The Walking Dead - In Defence Of Negan

Hello everyone and welcome to another instalment of The Walking Dead: In Defence of, a series in which I look at some of TWD characters that we all love to hate and put forward my argument as to why they might not be as bad as we all think they are. In this video I'll be talking about the most disliked wannabe baseball player; Negan. There are spoilers for TWD in this video, so consider yourselves warned. I hope you enjoy the video and please let me know your thoughts below. :)
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P.S I'm sure someone will point out that I have spelled Defence incorrectly as this is what happens in all these videos) but this is how it's spelled in the UK

[@mourngirl6868]

I mean Carol set people on fire, yet we still like her.

[@Ms.Byrd68]

And that's true but she hasn't done that to any of the Grimes Family members since she killed 'Karen & David' for which she was 'banished' by Rick and FORGIVEN by Tyresse, the only person affected by her actions (other than the victims themselves) and she told Tyresse that she didn't believe ANYONE HAD to accept what she had done, he's the one that said "Yes, they do!" Setting those Saviors on fire meant nothing to the fandom because they were ripping people off and killing them. So wrong comparison.

[@Damienp3902]

@Brandon Goodman he's talking about season 4 when Carol burnt two people because she was trying to stop an infection from spreading.

[@RealGaIaxy]

What a stupid fucking comparison

[@S.E.J]

This is why I would love a “Here’s Negan” mini series. Just one season. It starts with him and his wife. Then ends up showing him trying to survive without a group, and his descent into madness and becoming more sadistic. Then him meeting Simon and them working together to take over the Sanctuary. Would be really cool if they showed Ricks attacks from their perspective, and the last shot of the series is him in his RV and we hear Simon say “Alright, let’s meet the man!” That’d be perfect

[@AlejoConejo-vb8ln]

My thoughts exactly! AMC if you're reading this, make that show EXACTLY as S.E.J. is describing it and I will consider subbing to AMC Premiere :)

[@S.E.J]

AlejoConejo2209 Also, AMC, I would love to see Simon kill half of Oceanside, Negans reaction to it, and Dwight get his face burnt. While we are at it, show them finding Morales too. Cause fuck it why not

[@AlejoConejo-vb8ln]

@@S.E.J Ooo yeah Morales' bat from S1 turning into Lucille! How badass would that be in hindsight?!

[@shadowjefflander]

That would be awesome!!!!

[@bskfbah743]

I love this idea!

[@RE-ol5ws]

I never hated Negan. In fact, he was the best part of seasons 7 and 8.

[@haydeng3316]

"best part of seasons 7 and 8" is not saying much lol

[@RE-ol5ws]

@@haydeng3316 No need to be a wise ass.

[@t1mek33per9]

I hated him for the better part of 7 but I absolutely loved him in 8, 9, and 10. Hopefully he’s dope in 11 too.

[@mylan4742]

which isnt saying much recently

[@queenjayneapproximately]

Man, having it all laid out like that, Negan was downright reasonable.

[@BriarPatchNyra]

I’ve argued this so many times with self righteous fans. Negan was downright merciful.

[@Narc0YT]

Ah you gave me an idea. Why can't they just put walkers on an energy generating tredmill and stick some meat infront of them

[@Frank_MC]

Narc0 they basically did that in Fear season 5 😂

[@arlzkiwi9910]

It wouldn't really work for long as they are drawn to sound and they would eventually find something else more interesting like a deer or something 😂😂but i see why u have that idea😂😂

[@emmaqwq3230]

That’s what i’ve been saying since season 2 but they just don’t get that idea 😩

[@justajawausingwifi4642]

@@arlzkiwi9910 play Easy Street while they chase the meat on the treadmill

[@scallywagnation3780]

I couldn’t agree with you more brother. I’ve been saying that about Negan since he killed Glen and Abraham. I don’t read the comics, but I automatically understood why he did what he did after they murdered an entire outpost of his people in their sleep.

[@ironprincedom2611]

That's RIGHT! Because.. Remember.. It was rick the prick who instigated the shit!!

