Dwight has quickly become one of the most disliked characters in The Walking Dead, ever since he stole Daryl’s bike and crossbow. Fans have every right to want to see Dwight get an arrow right through the eye, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see a Father Gabriel-esque arc for the character. Here’s why Dwight might actually be one of the most interesting characters in The Walking Dead Season 7.
[WARNING: MAJOR THE WALKING DEAD COMIC SPOILERS AHEAD. STOP READING IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW DWIGHT’S BACKSTORY.]
Dwight’s introduction in The Walking Dead comic books is a bit different than in the show. In the comics, the characters run into Dwight for the first time when he puts an arrow through Abraham’s skull. In the show, we see a more desperate Dwight with his girlfriend trying to escape what turns out to be Negan’s community. Daryl, who isn’t a comic book character, tries to bring Dwight back to Alexandria, but Dwight opts to rob Daryl instead. The next time we encounter Dwight in the show, half his face has been severely burned and he’s been reunited with the Saviors.
In the latest The Walking Dead Season 7 teaser, we see Dwight sporting Daryl’s signature vest and riding the bike he stole from him. It’s easy to jump to conclusions here, but remember Dwight and his female companions were scared for their lives when they encountered Daryl. Dwight believed Daryl was with The Saviors.
Here’s where things get complicated. In the comics, Dwight has an intense hatred of Negan. The burns on Dwight’s face were Negan’s punishment for being with his wife, Sherry. Why was that bad? Well, Sherry had “volunteered” to become one of Negan’s wives. Dwight and Sherry were caught together, so Negan decided to brand him for his crime. This is where Dwight decides it’s time to take down Negan.
Dwight eventually gets in contact with Ezekiel and Jesus. He becomes a spy during the All Out War against Negan and The Saviors. Dwight goes from being a horrible person to a vital part in Negan’s eventual demise. Of course, the show might be going in a different direction with Dwight, seeing as though they’ve played up with conflict between him and Daryl. Still, Dwight might have an opportunity to redeem himself, so don’t count him out as a bad guy just yet.
The Walking Dead Season 7 premieres Oct. 23 on AMC.
