In a subsequent interview with EW, Michael reflected on his character’s intimidating persona. “We’re tough at the Commonwealth, but I don’t think we’re here to hurt you. We just want to assist and make sure the people we’re allowing into our civilization are going to be fruitful members of the community, and also assess what liabilities we’re taking on as we’re bringing them in.”

The actor also said that Walking Dead viewers were seeing new shades of Mercer: “I think we started to peel him open, like an onion, almost. There are a lot of sides to this guy besides politician. There’s the sergeant, the general, the brother, the lover, and a lot of those get to be explored in future episodes.”