Remember when we thought zombies were the biggest threat during an apocalypse? Well if you haven’t already seen The Walking Dead’s season 7 premiere, on Oct. 23, director Robert Kirkman, reminded us just how menacing humans could truly be. Millions of Americans were covering their eyes, not in fear of a zombie, but from the sight of the show’s newest villain, Negan.

Not one, but two very lovable characters were viciously murdered caused by the chaos from this dystopic society. The main character, Rick Grimes, was pressed with the impossible choice of saving the lives of his survival group or cutting off his son’s arm. Watching Rick plead and cry as Negan stood over him yelling the count down while he made his decision was horrifying.

The second episode focused more on characterization by introducing a new person, King Ezekiel, to further enhance the story’s plot. King Ezekiel’s persona is unique because he’s a ruler of a kingdom and has a tiger as a pet. Not a typical character to find in a zombie apocalypse, but he’s definitely entertaining and most likely an emerging fan favorite.

The following week featured the imprisonment of Daryl Dixon, a former member of Rick’s group. Daryl’s reluctance to willingly join Negan’s gang in the light of his mistreatment truly highlights his toughness. Seeing Daryl enslaved and helpless will most likely bother many fans who love to see him kick ass, but all of the suffering will hopefully lead to a “crowd pleasing” revolt.

The most recent 90 minute episode was needed to fully capture the inequitable regulations and demands Negan places on Rick’s group. Negan declared all of the guns, medicine and mattresses belong to him, and threatened the group with bashing them with Lucille, his bat. Many fans find Negan despicable but it appears he is here to stay.