Andrew Lincoln Explains Rick’s Final Words In ‘The Walking Dead’ Season 8

“The Walking Dead” Season 8 premiered on Sunday night and already Rick Grimes’ (Andrew Lincoln) final words is making headlines.

In episode 1, titled “Mercy,” Rick from the future timeline said, “My mercy prevails over my wrath.” Lincoln spoke with Entertainment Weekly to explain what this statement meant and how the present-day Rick will reach this point in his life.

“I think it was really the calm before the storm. It echoes what was in my head when we had the showdown at the end of the last season, which it is that he’s already won because they’re liberated, they’re free, and I think it is that feeling since it doesn’t matter because we’re done, because we’re fighting it and whatever the consequences, we are free from this. So we’ve won,” he explained.

When asked if mercy will indeed prevail over Rick’s wrath, Lincoln said that it’s an interesting idea since there is an all-out war going on among the characters in the AMC series. But Season 8 will also see these character questioning their intentions and goals for fighting and what they could get out of it.

Meanwhile, the actor also hinted on what’s in store for Season 8 and said that it’s bigger than anything they’ve done before. Lincoln also compared the entire season to a “roller coaster” because it will feature a lot of ups and downs.

“It’s real life, but it’s anchored with I think some of the biggest deaths we’ve ever dealt with. And the second half I think is even darker and deeper and more connected than we’ve ever done. I’ve never been involved in the season that is so all-out. The crew are the glue that have kept this show together and this season they have worked harder than ever…” he said.

Lincoln added that he wants Season 8 to be the best since he also wants to give back to fans that have supported “The Walking Dead” since the beginning.

“The Walking Dead” Season 8 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT on AMC.