Gregory attempts to assassinate Maggie Rhee in Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After.” This act of desperation highlights his deep-seated resentment and desire to regain control of Hilltop after being ousted as its leader.
A Descent into Desperation: The Seeds of Gregory’s Betrayal
Gregory’s character throughout The Walking Dead is defined by his cowardice, self-preservation, and manipulative tendencies. He thrives on exploiting others and maintaining power, even if it means resorting to unethical and dangerous tactics. His initial position as the leader of Hilltop was predicated on his ability to negotiate and appease the Saviors, rather than through genuine leadership or bravery.
When Maggie arrives at Hilltop and proves her competence and compassion, she quickly earns the respect and loyalty of the community. Gregory, feeling his authority threatened, actively undermines her at every opportunity. He resents her popularity, her effectiveness, and ultimately, the power she wields. This simmering resentment eventually boils over into a murderous plot.
The Catalysts for Violence: Examining Gregory’s Motivations
Several factors contribute to Gregory’s attempt on Maggie’s life:
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Loss of Power: The primary driver is his loss of leadership at Hilltop. He’s no longer in control and feels emasculated by Maggie’s successful reign.
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Narcissistic Personality: Gregory’s inherent narcissism prevents him from accepting responsibility for his failures. He blames Maggie for his downfall and believes he deserves to be in charge.
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Influence of Earl Sutton: Gregory manipulates Earl Sutton, a recovering alcoholic and Hilltop resident, convincing him that Maggie is a danger to the community and manipulating him into doing the dirty work. This leverages Earl’s personal demons and makes him a pawn in Gregory’s scheme.
“What Comes After”: A Breakdown of the Betrayal
In “What Comes After,” Gregory’s manipulation reaches its peak. He gets Earl Sutton drunk and convinces him to attack Maggie under the guise of “protecting Hilltop.” The attempt fails, and Maggie confronts Gregory directly. While he denies involvement at first, his lies quickly unravel. Maggie’s resolve to maintain order and protect her community forces her to make a difficult decision.
The Aftermath: Justice and Its Consequences
Gregory’s failed assassination attempt results in his public execution by hanging. This marks a significant turning point in Maggie’s leadership and the dynamics within the communities. The decision, while controversial, sends a clear message: threats to the safety and stability of the community will not be tolerated. Maggie’s actions, driven by necessity and a desire to protect Hilltop, contribute to the tensions that later erupt between the communities and ultimately lead to her departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Gregory’s attempt on Maggie’s life and its broader context within The Walking Dead:
1. Why did Gregory hate Maggie so much?
Gregory’s hatred stemmed from jealousy and a deep-seated insecurity. He felt threatened by Maggie’s competence and resented her popularity, which surpassed his own. He saw her as a usurper, robbing him of his power and status within Hilltop.
2. Was Earl Sutton complicit in the plan, or was he solely manipulated?
While Earl was clearly manipulated by Gregory, he was also complicit to a degree. He allowed himself to be influenced and chose to act on Gregory’s suggestions, making him accountable for his actions, even if his judgment was impaired by alcohol.
3. What was the significance of Maggie’s decision to execute Gregory publicly?
The public execution served as a deterrent and a demonstration of Maggie’s authority. It sent a clear message that violence and betrayal would not be tolerated within Hilltop and that she was willing to take decisive action to protect her community.
4. How did Gregory’s actions impact the relationship between the communities?
Gregory’s execution, while considered justified by some, caused friction between the communities. Rick Grimes, in particular, disagreed with Maggie’s approach, highlighting the differing philosophies on justice and governance that would eventually contribute to larger conflicts.
5. Did Gregory ever show any remorse for his actions?
Gregory never demonstrated genuine remorse. He consistently blamed others for his misfortunes and never accepted responsibility for his choices, even in his final moments.
6. Could Gregory have redeemed himself?
It’s debatable whether Gregory could have redeemed himself. His inherent cowardice and self-serving nature made it difficult to envision him genuinely changing his ways. A significant shift in character would have been required, which seemed unlikely given his established personality.
7. What other instances showcase Gregory’s cowardice and manipulation?
Gregory consistently sought to protect himself at the expense of others. He readily betrayed Rick and the group to the Saviors, offered up information to Negan, and constantly schemed to undermine Maggie’s authority, highlighting his patterns of self-preservation above all else.
8. How did Gregory’s leadership style differ from Maggie’s?
Gregory’s leadership was based on appeasement and self-preservation. He prioritized maintaining his own position and avoided confrontation, even if it meant compromising the well-being of his community. Maggie, on the other hand, was a strong and decisive leader who prioritized the safety and well-being of Hilltop, even if it meant making difficult choices.
9. Was Gregory’s death necessary for the survival of Hilltop?
In the immediate context, Gregory’s death was seen as a necessary measure to maintain order and prevent future attempts on Maggie’s life. It served as a clear warning to anyone considering similar actions.
10. How did Gregory’s actions ultimately contribute to Maggie’s departure from Hilltop?
While Gregory’s execution was a singular event, it contributed to the growing tension and philosophical differences between the communities, particularly regarding Rick’s vision versus a more punitive approach. These tensions, combined with Maggie’s grief over losing loved ones and her desire to protect her child, ultimately influenced her decision to leave Hilltop and seek a new path.
11. What does Gregory’s story say about power dynamics in a post-apocalyptic world?
Gregory’s story highlights how power dynamics can be easily corrupted in a post-apocalyptic world. It demonstrates how fear, insecurity, and a thirst for control can lead individuals to make desperate and unethical choices, even when faced with the common threat of walkers and other survivors.
12. How does Gregory compare to other villainous characters in The Walking Dead?
While not as physically imposing or brutally violent as villains like Negan or the Governor, Gregory is a compelling villain due to his insidious manipulation and willingness to betray those around him. He represents a different type of threat: the insidious corruption of leadership from within. His cowardice and self-preservation, while seemingly less dangerous than outright aggression, ultimately cause significant harm to the communities he pretends to serve.