Since Negan's most brutal offense against Glenn (Steven Yeun), he has been on a long road to redemption. Enduring years of imprisonment as well as earning back the trust of every single person in Rick's community, it hasn't been an easy road. And nor should it be. He has many things to atone for. But one crime, in particular, has slid beneath the radar all these years. Not only was Negan a remorseless murderer, but he also hurt fellow Saviors. How quickly many have forgotten that Negan claimed multiple women against their will and forced them into marriage with him. But as Khary Payton pointed out to CBR in an exclusive interview, Ezekiel cannot forget such a violation.
"I think it was important to address because ... putting irons on people's faces and beating them with a bat, those are devastating and flashy, but it's that mental freedom that is taken away that I think so many people can identify with, you know?" Payton noted. "It shows Ezekiel's leadership qualities because a true leader is always thinking of others and trying to understand other people's perspectives." But Payton added that in addition to clarifying Ezekiel's character, it was also significant to show men supporting women.
"It's important as men that we acknowledge that these things are happening because women feel seen," the actor continued. "I think that's why it kind of struck a chord with people."
