The Walking Dead (Executive Producer: Gale Anne Hurd) finally revealed the full content of the Old Man Rick scene in the February 25 episode, but the reason may have fans hoping it's still a puzzle. Spoilers follow. These flashes are Karl's vision for a peaceful future before he dies. But why does Negan appear in Carl’s dream in The Walking Dead ? Sure, Negan has a soft spot for Rick's son, but the baseball bat-wielding sociopath is far from calm. However, Carl clearly feels that even Negan deserves a place in his utopian dream. While this may be the only reason for Negan's appearance, it's also possible that his appearance is a hint of what's to come.
When Carl died on The Walking Dead (Producer, Episode 56: Angela Kang), he explained to Rick that he saw a version of the future where the surviving people lived together in peace. In this vision, Rick and Judith wander through the neighborhood, greeting the likes of Jolly Jerry and Traitor Eugene. You may already know how Eugene figured in Carl's dreams - but when Negan shows up, that might be too much for you. In Carl's scenes, Negan has replaced his bat with a hoe and is a productive farmer in the community, and the whole thing is very disturbing.
Only Judith is with Negan (fans may not be able to accept that Rick is showing kindness to him now), and he's very pleasant when he says "Good morning, honey." The scene is short, but it's legitimate to worry that he could become threatening at any moment. Because at this stage in The Walking Dead , Negan showing kindness to a kid with no ulterior motives doesn't really count.
However, after Carl's death, Rick's mission will be to fulfill his son's last wish for peace between the communities - and Negan is a part of that wish. But if you're still not a fan of the soft focus on a smiling Negan appearing in Carl's dream at the end of "Honor," here are a few more reasons why The Walking Dead might have felt the need to include him.
Carl wants his father to make peace
The most obvious answer is that Carl's impending death made him an idealist who truly believed that everyone , including the man his father was at war with, would one day live together in unity. Chandler Riggs explained to AMC that Carl felt it was important for Rick to know that the Saviors were not responsible for Carl's death. "Carl's goal was not to paint Negan as the bad guy," Riggs said. "Rick needs to find a great character in Negan." So this dream could be the first step in Rick's reconciliation with Negan.
This is a nod to Carl and Negan's relationship in the comics
Comic spoilers follow. One of the reasons some fans were so shocked by Carl's death is because he was still alive in the comics. Carl's ongoing relationship with Negan is fascinating in Robert Kirkman's graphic novel. Negan has a special affection for Carl (kind of like what's shown in the TV series), but Carl despises Negan and is attracted to him at the same time. These storylines will never appear on the show now, so Negan's inclusion could be a homage to a relationship that will never appear.
Negan will be the one to hurt Rick
The final scene of "Honor" shows Rick suffering a severe stomach injury in a different timeline. It stands to reason that this injury occurred during the current war with the Saviors. As Negan showed not long ago, The Walking Dead may be foreshadowing that Negan will be the one to inflict this fatal wound. If so, can Rick and Negan reconcile?
Negan will die
On the other hand, Negan's appearance may imply that he will die in the war. Because of Carl's wishes, Rick will not become a murderer. But just knowing that Carl wanted a happy future for Negan might make Rick feel sad when he eventually dies.
Negan must appear at least once in this episode
Hey, Negan didn't appear any other time during the midseason premiere, so they had to get him in somehow.
it's close to what actually happens
All kidding aside, Carl's dream is likely to prepare for a real future that looks similar. Back in the comics, things weren't as idyllic as Carl imagined, but his family and friends did find peace in the postwar years. Negan is part of this community because Rick chose not to kill him. Again, it's not all rewarding and kind words, but The Walking Dead may be preparing viewers for the inevitable Negan becoming an ally of the group.
As Riggs said in the AMC interview, "Carl's idea was a life beyond that, a life where everyone lived happily — not just that the saviors died, but that they became Alexander and the Mountaintop Part of joining forces to fight a common enemy and not each other." With the loss of his only son, you can bet Rick will do whatever it takes to make this idea a reality. Yes, this could mean Negan finally goes from Rick's arch-nemesis to friend, and it's all in Coral's name.
