The Walking Dead Season 8 shook up our character Power Rankings in a major way. Rick, Negan, Maggie, and Simon all took turns at the top while newer characters Alden, Henry, and Jadis also made appearances. Now that the dust has settled, here are the final Power Rankings after Week Sixteen of Season 8.
1. Rick (+2)
After two and a half seasons Eugene Rick finally defeated Negan and the Saviors once and for all. Despite Maggie’s secret plans, Rick can now focus on rebuilding his communities and establishing a real civilization. As we’ve seen in the comics, keeping Negan alive is a risky move, but one that could end up paying off in the future.
2. Maggie
It’s understandable Maggie was upset over Rick’s decision to save Negan, but to what end? Could she really be planning a mutiny with Jesus and Daryl after their communities all finally got along? Is it worth causing more division? I guess we’ll have to wait until Season 9.
3. Ezekiel (+4)
Now that Ezekiel’s moved back to his Kingdom he’s also moved back up the character Power Rankings. With Jerry, Carol, and even Henry by his side and the threat of the Saviors removed the Kingdom should thrive from here on out. What could go wrong?
4. Michonne (+1)
Michonne was once again a badass this episode. Being Rick’s second-in-command brings a lot of power and we can’t wait to see how she wields it in Season 9.
5. Daryl
We were just as surprised as you were to see Daryl joining Maggie and Jesus’ potential treason against Rick. If they want Negan dead so bad why not just kill them? You’re going to bide your time? Ok, cool.
6. Cyndie
Cyndie finally got off her ass and did something when she went 0-Battle of the Bastards to save the Hilltop. Sure, it took a starved guy to convince her, but she avenged the loss of her people nonetheless.
7. Carol (+3)
It makes sense that Carol joined Ezekiel at the Kingdom – she belongs there. Hopefully her isolation cottage days are behind her and she can work herself into her new community.
8. Jesus (+8)
Jesus literally kicked ass this episode and is still Maggie’s #2 – so thus we added him to the Top 10 in our Power Rankings. His willingness to join Maggie and Daryl in their potential coup is bad news for Rick.
9. Eugene
Eugene really, really, really came through this episode when his plan to overthrow the Saviors with some rigged bullets actually worked. Admittedly, it was fun seeing the fans turn on Eugene so quickly and then make an about face in the Finale. We’d propel him even higher but his work here is done. Lots of Eugene comic storylines to potentially get through in the future!
10. Rosita (-1)
Even though Eugene saved the day it was rewarding to see Rosita sock him in the jaw for vomiting on her. We’re only moving her down because Jesus moved up.
11. Aaron (+1)
Aaron should starve himself more often if the results are this effective. Kidding, but the former recruiter-turned-soldier really came through this episode when he led Oceanside thwart the Saviors’ plans at the Hilltop.
12. Jerry (+4)
The worst part of this episode was that we didn’t get to see Jerry use his battle axe again, but still – we’ve been generous to second-in-commands and Jerry is no exception. He survived the season – yay!
13. Siddiq
Siddiq’s medical ‘expertise’ has proven to be extremely valuable in the back half of the season. Sure, his story about his mom we never met that Carl somehow honored fell flatter than Kyrie Irving’s Earth theory. But Siddiq serves an important role and he’s ranked this high for a reason.
14. Tara
Tara really stepped up this season. Sure, Aaron and the ladies of Oceanside saved her ass, but she was completely willing to nearly sacrifice herself to protect her home.
15. Enid (+1)
Even though Enid didn’t play a major part in the end, she still holds some power at The Hilltop as one of Maggie’s confidants. Will she join Daryl and Jesus in rebelling against Rick or form her own plan?
16. Alden (+3)
It looks like former Savior Alden is here to stay. And that looks to be a good thing as the communities try to rebuild. Some fans have theorized that he’s a version of Dante from the comics. Although we can’t confirm or deny that it would mean big storylines between him and Maggie in the future. Or you know, maybe not.
17. Father Gabriel (+4)
Father Gabriel is finally free! Sure he’s blind and almost got murdered twice in the span of an hour, but he survived. And being free means you’re free to rise the rankings.
18. Negan (-17)
How the mighty have fallen. Negan began the season on top of our character Power Rankings and almost never surrendered the spot save for times Maggie, Rick, or Simon briefly took the lead. But now that he’s lost his community and become a prisoner in the place he once ruled over, Negan holds almost no power in the zombie apocalypse.
Off The List
Since Lennie James left for Texas, Dwight left to find his wife, Jadis Anne straight up left, and Gregory’s a prisoner we decided to remove them from our character Power Rankings. Not a permanent indictment, just a reflection of how the power structure currently stands.
What did YOU think of this season’s final Walking Dead Power Rankings? Let us know in the comments!
I was under the assumption that Jadis was leaving for Alexandria and not flat leaving. But maybe I missed something.
She left for Alexandria at the suggestion of Morgan, yep.
Siddiq should be rated higher & Carl should be on this list. If it weren’t for both of them, Negan’s ass would be DEAD.
show Siddiq sucks….he comes off as a winey sjw college kid…..comic siddiq is much better
He’s realistic. I like ’em. Can’t really tell much about the one in the comic except that he has a conscience.