“We are gonna make sure you understand… you work for Negan.” – Simon
Few characters in The Walking Dead universe evoke as much a complex mix of dread and fascination as Simon. While the series is known for its relentless walker hordes and moral ambiguities, Simon, often overshadowed by the charismatic and brutal Negan, carved a unique niche for himself. He wasn’t simply a follower; he was a strategist, a manipulator, and a force of chaos waiting to be unleashed. This article delves into the layered character of Simon, exploring his motivations, his actions within the Saviors, his lasting impact on the narrative, and ultimately, why he stands out as more than just Negan’s second-in-command, earning his place as a truly memorable figure in The Walking Dead canon. We will examine why many fans still remember Simon the Walking Dead years after his exit.
The Hierarchy of the Saviors
The Saviors, a well-organized and ruthlessly efficient group, presented a stark contrast to the fragmented communities struggling to survive. At its core, the Saviors were a protection racket, offering safety and resources in exchange for unwavering servitude and a hefty tribute of supplies. This complex and brutal system needed trusted enforcers, and Simon was a key component of that machine. As Negan’s right-hand man, Simon’s primary responsibility was ensuring compliance, often through intimidation and violence. His approach was often more direct and less theatrical than Negan’s, but it was no less effective.
He oversaw various outposts, managed resource collection, and dispensed punishments for those who dared to defy Negan’s rules. This position gave him considerable power and influence, which he wielded with a disturbing blend of pragmatism and glee. The Saviors’ organizational structure allowed Simon to express his darker tendencies, and he excelled at it. He thrived in the environment of fear and control that Negan fostered, even as resentment began to simmer beneath the surface.
Key Decisions by Simon and How They Shaped the Story
Several pivotal moments in The Walking Dead were directly influenced by Simon’s actions, leaving a permanent mark on the story and its characters. These decisions showed sides of his character, and revealed his flaws and desires.
The Oceanside Tragedy
One of the most disturbing events orchestrated by Simon was the massacre at Oceanside. Under Negan’s orders to retrieve all the community’s weapons, Simon took his directive to an extreme, ordering the slaughter of all the male inhabitants of Oceanside. The rationale was simple: eliminating any potential resistance. This horrific act not only served to secure the Saviors’ access to weaponry but also highlighted Simon’s chilling capacity for violence and disregard for human life. The aftermath of the Oceanside massacre had a profound impact, creating a community of women driven by vengeance and wary of outsiders. This decision would come back to haunt the Saviors in later seasons.
Dealing with the Scavengers
Another defining moment was Simon’s handling of the Scavengers, a group led by the enigmatic Jadis. After the Scavengers betrayed Rick and his group during a crucial attack on the Saviors, Negan ordered Simon to send a message, a brutal reminder of the consequences of disloyalty. However, Simon, ever the pragmatist, deemed the Scavengers unreliable and decided to eliminate them all, except for Jadis, who managed to escape. This decision demonstrated his willingness to deviate from Negan’s orders, showcasing his independent thinking (and his growing belief that he knew better). This was a moment where Simon the Walking Dead started to show what he would do when he became the leader. The extermination of the Scavengers sent shockwaves through the remaining communities, escalating the conflict and solidifying the Saviors’ reputation for ruthlessness.
Attempting to Overthrow Negan
Perhaps the most significant of Simon’s actions was his attempt to overthrow Negan. As the war against Rick and his allies intensified, Simon grew increasingly frustrated with Negan’s leadership style. He believed that Negan’s penchant for showmanship and unnecessary brutality was counterproductive and that a more decisive, scorched-earth approach was needed. He gathered a faction within the Saviors who shared his discontent and plotted to eliminate Negan, seizing control of the organization. This attempted coup revealed Simon’s ambition and his belief in his own superior leadership abilities. The coup ultimately failed, leading to a brutal confrontation between Simon and Negan that ended with Simon’s demise. However, the attempt demonstrated the instability within the Saviors and highlighted the flaws in Negan’s authoritarian rule.
Understanding Simon: Personality, Motivations, and Morality
To truly grasp Simon’s character, one must delve into his personality, motivations, and moral compass, or rather, the lack thereof.
Examining Simon’s Traits
Simon possessed a disturbing charisma that allowed him to manipulate and control those around him. He was ruthless in his pursuit of power and displayed a clear enjoyment of violence. Unlike Negan, whose brutality was often laced with a twisted sense of humor and theatricality, Simon’s violence was cold, calculated, and devoid of any pretense of morality. He was pragmatic to a fault, always seeking the most efficient and expedient solution, regardless of the human cost. This combination of charisma, ruthlessness, and pragmatism made him a dangerous and unpredictable adversary. Simon had more subtle moves, but ones that were just as brutal.
The Drive Behind His Actions
Simon’s motivations were complex and rooted in a desire for control and a belief in the necessity of survival at any cost. He saw the world as a dog-eat-dog place where only the strong survive, and he was determined to be among the strongest. He believed that Negan’s methods were unnecessarily theatrical and that a more direct and ruthless approach was needed to maintain control. This belief, coupled with his growing ambition, fueled his desire to usurp Negan’s leadership. While Negan seemed to be motivated by ego, Simon was motivated by pure survival, and a desire to make the Saviors stronger. Simon the Walking Dead was always a threat to others.
Morality in a Zombie-Infested World
Simon existed in a morally ambiguous world, where survival often necessitated difficult choices. While his actions were undeniably brutal and often crossed the line into outright cruelty, they can be viewed as a product of the harsh environment he inhabited. He operated under the belief that the ends justified the means and that the only way to survive was to be stronger and more ruthless than everyone else. This does not excuse his actions, but it provides context for understanding his moral compass, or lack thereof. He occupied a gray area where the lines between right and wrong were blurred, making him a compelling and unsettling figure.
The End of the Road for Simon and His Significance
Simon’s death, a brutal and definitive end at the hands of Negan during a fist fight, marked a turning point in the war against the Saviors. It was a stark reminder of Negan’s power and a warning to anyone else contemplating rebellion. However, Simon’s death also exposed the cracks within the Saviors’ organization, highlighting the discontent and instability that festered beneath the surface. While his reign of terror was over, the impact of his actions continued to ripple through the narrative, influencing the choices and actions of other characters.
Despite his comparatively short lifespan in the series, Simon remains a memorable character for several reasons. His complex personality, his pivotal actions, and his willingness to challenge Negan’s authority all contributed to his lasting impact. He was more than just a henchman; he was a strategist, a manipulator, and a force of chaos who left an indelible mark on The Walking Dead. He remains a prominent figure that fans still discuss in The Walking Dead.
More Than Just Negan’s Shadow
Simon’s character proved to be far more intricate and influential than a simple lackey. He was a force to be reckoned with. He was not just a tool but a player in his own right, driven by his own ambitions and shaped by his own warped worldview. Simon the Walking Dead stands as a testament to the depth and complexity that can be found even in secondary characters within the post-apocalyptic landscape of The Walking Dead. He wasn’t just a right-hand man; he was a reflection of the darkness that can consume humanity when pushed to its limits, and that’s what makes him such a memorable part of the Walking Dead lore.
