After last weeks heart breaking premiere, The Walking Dead gave fans a break and introduced them to The Kingdom. The Kingdom is an utopian colony that provides safe refuge for Carol and Morgan after their run in with The Saviors. The two learn of the generosity of The Kingdom’s leader King Ezekiel and some of his secrets. Being that this episode was King Ezekiel centric, here are some highlights from the episode and variations of Ezekiel’s character in the graphic novels. 

***CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS!! YOU ARE NOW READING AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION***

King Ezekiel 

Episode 2 of Season 6 was centered around The Kingdom and the two new inhabitants, Carol and Morgan. Fans were excited with the reveal of the graphic novel favorite, King Ezekiel and his pet tiger, Shiva. King Ezekiel is an eccentric and theatric leader of his people. Despite being older in the graphic novels, King Ezekiel’s portrayal on the television series is much younger, but still carries that charismatic charm as in the comics.

King Ezekiel is introduced to Carol in a flamboyant manner atop his throne with Shiva by his side. Carol finds amusement in their introduction and plays along with the show. However, King Ezekiel sees past Carol’s charade and stops her as she tries to runaway from The Kingdom. Confiding in Carol, King Ezekiel tells her about his past as a Zoo Keeper and his amateur acting abilities. Both these skills King Ezekiel used to become a leader of a community that desperately needed one.

King Ezekiel does not only confide secrets in Carol, but he leaves a more disturbing secret with Morgan. Morgan has taken a liking to the new community and leader. He immerses himself in the culture of The Kingdom and taking on tasks to help out the community. One such task has him feeding pigs the bodies of walkers. The task comes as a shock to Morgan at first, and he questions the task. King Ezekiel is reluctant at first to tell Morgan his agenda. He mentions how Morgan was found with Carol fighting The Saviors, and King Ezekiel hints his connection to the group.

The agenda was not made clear until The Saviors came to pick up the slaughtered pigs filled with walker meat. Morgan pieces everything together and realized that King Ezekiel had a bargain with The Saviors. The Kingdom provides them nourishment and goods to keep his people protected. Viewers at this time are unaware of how Negan (leader of The Saviors) and King Ezekiel crossed paths.  Regardless, King Ezekiel plans to keep his secret in the dark and has Morgan promise to keep the exchange on the hush.

Having The Saviors eat tainted meat may comeback to haunt King Ezekiel. As seen in the trailer for Season 7, we see Negan knocking his bat along a chained link fence, possibly the same one seen surrounding The Kingdom. Being that the community is completely unaware of Negan and The Saviors, it seems fitting that the bat wielding antagonist would pay The Kingdom a visit.

Our Highlight and Thoughts 

• Looks like King Ezekiel has taken a liking to Carol. This potential love interest deviates from the graphic novels where Michonne is the girlfriend of King Ezekiel and Carol, well she is long deceased in the comics. This change from the graphic novels could mean that Carol will play a huge part in what is to come for The Kingdom. Carol, at the moment, is unaware that Negan killed Glenn and Abraham. Seeing that Carol is back (somewhat) to her old ways, she could play a persuasive role to have King Ezekiel go to war with Negan and The Saviors. What do you think?