The Walking Dead has shared a new teaser trailer in anticipation of Season 11, which gives fans a look at the series' incoming major character, Mercer.
Mercer acts as the de-facto leader of the Commonwealth's military, the mysterious new faction that will be explored in the show's upcoming (and final) season. The series has already introduced viewers to members of the Commonwealth's military, but Season 11 of The Walking Dead will further explore the community, its politics and its major characters -- including fan-favorite Mercer (played by Michael James Shaw). Unlike the other members of the community's military, Mercer sports a bright red version of the Commonwealth's stormtrooper-style body armor.
In The Walking Dead's comic series, Mercer is a major player in the events that unfold in the community. He is a former U.S. Marine who quickly rose to become Chief Officer in the military. The comics portray Mercer as the personal bodyguard for Commonwealth Governor Pamela Milton and her son Sebastian. Neither character has been confirmed to appear in the television adaptation yet, despite their important roles in the comic series.
The group is first introduced to Mercer when he saves Sebastian from a group of walkers, shortly after their arrival in the Commonwealth. As the visit advanced, Mercer is overheard discussing possible plans to overthrow Pamela and the rest of the Commonwealth's government by way of a military coup. While Mercer at first appeared to be an antagonist in the community's arc, the flaws of the Commonwealth's system are brought to light. As with Pamela, Sebastian and other characters introduced from the Commonwealth, Mercer's role in the comic series is in a gray zone -- not strictly sympathetic or antagonistic, due to the community's unique politics and existence in the world of The Walking Dead.
Whether or not the television adaptation will stick to Mercer's comic arc remains to be seen. However, based on the show's history, it's likely that it will follow a similar, though not strictly an exact path. It has been confirmed that Mercer will make his first appearance in the fifth episode of The Walking Dead's final season, titled "Out of the Ashes." Fans will need to tune in to the show to learn just how Mercer's story will play out when the group meets the incoming important Season 11 character.
The Walking Dead stars Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, Josh McDermitt, Christian Serratos, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Seth Gilliam, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton and Cooper Andrews. Season 11 premieres Aug. 22 on AMC.
Source: YouTube