Mercer’s Sibling Twist Changes 2 Walking Dead Storylines

The Walking Dead drops a surprise twist that dovetails two Commonwealth comic stories into one – here’s how Mercer and “Stephanie” being siblings changes the game. The Walking Dead‘s audience is accustomed to a slower pace of storytelling after 12 years of narrative baby-steps, but season 11’s Commonwealth arc is popping off in every which way. One minute Connie’s reviving investigative journalism, then Eugene’s doing a sweaty James Bond impression, now Carol’s on a drugs bust, and here’s Daryl Dixon listening to Motörhead. The two storylines that run parallel to form the arc’s foundation, however, are Eugene’s search for Stephanie, and the rising of a resistance movement against Pamela Milton’s inequality.

Both plots are drawn directly from Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic books. Here, Eugene finally meets Stephanie (the real one, no subterfuge here) upon his Commonwealth arrival, and they begin a touching romantic relationship unlike anything Eugene had imagined back when he was watching Abraham and Rosita rut away in the night. At the same time, Commonwealth citizens become increasingly agitated by how Alexandria seems so much more utilitarian than their own community, and a rebellion is sparked with Mercer (eventually) at the forefront.

Both storylines find their way into live-action… and both have just been completely upended by The Walking Dead season 11’s “Rogue Element.” Ever the scoop-merchant, Connie’s journalism unearths a surprising connection between Commonwealth characters – Mercer’s sister is the Stephanie (her real name is probably Max) Eugene was talking to over the radio.

For starters, this revelation adds a whole new dimension to Eugene and Max’s relationship. In the comics, Eugene’s romance with Stephanie played out in relatively straightforward fashion, but the latter languished on the periphery of Pamela Milton’s social hierarchy – a position Eugene sympathized with. On the other hand, Max’s brother is the Commonwealth’s biggest celebrity. Eugene wouldn’t be dating just anyone in the Commonwealth, he’d be joining the high ranks, and that’s a spotlight he perhaps doesn’t want after discovering the community’s true darkness. More importantly, imagine having Mercer as a brother-in-law. Whereas the Walking Dead comics allowed the couple’s relationship to blossom, any attempt at romance between Eugene and Max must probably overcome a giant, growling, orange obstacle who – even on a good day – wears the expression of a man who just stepped in dog poop. Can Eugene prove himself to the Commonwealth’s military commander, and avoid a scythe to the skull?

The Walking Dead‘s Mercer and Max sibling twist carries even greater consequences for the Commonwealth resistance storyline. Season 11 strongly hinted toward Max being involved in the rebellion when she told Tyler Davis, “I’m like you.” And if she wasn’t already sick of Pamela Milton, having her identity hijacked by a Stephanie impostor and helplessly watching from afar as Eugene fell in love with a stranger is surely the final straw. Mercer’s brotherly responsibilities give him a way more personal stake in resisting the Commonwealth compared to his comic character. If Mercer isn’t already a secret rebel, Max’s involvement would give him little choice but to help the underground movement, or else condemn his sister to the same fate as Tyler Davis. Mercer’s loyalty to the Commonwealth’s oppressed classes in the comics was purely ideological; this time, it’s personal.

Though The Walking Dead‘s comic deviations don’t always pan out, season 11’s Mercer/Max sibling twist cleverly adds new dimensions to existing stories, ensuring those familiar with the source material can still be surprised as The Walking Dead‘s final episodes near. The connection also raises the stakes for both siblings. Mercer must be careful his actions don’t jeopardize Max, while Max can’t let her curiosity and feelings for Eugene jeopardize her family’s position.

The Walking Dead continues Sundays on AMC.

About The Author

Craig Elvy
(3631 Articles Published)

Craig first began contributing to Screen Rant in 2016, several years after graduating college, and has been ranting ever since, mostly to himself in a darkened room. Having previously written for various sports and music outlets, Craig’s interest soon turned to TV and film, where a steady upbringing of science fiction and comic books finally came into its own.
Craig has previously been published on sites such as Den of Geek, and after many coffee-drenched hours hunched over a laptop, part-time evening work eventually turned into a full-time career covering everything from the zombie apocalypse to the Starship Enterprise via the TARDIS.

Since joining the Screen Rant fold, Craig has been involved in breaking news stories and mildly controversial ranking lists, but now works predominantly as a features writer.
Jim Carrey is Craig’s top acting pick and favorite topics include superheroes, anime and the unrecognized genius of the High School Musical trilogy.

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