[@bridgethammond7]

I don’t hate Negan and actually find him to be a very complex and interesting character to watch unfold morally in his quest to find who he is without his Savior identity. I also agree with the sentiment of this video. He’s not pure evil and even he has lines he will not cross. Negan isn’t even the worst of what we saw. (My personal opinion those were the Termites) who did things that would make Negan feel sick. But I feel the same applies to Negan and Rick which there is a core difference in who they are as people. Like you said, there are no more rules and it can be tricky to differentiate between what has to be and what should be. But with Rick, it’s always been about survival+ protecting his family. Rick never enjoys what he does. Even if I had followed him from the beginning if I saw him cracking up and smiling after brutally murdering someone, i would not defend him. Rick isn’t a saint. He will do questionable things same as Negan but he’s never taken pleasure in it or got off on his position as a leader and that’s especially highlighted with the way Negan goes about gaining control. Rick will just murder someone if he sees them as a threat. Negan enjoys breaking people in a way Rick never would and will go to sickening lengths to achieve it. (Just look what he did to the group and Daryl) it’s also shown how he enjoys toying with the communities when he would come to collect supplies.

[@Ms.Byrd68]

I agree with you there is a 'Core' difference and we saw that difference way back in Season 1. As much as the fandom seems to have 'loved' Shane there can be no denying that Shane was only truly interested in the 'survival' of three people: Lori, Carl & himself! Everyone in that group on that Georgia hill KNEW that to be true so when Rick showed up (obviously he was the SENIOR officer 'On the Scene') who would leave his own family to go back into a dangerous situation to retrieve someone who most of them would have left to die (Meryl) they followed him almost immediately choosing him over Shane. He came to his 'brutality' over time while people like Shane, Joe & Negan were made for this world... This is why, even when he does 'questionable' things, in the minds of the fandom he gets a PASS. (Rightly or wrongly, lol!)

[@caty0090]

Negan didn't kill all of Rick's group cause he wanted them to produce for him. He didn't spare them for mercy

[@leonagain1647]

Great video, a in defence of the governer would be interesting but i doubt there is much to attempt to try and make justifying for his actions

[@erikpersson2365]

I don't think Simon was the previous leader of the Sanctuary, but rather a lieutenant. Negan said he took the place with Simons help. He mentioned to Gabriel that he took the place from someone that was incapable as a leader. Steven Ogg also said that he does not think that Simon was the previous leader, because he is not really one.

[@beaver6d9]

I think this is all why we find Negan so interesting. Like I can't totally hate him because he could be way worse. One of the few irredeemable aspects is his personal brothel, though, and that definitely sets him apart from Rick. In the end, they are probably more similar than different, but perhaps just on opposing sides of the spectrum. I think Negan overall however is redeemable, it's just gonna take time. (which I think they are doing a good job on the show tbh)

[@jaredjenkins99]

From what I've seen most people love Negan. Especially hardcore fans. The only people who hate him are casual viewers who don't really get the whole philosophy of the show. Even huge Glenn and Abraham fans tend to think Negan's funny, likeable and a complex character in spite of what he did to them.

[@elvishprincess321]

Although i don't view Negan as so bad for killing Glen & Abe (he did have logical reasons for the killings despite enjoying what he did on a power trip!) Rick is still ultimately a better person, he started out as a good hardworking cop & a family man. Negan was a pervy school gym teacher who didn't set the best example to kids & cheated on his dying wife. I don't view Negan as evil, just a very flawed human being.

[@elvishprincess321]

@@S.E.J He was always pervy with the women, no pedo lol but he loved women too much. I think he was just the boys gym teacher, but he was always sleeping around behind his wife's back. xD

[@S.E.J]

Bane Yeah I always wondered why she was such a pushover and stayed with him in the comics. I hope, if they do a “Here’s Negan”, they delve into that more.

[@Dragonfly44]

I agree with pretty much everything you said. While I do think Negan is definitely a worse person than Rick, probably my favorite aspect of the show is what you were talking about throughout your video. I think it's awesome that we're able to forgive the characters we follow for things that are arguably worse than things characters we know little about have done

[@jakebowen6856]

Awesome video Josh! Honestly I’ve always enjoyed Negan, I thought he was an imposing villain from the start and I feel his portrayal in the latest season is just as powerful. Even if he annoyed me like mad in Season 7, so I guess that’s an exception. I’d love to see you do a video on Troy. He’s my favorite Fear character to date and I really want to hear your thoughts on him and why he should be defended (to a degree). Also, my apologies for not being able to leave my thoughts on your videos for a while. Been pretty busy so I’ve been unable to. But I’ve gotten caught up and they’re wonderful. :)

[@tudortwd8283]

Thoughts on doing a video about Daryl after the season will end as a response to your old video? since he got better writing this season.

