So much for the Monroe family.
Was Spencer a hero or a zero?
(Click through both pages to read the entire interview.)
Credit: Gene Page/AMC
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: First off, sorry were talking under these circumstances.
AUSTIN NICHOLS: Yeah, you know its coming, but you just dont know when.
But I would have to say it was a gut-wrenching episode.
Gene Page/AMC
[Laughs]I have to get all the gut puns out while I can.
How and when did you first get the news of Spencers untimely demise?
I had a lot of time.
So I knew way far in advance.
I immediately got all the comics.
I love source material so I wanted to know as much as I could.
It helps me define and realize my character.
I just love information.
The more I can plug in and layer in the better.
So I saw that he died, and he died in that way and I thought it was cool.
And I hope everyone enjoys it because I think it was a great death.
Im glad I didnt get taken out by a walker in the woods.
It was great to die from Negans blade.
I couldnt choose a better death.
What was your last day on set like?
They had to build this chest-plate.
He nailed it the first take.
We only did one take.
And I just started yelling YEAH!
And the crew started clapping for me.
It was just really fun.
I loved being a part of the show.
It was all positive.
I just really loved it.
Lets talk about that scene where Spencer gets all dressed up to go have his big chat with Negan.
Was that symbolic for him?
Theres one thing right before that I think is interesting.
He cleans up the ransacked house, Deannas house.
And then he puts on these nice, clean clothes.
And theres a little moment where you think, is this guy a turncoat?
Is he going to go work for Negan now?And its really well done.
They wrote and directed that scene very well.
I love that moment.
Ive known Jeffrey for a while, but never worked with him.
Hes really fun to work with and just a great guy to be around.
I really wish I could have done more.
[Laughs]
I know.
I did all my best stuff in there with him, and it was a blast.
I loved working with him.
Thats a great question.
I think its a two-part answer.
But I dont think Spencer was only thinking about that and only resentful of that.
And Rick basically slammed the door in his face and took off.
And its tricky with this fandom.
Im a Rick fan.
As a fan, Im totally with Rick and everybody.
But Spencer in this instance was right.
If he had listened to him, its possible that those two characters might not be dead.
And thats hard to argue.
Spencer was kind of right.
Its an awful situation, but its one thing that I really believe he was right about.
So what wasyourtake on that guy?
So its super frustrating.
He could be duplicitous.
He could be confusing.
He always kept me guessing.
Id be like, who am I?
What am I going to do?
It was interesting in that way because I think in this world we have clearly defined roles.
And Im proud of that.
Im proud I got to play someone complicated and someone who wasnt on one side or the other.
I believe he wanted to be good.
He wanted to do the right thing, but he struggled.
It was interesting to play, for sure.
And Spencer starts going, What?
And he starts backtracking and saying Thats not what I meant.
I think Id be a much better leader.
I dont believe Spencer ever wanted him killed in the show.
I think that is an important distinction from the comics.
We made him different from the comic book character, and Im proud of that.
I hope I had something to do with that.
I had a blast.
Like a lot ofWalking Deadviewers, I wasnt really sure what the deal has been with Spencer and Rosita.
He says in this midseason finale, Why did you start this?
And she gives him a direct answer.
She says, I was lonely and I used you.
And she apologizes and says shes sorry.
Its super funny and attractive and I think Spencer likes that fire and loves that about her.
He grew up the son of a really strong, powerful, smart woman.
I think thats probably what he needs and is attracted to in a partner.
Shes got some bad luck with the men in her life.
She does and shes going to have an incredible second half of the season.
I cant wait to see what happens with her.
What will you miss most about working onThe Walking Dead?
First and foremost, I am going to miss the people.
Everyone on the show is really a joy to be around.
That doesnt come around that much any more.
There are so many channels, so many shows.
Its really rare and special to be a part of something that connects with that large of a number.
Finally, what do you think the fan reaction to Spencer is going to be after watching the episode?
[Laughs]I think theyre ready for him to go.
For moreWalking Deadintel, follow Dalton on Twitter@DaltonRoss.
