Simon: The Walking Dead’s Cruel Pragmatist

Introduction

“Maybe you should just get on your knees and apologize to the savior, huh?” This chilling line, delivered with a sneer and a glint of cold amusement, perfectly encapsulates Walking Dead Simon, the often-underestimated right-hand man of Negan. Simon wasn’t merely a brute following orders; he was a complex, pragmatic, and ultimately ambitious individual who played a pivotal role in the Saviors’ reign of terror. While Negan commanded with theatrics and a twisted sense of justice, Simon operated with ruthless efficiency, willing to cross lines that even Negan hesitated to approach initially. This article will delve into the complexities of Walking Dead Simon, exploring his twisted loyalty, his brutal pragmatism, and how his actions ultimately contributed to the Saviors’ downfall, solidifying his place as one of the show’s most compelling antagonists.

Simon’s Complicated Allegiance to Negan

Initially, Walking Dead Simon presented himself as the epitome of a loyal lieutenant. He enforced Negan’s rules with unwavering conviction, acted as the Saviors’ primary negotiator, and carried out orders with seemingly no hesitation. He was the face of the Saviors during supply runs, imposing Negan’s tribute system with cold precision. He seemed to understand Negan’s vision and dedicated himself to maintaining order within their twisted society. He was present at the lineup, helping to decide who Negan would punish for their transgressions. However, beneath this veneer of unwavering loyalty, cracks began to appear, hinting at a more complex and ultimately self-serving agenda.

The most glaring example of Simon’s deviation from Negan’s philosophy is the Oceanside massacre. While Negan’s doctrine was built on control through fear and resource extraction, he often emphasized the importance of maintaining a workforce, of having people to contribute. Simon, however, took it upon himself to eliminate the male population of Oceanside, a decision that, while brutal, could be interpreted as a pragmatic move to eliminate potential resistance. But was this action truly authorized? Did it serve Negan’s long-term interests, or was it a calculated move by Simon to demonstrate his own power and willingness to go further than even Negan dared?

Furthermore, Simon’s methods of control often appeared more brutal and less nuanced than Negan’s. While Negan employed theatrical displays of violence to instill fear, Simon relied on sheer force and intimidation, often resorting to unnecessary cruelty. These subtle differences in approach hinted at a deeper ideological divergence, suggesting that Simon’s loyalty was contingent on his own interpretation of what was best for the Saviors – an interpretation that increasingly diverged from Negan’s.

The tension between Walking Dead Simon and Negan steadily escalated, with Simon’s disagreements with Negan’s strategies becoming more apparent. He questioned Negan’s reluctance to eliminate threats entirely, arguing for a more decisive and ruthless approach. He saw weakness in Negan’s attempts to control through fear and respect, advocating for a simpler, more brutal method. These disagreements, initially expressed in private conversations, eventually bubbled to the surface, laying the groundwork for open rebellion. He was the one to bring up a different solution when Negan wasn’t ready to kill everyone who displeased him, bringing up the idea that Negan was losing control.

The Pragmatism and Ruthlessness of Simon

What truly defined Walking Dead Simon was his unwavering pragmatism. He approached every situation with a cold, calculating mindset, prioritizing results above all else. He was willing to make difficult decisions, even if they meant crossing ethical lines, believing that the ends justified the means. This pragmatism, however, often manifested as a chilling ruthlessness, making him a dangerous and unpredictable force within the Saviors.

The Oceanside massacre stands as the ultimate testament to Simon’s ruthless pragmatism. Faced with the potential threat of a hidden community with access to weapons, Simon opted for complete annihilation, eliminating any potential for future resistance. While Negan might have sought to control Oceanside through intimidation and resource extraction, Simon saw a more efficient solution: eliminate the threat entirely. This decision, though morally reprehensible, highlights Simon’s willingness to sacrifice lives in pursuit of what he perceived as the greater good of the Saviors.

Simon’s negotiation style reflected this same pragmatism. Unlike Negan, who often engaged in theatrical displays of power and manipulation, Simon preferred a more direct and brutal approach. He made clear the terms of Negan’s demands. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries or false pretenses, instead laying out the consequences of non-compliance in stark and unambiguous terms. He didn’t try to earn the people’s respect, he demanded it.

The betrayal of the Trash People further illustrates Simon’s impulsive pragmatism and disregard for Negan’s orders. When Jadis and her group double-crossed the Saviors, Simon, without consulting Negan, decided to eliminate them entirely. This act of defiance, while initially presented as a response to betrayal, reveals Simon’s underlying desire for control and his willingness to usurp Negan’s authority. This was the true turning point for Simon, showing that he was ready to take over and that he disagreed with how Negan ran things.

Simon’s Ascension and Demise

Emboldened by his previous actions, Simon eventually made his move to overthrow Negan. He saw Negan’s leadership as increasingly erratic and ineffective, believing that his own pragmatic approach was the only way to ensure the Saviors’ survival. He attempted to rally support within the ranks, arguing that Negan’s methods were outdated and that a more ruthless leader was needed.

Simon’s attempt to seize power culminated in a brutal showdown with Negan. The fight was a clash of ideologies, pitting Simon’s cold pragmatism against Negan’s theatrical tyranny. Both men fought fiercely, each determined to assert their dominance. In the end, Negan emerged victorious, proving that his brand of leadership, however twisted, still held sway within the Saviors. Negan, wounded and enraged, ended Simon’s life by choking him out. Negan, in his own way, respected Simon and was hurt that Simon had decided to betray him.

Simon’s Influence and Lasting Impression

Despite his ultimate failure, Walking Dead Simon left a significant mark on the Saviors and the wider narrative of *The Walking Dead*. His actions exposed the flaws within the Saviors’ structure, highlighting the inherent instability of a system built on fear and control. He pushed the survivors to their limits, but also brought them together to overcome the Saviors.

His rebellion, though unsuccessful, revealed the simmering discontent within the ranks and contributed to the eventual downfall of the Saviors. His ruthless pragmatism, while ultimately self-serving, forced others to confront the difficult choices necessary for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

Furthermore, Walking Dead Simon served as a crucial counterpoint to Negan, highlighting the different ways power can corrupt in a lawless world. While Negan reveled in the theatrics of control, Simon sought power through ruthless efficiency, demonstrating that both approaches can be equally dangerous. He wasn’t just a lackey; he was a force to be reckoned with, a pragmatic killer who challenged Negan’s authority and left a lasting impact on the Saviors and the survivors. He was an important part of the show.

When compared to other antagonists in *The Walking Dead*, Walking Dead Simon stands out for his lack of grand ambition. Unlike The Governor, who sought to build a utopian society, or Negan, who craved absolute power, Simon was driven by a more pragmatic desire for control and survival. This groundedness made him a more relatable and perhaps even more terrifying villain, as his actions stemmed from a cold, calculating logic that felt chillingly plausible.

Conclusion

Walking Dead Simon, the cruel pragmatist, was far more than just a loyal follower. He was a complex and ambitious individual whose actions challenged the very foundation of the Saviors’ reign. His ruthlessness, his pragmatism, and his ultimate betrayal of Negan left an indelible mark on the landscape of *The Walking Dead*. He served as a constant reminder that in a world overrun by the undead, the true monsters are often the living, driven by their own twisted desires for power and control. Simon’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of pragmatism without morality, solidifying his place as one of the show’s most fascinating and chilling characters. Ultimately, the character of Walking Dead Simon reminds us that the line between survival and brutality can be dangerously thin, and that even the most seemingly loyal followers can harbor ambitions that ultimately lead to their own destruction.