AMC’s second week of “11 Weeks of Reveals until Season 11”, AMC released a mini season 11 promo of The Walking Dead. In the trailer you see a new character, Mercer. If you are a fan of the comic book, like me, you will know instantly who this is, but for TV only fans, you are wondered why this character is highlighted in the teaser trailer. Actor Michael James Shaw joins the cast as this figure, who's the chief officer of the soldiers of The Commonwealth. The extended season 10 episodes brought some of the grunt militiamen dressed in white armor (I call them storm troopers), but Mercer stands out from the crowd with his red ensemble. This is where Eugene, Ezekiel, Yumiko, and Princess are held captive at the end of episode 21. The trailer also highlights every main character that has been in the show to his point. I am excited for this final season. Show runner Angela Kang says to expect the darkest season that The Walking Dead has ever done. I expect a lot of surprising deaths and blows to the heart this season, so the The Walking Dead universe can go out with a bang before the Rick Grimes movies and Daryl’s/Carol’s spin off show.
SPOILER WARNING IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE COMIC BOOK!
At some point in the apocalypse, Mercer encountered a network of communities called the Commonwealth which he joined. Due to his military background, he was placed in the Commonwealth Army and rising to the position of Chief Officer. He also was appointed by Pamela Milton as a personal bodyguard for her and her son Sebastian. After the book is wrapped up, in the following 25 years, it is shown that Mercer decided to stay within the Commonwealth and eventually retired from serving within the Commonwealth army. He eventually developed a limp and began walking with a cane. In addition, Mercer rekindles his relationship with Juanita and is frequently seen walking with her with their dog.