As season 7 of “The Walking Dead” approaches its climax, it definitely looks like the war with the Saviors is about to kick off in earnest. After a whole season of political machinations and false starts, Rick is going to lead his people into battle — hopefully with the help of some other groups the Saviors have been pushing around. But there’s a lot of division even now. Here’s where the six factions of season 7 all stand as the biggest battle in “The Walking Dead” looms.
Alexandria
Rick’s not-so-merry band is the only one we could say is 100 percent all in. These folks have spent the back half of season 7 prepping for this showdown ever since Rick snapped out of his post-traumatic haze and decided enough was enough. Thanks to their raid on Oceanside this week, Alexandria is heavily armed and ready to go.
The Kingdom
King Ezekial is still hesitant to upset the delicate balance that has kept his faction alive (mostly) for years. But he’s got a bit extra motivation after one of the Saviors killed Benjamin.
The Hilltop
Gregory remains in command and doesn’t want trouble with the saviors. But Jesus and some of the others are planning to fight with Alexandria, and Maggie is just hanging out, casually teaching residents how to murder bad guys with throwing knives. So they’re a house divided.
The Hilltop (continued)
Gregory knows he’s in a vulnerable position, especially after Maggie had to save him from a walker when he couldn’t fend for himself. At the end of this week’s episode he’s heading off somewhere with Cal — it’s a good bet whatever he’s doing will be important.
The Scavengers
These folks have some kind of agreement with Alexandria in place, but how they’re going to be involved in the war remains unknown.
Oceanside
The Alexandrians forcibly took all their weapons because Natania refused to allow the Oceanside women to take on the Saviors with them. Though some of them do want to fight — and while it seems unlikely that we’ve seen the last of them — it’s doubtful they’ll be a player in the season 7 finale.
The Saviors
It’s important to remember that every time Rick or anyone else thought they had a leg up on the Saviors, Negan has always been one step ahead. Though it may seem like the Saviors don’t know that war is coming, you can bet Negan has some surprise up his sleeve — and it’s possible that card may involve one of the other factions.
Wild card: Maggie
Maggie gained some important leverage over Hilltop boss Gregory when she discovered he can’t even hold his own against a single walker. This seems like it could be important.
Wild Cards: Carol and Morgan
Morgan’s blood lust is back after he killed Richard for trying to incite a war. And Carol is definitely raring for a fight after finding out the truth about Rick’s first encounter with Negan.
Wild Cards: Sasha and Eugene
Sasha’s an unwilling captive of the Saviors and Eugene has apparently accepted that he’s just one of them now. Something tells me their placement inside Sanctuary will be very important with Rick and pals come calling.
Wild Card: Dwight
In a move that’s been a long time coming, Dwight from the Saviors has secretly defected. In the comics he operates basically as a double agent for Alexandria inside the Saviors, sabotaging them at every opportunity. Though it’ll be an uneasy alliance considering Dwight killed Denise in season 6.
