The final season of The Walking Dead is slowly crawling its way to its last episode as the fate of the survivors is up in the air after the Commonwealth’s recent losses. But one thing is for certain and that is Negan will live to the end as he will return for a spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead City, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprising his iconic role.

Although Negan may have been introduced in season 6 as the antagonistic leader of the Saviors, the viewers have since seen him go through one of the show’s biggest character developments. While many haven’t forgiven him for gruesomely killing Glenn and Abraham, there have been moments where he has become an unlikely hero. By the time the final episode airs (November 20th), Negan may have fully redeemed himself.

Negan Was Willing To Give The Rhee’s Justice After Hershel And Maggie Returned (S11 Ep14)

After his new home comes under attack by the Commonwealth, who believe that they stole their weapons, Negan reunites with Daryl and Maggie to take down the soldiers before more innocent people get killed. As they’re hiding, Hershel confronts Negan with a loaded gun, ready to shoot him for what he did to his family (“The Rotten Core”).

While this scene shows how much Negan believes he’s changed after all these years, it’s near the end when they have another heart-to-heart and puts his fate in Hershel’s hands. Haunted by what he did, he shows him and the audience that he is not the selfish and blood-thirsty man he once was and is willing to make things right with those he hurt.

The Walking Dead Fans Saw A Softer Side To Negan After He Learned Of Carl’s Passing (S8 Ep10)

During Rick and Negan’s battle against one another in the season 8, Carl tried to intervene and stop the unnecessary bloodshed, even putting himself on the line. But, after dying from trying to save someone, Rick and Negan share a moment through the radio and what they both wanted for the boy (“The Lost and The Plunderers”).

In a rare moment during his time as the show’s big bad, Negan showed remorse for his rival’s loss as well as the death of one of the best-supporting characters on television. He even showed concern as if he and his men were responsible for his death after his dramatic moment with Carl before his anger got to him and ignited Alexandria.

Negan Avenged The Family That Brandon Murdered By Killing Him (S10 Ep5)

Over six years have passed since Negan was imprisoned by Rick and throughout season 10, his loyalty was tested after a son of a Savior named Brandon frees him. Wanting to impress the former leader, the young man kills an innocent child and mother who Negan shared a tender moment with (“What Is Always Is”).

Outraged, he avenges them by killing Brandon and despite only starring alongside him in one episode, his death isn’t the worst thing to happen to a villain. This may not be his most glorious moment, but it does show that he is willing to balance things towards the innocent, even if he does lose his temper in the process.

Negan Apologizing To Jadis (S8 Ep14)

After Simon went against Negan’s orders and killed all the people at the junkyard, Jadis was the only survivor and took it upon herself to capture and question him. Unaware of what one of his men did, Jadis reveals the cruel and unnecessary actions against her group, despite joining forces with the Saviors.

During his capture, Negan accepts the impact this had on her and the unfair injustice that was handed to her. Taking the weight of Simon’s actions on his shoulders, he tries to make things right with her and understood why she went against him, letting her life and welcoming her to the Sanctuary if she needed somewhere to stay. But maybe she will return in the Rick and Michonne spin-off instead.

Negan Killed David To Protect Sasha (S7 Ep15)

During the season 7 episode “Something They Need,” the gang and audiences would learn that no one is safe when around Negan – especially one of his own loyal men. After capturing Sasha, David attempts to assault her, which Negan stops before driving a knife through the assailant’s neck.

While it could be seen as a character who doesn’t tolerate his own rules being broken, it also shows that he has a decent moral compass somewhere. Looking out for her safety despite Sasha being responsible for killing some of his own men, he shows a depth to his character that slowly grows throughout the series.

Negan’s Path To Redemption Continued After Infiltrating The Commonwealth (S11 Ep17)

During their attempts to escape the forces of the Commonwealth army led by Lance, Negan attempts to reach his friends within the walls of the community while leaving his wife, Annie, in the capable hands of Daryl, Maggie, and co. But before he can reach his friends, he must convince Mercer to let him through the front gate during an interrogation.

It’s this exchange between the two that shows Negan putting himself on the line and taking control of a situation that is very much out of his hands, putting his trust in one of season 11’s most loyal characters in The Walking Dead. Unaware of how things will go for him, this scene also shows Negan doing anything to help his wife, showing how much he’s changed from the once selfish man he was.

Negan Fought Beta And The Whisperers (S10 Ep16)

Following the death of their beloved leader, the Whisperers were now in the hands of Beta, who uses his army of the living dead and masked assailants to kill everyone from Hilltop and Alexandria for good. Using the knowledge and skills he gained during his time among them, Negan is able to catch the unsuspecting Beta off guard.

Many from the communities would have understandably questioned Negan’s allegiance to them, but he also didn’t have to fight such an intimidating force either. Joining Daryl, they manage to stop the threat and work together to save everyone and kill an antagonist (who could have had their own redemption arc if they went down another path).

Negan Saved Judith From A Storm (S9 Ep16)

Season 9 ended with a dangerous climax for the survivors as they had to face the harsh conditions of a blizzard. While trying to get everyone into safety, Judith tries to rescue Daryl’s dog and gets lost from the group before Negan chases after her.

Having a soft spot for children, he takes on the force full of the storm and the flying debris hitting him, even though he knows that people will still distrust him afterwards. But having a sense of duty, Alexandria’s then prisoner would make sure that the young sister of the boy who struck a chord with him years ago would be safe and sound.

Negan Killed Alpha (S10 Ep12)

Season 10 would put Negan through the wringer as he joined forces with Alpha and the Whisperers, slowly gaining her trust and learning their way of life. The end of the twelfth episode (“Walk With Us”) would reveal that Carol set him free from his cell in exchange for killing Alpha.

But while this may have seemed like a simple act for his own personal gain, Negan did it to mostly protect Lydia from being killed by her own mother. Showing his softer side towards protecting the next generation, he takes Alpha’s life so that her daughter may find peace, even at the cost of his own.

Negan’s Softer Side Was Seen When Finding Medicine For His Wife (S10 Ep22)

In season 10 finale, fans would finally explore Negan’s backstory while reflecting upon his old life within Leah’s cabin. During the lengthy flashback, he searches for medicine for his wife, Lucille, as she is bedridden and sick at their home.

Despite going out to face the dangers of Walkers as well as hostile humans during the early years of post-apocalyptic America, Negan’s devotion to his wife is a contrast to how fans were initially introduced to him. Pleading and fighting his way to do everything he can to save her, this husband was a great hero before his downfall to villainy.