[@haydeng3316]

that's a good idea. I second this!

[@thehonesttake1215]

This is a valid perspective! I appreciate you for making this video. Negan has shown mercy.

[@blueroll1526]

"Negans a bully" Yeah pretty sure bullys don't smash people's heads in over the park

[@janicemacomber4092]

Hey I haven't watched your videos in a while, and it's not because I don't like the channel anymore it's because I just haven't been bothered to catch up on TWD and Fear as of yet and I don't want to get spoiled. I plan on catching up on your TWD and Fear videos after I catch up on the shows themselves. Keep being awesome.

[@peterpellechia5985]

You are spot on yet again!!!

[@stevendelaney8140]

Negan works better as an anti-hero of seasons 9 and 10 than he ever did as the big bad of 7 and 8. I also think he's a better character in 8 than 7, and consider 8 a better season than 7.

[@erikpersson2365]

Simon was not the leader of the saviors, it was an yet unseen individual. Simon helped Negan take the Sanctuary from that guy.

[@CJ-wi1qg]

In Season 6 Rick killed a outpost of people to take half of hilltops food. Negan kills one person and takes half of their stuff.

[@brianachim2670]

Great job!

[@gamergrill4933]

'Unless you get the undead to work for you' holy moly imagine a new faction that uses walkers as a manpower, for example chaining 100 of them to something really heavy, and making them drag that thing, thats a cool idea

[@TheSonic1685]

Negan is a character who if he'd made slightly different decisions (Not cracking open peoples skulls, branding them and throwing them into furnace's etc). He could've easily been one of the most moral people in the zombie apocalypse. As we know later in the walking dead comics it looks like Negan has decided to do exactly that. It's really no different to when Rick decided to spare Negan's life and or chaging the way he approaches messed up people which he has done multiple times before. I suppose now the question is will Negan continue to behave that way? Oh and also I would love to know Negans last name.

[@cam_whitttle]

Maybe next up, you should do In Defence of Dwight, but you don't have too, also love your opinions on The Walking Dead.

[@tudortwd8283]

That's a pretty hard one since he screwed up Daryl from the beginning for no reason

[@cam_whitttle]

@@tudortwd8283 I know and I really hated him at first

[@tudortwd8283]

@@cam_whitttle I still hate him, there were many aspects of his character that never allowed me to really warm up to him, and that's saying a lot since he's a bigger asshole in the comics lol

[@jennat4979]

Good vid I loved it. Any opinion on heath because he kinda just disappeared. Was he just killed off or do you think there's something brewing there? It's cool to see you chill out Infront of the camera and not seem robotic. Keep up the great vids!!

[@shenlochbrachass9684]

He's my new favourite character in the whole show

[@micahbell5572]

Mine too

[@levid.2592]

I'm actually starting to like Negan simply because of his growing friendship with Judith. It kinda reminds me of Arya and The Hound from "Game of Thrones"

[@peterpellechia5985]

I love morgan

[@agbrenv]

here's an idea do an "In defence of Scott Gimple" :D

[@LarryBreitfelderNavas]

You shouldn't ask people to do the impossible.

[@agbrenv]

@@LarryBreitfelderNavas I know, right :D

[@HeyJoshyJosh]

Could have Scotty G presenting it himself!

[@agbrenv]

@@HeyJoshyJosh haha, even better, make it happen please

[@t1mek33per9]

Glenn was my favorite character from S1E2, all the way up to his death. I HATED Negan for a lot of 7. However, his relationship with Carl and whole bunch of other little shit about his character made me grow to like him. He’s genuinely upset when Carl dies. I don’t like that he killed Glenn. I don’t like that he killed Abe. However, in these later seasons, I am growing to like him more and more. Daryl is currently my favorite character, but I think Negan is a close second.

