Dwight's Scene in the Walking Dead Proves the Show Is Truly Following the Comics Now

On the latest episode of The Walking Dead, Dwight (Austin Amelio) made his return after being absent for the past two episodes. When we see him, he's locked up in Alexandria's prison and attempting to persuade Rick that he wants to help stop Negan. The episode closes shortly afterward. Dwight's scene gives us the evidence we need to confirm that he'll embody his comic counterpart in the season finale and beyond. And from the looks of next week's promo, Dwight has returned to Negan's side, but as an infiltrator working for Rick Grimes.

Last weekend, several actors from The Walking Dead were present for a Q&A at Paleyfest 2017 in Los Angeles. Austin Amelio, who plays Dwight on the series, was asked if his character is being set up for a redemption story.

Amelio responded to the question with an ambiguous statement: "I hope so." But The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman did have something to say: "Read the comic!"

Is This Proof That Dwight Will Betray Negan On the Show?

With Kirkman telling the audience at Paleyfest to "read the comic," he's potentially spoiled Dwight's upcoming redemption arc, since it was Dwight who essentially brought Negan down in the comics by going to Rick's group for help. Together, they were able to put an end to Negan's regime for good.

If that is the case, then we're likely to see Dwight's turn begin to take shape in this week's episode, "Something They Need," when we find out how his encounter with Rosita went.

The last seconds of Episode 14, "The Other Side," concluded with Dwight finding Rosita outside of the Saviors' compound — but Dwight didn't call for backup or try to capture her. If he isn't going to turn Rosita over to Negan, does it mean he wants to join Rick? Rosita may be skeptical at first, but she's bound to come around.

For now, we'll have to wait and see how that plot develops, since it's unclear whether Dwight's shift would come during Season 7 or the beginning of Season 8. But it looks like he'll be joining Rick's army sooner rather than later, if his encounter with Rosita goes well.

Can Rick's Group Forgive Dwight?

Some could argue that Rick and the Alexandrians won't be able to forgive Dwight for everything that he's done in the past — Daryl is going to remember that gunshot! — but in "New Best Friends," Rick noted to Father Gabriel how enemies can become friends. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch for Rick to look at Dwight in a similar light.

We should also look forward to Dwight becoming leader of the Saviors, if his character truly follows the comics.

In the comics, Dwight took Negan's place after helping to defeat him. Dwight was hesitant about leadership, but ultimately accepted it. Hopefully Dwight's television counterpart goes down a similar path. Dwight stepping up would be perfect, simply because he's not a deranged psychopath like Negan.

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC. Here's a clip from the next episode, "Something They Need":