The Walking Dead is about to kick off the second half of its bleak, polarizing seventh season with some hope attached to Rick Grimes and his attempts to unite disparate communities of survivors against Negan and the Saviors. There could also be further tension within the Saviors themselves, particularly between Negan and Dwight (Austin Amelio), his second-in-command. Both sides are set to face pivotal battles that The Walking Dead has methodically built toward throughout the first half of season 7.

Dwight is about to play a significant role in a future episode that fans of the comics are well aware of, covering a major development between Dwight and Negan. Walking Dead producers, of course, can’t speak too much about what’s to come without spoiling fans of the show who are unfamiliar with the comics. But showrunner Scott M. Gimple did confirm that a major storyline from the comics involving Dwight will take place in season 7.5.

Speaking to EW, Gimple was asked about a “pretty pivotal time” for Dwight in the Walking Dead comics, as it pertains to his relationship with Negan. Without getting into details, Gimple confirmed that the storyline is on track to appear in a “big” upcoming episode.

"Let us not spoil anything. Or, at least, if peeps want to spoil it, reading the comic is the best way to do it. I will say that an aspect of episode 11 deals a LOT with this."

Dwight was last seen in the seventh episode of season 7, 'Sing Me a Song', in which he stopped Carl from potentially attacking Negan and had a heavy conversation with his/Negan’s wife Sherry about how their existence affects that of other people. He also had to re-live the trauma of Negan burning his face with an iron over breaking his “rules” when he witnesses Negan doing the same thing to Mark.

The events of 'Sing Me a Song' involving Dwight and Negan are potentially a sign of some heightened drama to come between the two. It’s unclear how much things are about to change for Dwight on the show, but Gimple’s comments suggest a momentous turn of events between Negan and Dwight. Fans of the comics are clearly anticipating something major to happen between them and perhaps within the Saviors.

There are certainly many signs that the pace is going to ramp up in season 7. Gimple has already teased that season 7.5 will be “very different” from the first half. Actress Danai Gurira (Michonne) said season 7.5 has a “riveting” storyline. An early promo signals an “uprising” that Rick seeks to trigger against Negan. But The Walking Dead will have to make up for a controversial first half that staggered in the ratings and polarized viewers with its extreme violence and general hopelessness with Negan in charge. Dwight will apparently be a big part of the changes to come.

Next: The Walking Dead Super Bowl Promo: Football Is Over

The Walking Dead continues Sunday with 'Rock in the Road' @9pm on AMC.

Source: EW