[@connornoiles2447]

I never really cheered at Tick saying he'll just take the village.. that was kinda F-ed up

[@sondosoft4603]

Also In Defence of Troy would be awesome. However difficult lol.

[@raphaelcalado4335]

I grew fond of Negan throughout the all at war arc. Kirkman just made we hate the guy with a passion by killing Glenn in the most brutal way, then little by little he made us to respect the guy and then actually like him. It is something hard to put off, because the way and the situation that he was introduced just worked perfectly to make us hate him, and the fact that Rick’s group killed a bunch and f Negan’s bullies never justified the murder of Glenn. Negan was the agressor when his group did try to bully Rick into submission, Rick’s answer was the expected in the context they lived. The fact is that Negan didn’t Need the moral high ground to be liked, he killed Glenn, was an asshole and with demonstrations of mercy and humanity and his huge charisma did found his way on many TWD fans.

[@Brandon_Alexander456]

I would best describe him as an anti-villain, and this video is the best example of how he is one.

[@thearomanticshipper4468]

Negan is a villain, but so is Rick! They just have different ideologies.

[@brianachim2670]

Wow it's finally here.

[@peterwashington581]

I still defen what Rick and Morgan did. But Negan only killed two because he wanted to USE them and keep them under his boot which to me is worse than death. Rather be dead than a slave to Negan. rick killed Gareth they were sick cannibals and he shoulda went back then first time and killed all of Terminus.

[@mr.jameson218]

he didn't enjoy himself though it was an act that's negans character he puts on an act to maintain control over the saviors because if they saw they were being led by a dude who feels and regrets just like them they'd never let him have as much control as he did and personally I believe Negan was a better leader than Rick he is smarter and more calculating and had far less incidents with his people

[@judewood6340]

I love Negan but I don’t get why peeps seem to forget that the whole reason Rick and co killed the saviours at the outpost is coz Negan was terrorising hilltop! (Plus the kingdom but I don’t think they knew that yet?) demanding their supplies and killing if they said no! Why couldn’t he just trade and become part of the community!? Coz he’s a baddie! He let people live coz as he always said “people are a resource, he didn’t do it to be nice! Rick and co killed the outpost saviours coz they thought they were stopping Negan! Also Negan mentions they also killed one of his away parties that hadn’t reported back, but that was in self defence! The saviours that Daryll and co met on the road basically said we are taking you and your stuff to Negan! They had no choice! To put it simply, Negan totally started it by forcing communities to work for him or else! Rick wanted to trade with and help other communities! There was even that guy that tried to leave the saviours and Negan sent Dwight to kill him! So it looks like you couldn’t even say “sorry Negan but I’d like to leave and take my chances instead of working for you with your stupid points system that keeps most of your people hungry! And/or makes them have to give you their wives/daughters etc to sleep with so they can get more food etc!” Xxx

[@Jks_Sherripaiva]

This argument carries weight until you think about the things Negan did, irons his own peoples faces, burns people alive, black mails women to marry him with the vail of him helping them, makes people work for points. Rick wouldn’t have done these things. The war was for freedom as Rick explains throughout season 8 and the beginning of season 9.

[@Sevrion]

Exactly. Im in a group on FB and they asked if we felt sorry for Negan in his recent episode. I said no (for the reasons you mentioned). Someone said, "Well if you had started with Negan you would see Rick and his people as more evil". I had to repeat myself n said, "No, the difference is the Saviors had pedofiles, rapists, gleeful child killers, and all sorts of other fucked up people. Dwight had a guy killed over a jar of Pickles... and then raided his shit in front of his family just to make a sandwich." Ricks people would never be so heartless and usually did their shit out of desperation, not joy."

[@boshirahmed]

Rick more quikly than Shane kills a man to gain romantic favour with the man's wife and is then surprised when the man's children do not like him. The writing gets a bit daft in alexendria and you would think Rick would not do that sort of thing. Plus Rick is contantly stupid handing over weapons to people who want to kill him.

[@justinamerican8200]

I definitely think that if we hadn't been with Rick from the beginning we'd view him as a villain. The way they straight up wiped out that first group that was dealing with Hillside was very absolute and with little consideration outside "this is what we do to ally with Hillside and the get the shit we need from them".

