‘The Walking Dead’ already showing cracks in Negan’s armor

Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is the villain that “The Walking Dead” fans have been both dreading and anticipating since the show’s debut. In the comics he’s a brutal dictator that has a strong following and is a source of utter horror for our heroes. The show is shaping him up in much the same way — but the cracks in his reign of terror are starting to show.

That’s all thanks to his right-hand man, Dwight (Austin Amelio). Dwight’s story has been an interesting one on “The Walking Dead,” from his introduction as a man on the run from Negan through his rise to power within the Saviors. Now, after the Nov. 6 episode “The Cell,” Dwight’s eyes are slowly opening to the idea that perhaps Negan and his crew aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

He’s learning that living under Negan’s strict thumb isn’t necessarily the only way to survive or thrive. In a way, he has Daryl (Norman Reedus) to thank for that. Under some pretty heinous punishments — and questionable music choices — Daryl simply refuses to break under Negan’s control.

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In doing so, he’s showing Dwight that the Saviors’ way isn’t the only way to survive in this horrible world. At the very least, he’s helping him to start comprehending that possibility. And that’s bad news for Negan.

As evidenced in “The Cell,” the true source of Negan’s powers is convincing his people that he’s the only thing keeping them alive. If one of his most trusted allies starts to think differently, his entire house of cards can crumble.

Of course, the leader of the Saviors isn’t going to let that happen. He lets Lucille do his dirty work and if Dwight steps too far out of line there’s no doubt he’ll be introduced to the baseball bat. That is, unless he can keep any change in his ideals hidden for now.

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It brings an interesting new dynamic to Negan and the Saviors and keeps the story compelling when Rick and the rest of the crew aren’t involved in the story. From the outside, Negan looks like the unconquerable king A closer look at the stranglehold he has on his people shows a major weak spot in his armor.

Perhaps in time it’ll be one that can be used against him. In the meantime, perhaps a little bit more of Daryl’s humanity will rub off on him. After being deprived of sleep, fed an endless supply of dog food, and having his life repeatedly threatened, Daryl somehow manages to be one of the most level-headed people in the apocalypse.

Dwight could use a person like that to help him see the light.

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