needs to remind viewers of the reasons why we first fell in love with Daryl, and so I’m expecting to see a less teary-eyed and more badass Daryl take center stage. And if this metamorphosis could involve Carol (Melissa McBride), that would be even better!
5. – You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!- The Carl Version
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I am not Carl’s (Chandler Riggs) biggest fan. And so it might be with more than a little sadism on my part that I am actively hoping that one of the comic book’s most memorable storylines comes to fruition. Carl losing his eye actually opens up a wealth of storyline potential and could be a defining moment in helping to transition that character from child to adult in the eyes of the audience.
4. – New Relationships Take Center Stage
Carol & Morgan: While my shipper heart will always belong to Caryl, it is impossible not to get excited for a Carol/Morgan relationship! Yes, as fans have rightly pointed out, there is no reason to think these two will be paired up given that the characters have yet to officially meet. But I’ve been hoping for a relationship between these two, platonic or not, for a while. Melissa McBride and Lennie James are easily the show’s strongest actors and pairing them together should make for some explosive and memorable moments.
Rick and Jessie: Do I believe that Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Jessie (Alexandra Breckenridge) are destined to walk hand in hand into the sunset? Hell, no! In fact, I don’t believe Jessie will survive the season. But there is something to be said for seeing a Rick in a relationship with someone whose only knowledge of him is what she has seen in Alexandria. It allows Rick to either gravitate to his better angels or to devolve entirely away from the man we met in the series pilot. Either option opens up a wealth of story.
Abraham and Hilltop: While the season five finale hinted that things were thawing out between Abe and Rosita (Christian Serratos), my guess is that big things await the red headed, ex-military man this season. I don’t have the sense that the relationship awaiting Abraham will be romantic, but I do think he is destined to form a deep relationship with another character. We’ve seen hints of a very complicated man whose instinct, at times, can be self-destructive. I predict a major moment for Abraham that fans will be talking about. And I think that moment may have to do with Hilltop.
3. – Michonne Gets A Storyline!
That The Walking Dead has yet to capitalize on the talents of Danai Gurira seems inexplicable. Michonne is a fan favorite mostly known for her kickass katana wielding, but flashback scenes have hinted at a highly charged, emotional backstory. My prediction for this season is that the show finally gives Michonne some much-needed layers (and a substantial storyline!) that will highlight the true complexity of Gurira’s performance.
2. – A Serious Villain Arrives
The show is at its best when the monstrosity of the survivors complements the monstrosity of the zombies. The Governor’s death left a Big Bad void that has yet to be filled. So while it still may be a bit early timeline-wise, I can’t help but hope that Negan and his barbed wire encrusted bat, Lucille, make an appearance in the second half of the season. In the comics, Negan cements his evilness by killing Glenn (Steven Yeun) in horrific fashion. Speculation has run rampant that Daryl could find himself on the wrong end of Lucille. And while I don’t think AMC is quite ready to jump off the Reedus moneymaking train, I do think a big death is coming.
1. – Carol Lives!
Okay, this is less of a prediction and more a groveling plea to Scott Gimple. But I have to believe that the executive producer knows what he has in both Carol Peletier and Melissa McBride and that he won’t be tempted to do anything stupid like introduce Carol to Lucille.
Bonus: Who Dies
We know it’s impossible to get through a season of The Walking Dead without some heartbreaking losses. My predictions for this year’s casualty list:
Jessie
Sam
Deanna
Spencer
Eugene
Father Gabriel (well okay, I don’t actually think he’ll die. But one can wish)