[@claudioconstantine2983]

In Defence of Duck

[@Colecruzin]

I just don’t get why needgan doesn’t kill the person that did the crime instead he punishes an innocent like for example Daryl was the one that punched him but he killed glenn doesn’t make sense

[@RealMacJones]

am I the only person who hated rick from the start up until the death of Carl? imo Negan was always a better man.

[@NikkiMKarLen]

Negan has said he likes killing people, but he also said people are a resource. So I'd assume when he feels he has to kill someone, he enjoys it -- Like eating a candy bar while you're on a diet, it's ok as long as it doesn't become a habit. He was in that cell for 7 1/2 years (6 year jump plus the 18 month jump after he was captured). All he has is talking shit. Yes, he will always be a dick, but he's not some random psycho like the Governor. Any asshole with a big ego who isn't shy about murder could turn out like him in the ZA. I enjoy seeing his vulnerable side, but I hope he gets to throw his weight around again in the future.

[@MaxmadV8]

Something I thought once. If Rick went insane I. The prison and locked the governor up in a cell then Negan. Like trophies and to keep them from killing. Like death row is full of main characters leaders and villains That Rick has collected from the wasteland

[@munky5102]

In defense of Nicholas. I hate the guy but he really was human.

[@peterpellechia5985]

I have thought these things since the first season negan was on

[@emmaqwq3230]

Tbh Negan is my favorite character, I always liked him even though Glenn was one of my faves before he killed him😂😭 But Daryl is still my #1

[@larrythepagan]

I liked Negan from the start. Losing Glenn & Abe wasn't easy but the episode was epic nevertheless heavy price that had to be paid. I fully agree with your points, Negan's only sin is that he's a bully, but he is very reasonable, if he was Rick, *I think he would have been a better version of Rick.* Dale wouldn't approve of what Rick has become on occasion - like killing those saviors who turned on Negan.

[@sondosoft4603]

Well to be fair. A guy who had been manipulated by Negan into almost killing Gregory and then almost killing Rick and The Hilltop’s horror stories of Negan are what sparked the killing of the people while sleeping. And in a way killing 2 people and leaving the rest to suffer is worse than killing them all. For all Rick’s done with maybe a few exceptions like the shooting in the back you mentioned, has always been justified. I agree on the points about Morgan. And I hated Negan forever but after so many losses and Kang’s direction is making him a welcome addition to the show.

[@Jcage22]

i hated Negan. slowly and slowly i started to love him

[@cadenmcmexican7999]

I've always loved Negan😂😂as bad as that may be. Hes what got me into the show and then I went back and watched the older seasons and realized how much better they were😂

[@joebondo2422]

Once again you presented some great points regarding Negan (btw I agree with your mini rant regarding Morgan). But in the end, I have to respectfully disagree with you. Was Negan justified in killing Abe & Glen after all that happened? Absolutely. For me though, it was HOW he killed them. He could’ve just shot them, a quick death. Instead, it was a slow, torcherous, gruesome, inhumane & painful death (it took me back to the movie “The Devil’s Rejects when Otis killed Roy) just pure evil. I might’ve actually agreed with you if he would’ve just shot Abe & Glen. Not to mention he extorts surrounding villages and if they don’t comply, then pay the consequences. Overall, not a good dude

[@chaoticXmisfit]

He's extreme yes, but I've said this ever since he was introduced he was being generous to Rick's group, 2 people compared to a shit ton of his men. And I agree if the shoe was on the other foot, Rick would kill them all. I've always said Rick and Negan were similar in ways, people tend to forget that bit when they first arrived at Alexandria and he made that speech about taking it from them. not to mention the the whole Jessie love triangle debacle. Rick Grimes is no angel, in fact I always say hes the angel of death look at how many people died under his leadership compared to Negan, now Im not saying Rick sucks as a leader and I like Rick I miss him but come on. And regarding with the wives situation with exception of Sherry and Amber most of them did not have to say yes to being his wife, shit im just gonna be honest if it was me and I was offered that knowing I wouldn't have to work and still have special privileges and protection you best bet Id say yes. But then again I'll always have a soft spot for Negan so. Yes hes an asshole but he grows on you at least he did for me. Yes when he was introduced I hated him but over time I'm like eh could be worse. Personally, I think the Governor was worse but thats just me.

[@Brendy733]

What do you mean Simon kept saying sponge?

[@HeyJoshyJosh]

I think meant expunge, I'm sure he shouts it a couple of times when giving orders

[@Brendy733]

@@HeyJoshyJosh Yeah I totally my bad I meant to delete that comment because right after I typed it I realized that you put a black screen that explained it was a mistake on your part.

[@crosshair9907]

Negan is amazing

[@emmaqwq3230]

Am I the only one that finds Carol way more annoying than Negan and basically anyone else?

[@yuichinishihira5430]

U should do carol

[@ALoonwolf]

Negan represents the God of Israel. It's no coincidence that he chooses a man called Abraham as his sacrifice, then forces Rick to attack his own son with a big knife, but stops him at the last moment. Well if this made you hate Negan you'd be a hypocrite if you didn't also hate God for forcing Abraham to slaughter his own son, then stops him at the last moment. Neither is it any coincidence that the one presented in opposition to him Ezekiel admits he lies and deceives about everything, and makes himself the woman's king by tempting her to eat a piece of fruit. These subconscious ideas change the way people think about God and "Lucifer" as they call him, making them hate God and love the devil...

[@Stoniokz]

how dare you he kkkkkilled Glenn

[@DellEbright]

Literally 0 dislikes

[@ashknoecklein]

I love Negan, but also I didn't like Rick until he ripped a dude's throat out. So there is that, lol.

[@dominxtor4892]

i would like but its at 420

[@Ms.Byrd68]

I don't EXCUSE Rick's murders: Officer Lamson, Premo, the Satelite facility occupants, even Pete! But contrary to what people keep trying to say: I would not follow a man who is trying to 'enslave' or 'bully' me! I would not live a life where I am 'walking on egg shells' because I could end up being thrown into a furnance, have half my face burnt off or be beaten to death because I asked for more! I wouldn't want to be in a situation where the only way I could get 'life-saving meds' either for myself or for a 'loved one' was to SLEEP with someone! And I sure wouldn't want a situation where I couldn't JUST LEAVE without someone coming to either: 1) bring me back, like I'm 'cattle' or some 'possession' or 2) be killed and tied to a fence to remind others that NO ONE can leave. Those people followed Negan because BEFORE him, their situation was MUCH WORSE! Simon was a 'Mass Murderer' , women (and probably girls) were being raped and people like 'Aarat' who killed a 10yr old child were being 'goaded' into committing atrocities that under different leadership they might not have committed or been 'expected' to commit. I still want Negan dead but I will settle for him being GONE!

[@amyb745]

Great video, and I agree that Rick has killed people as well. Yet I’m pretty confident in saying that Rick would’ve never taunted the people before killing them and definitely wouldn’t be laughing and taunting grieving loved ones right after. I think that’s the significant distinction between Rick and Negan.

[@adamgrunther1367]

I absolutely despise Negan, and him being spared is one of the most annoying moments for me, both in the show and comics. However, I get what you’re saying, and kind of agree. I don’t think Rick would ever blackmail a ton of women into being his wife, even when he was at his most brutal, but yeah. Beloved characters like Rick, Daryl, and Carol have done just as many horrible things in the name of survival.

[@tonywayne127]

Negan kept people alive to mentally break them down which can be worse than killing them. Look what he did to dwight.

[@SEDRICKHENDRIXTHEGAMER]

Negan is evil because he takes other groups foods and supplies and kills whoever doesn’t want to

[@WsjMGdqp8VR0GvP6YI26RJSp]

I think Rick is more brutal than Negan coz he had a tougher time than Negan in the apocalypse. Negan was with the saviors and in the sanctuary for most of the apocalypse, while rick spent a large amount of time surviving on the road.

[@JohnSmith-pw1gf]

I think you were talking absolute ballax and I hate Negan with a passion.

[@haydeng3316]

dude... bollocks

[@torridd]

Hi Pred, I think Negan is funny, but I still think he's a bully who exploits people. Rick is a better person.