Eventually, it is revealed that Eugene is not a scientist, but a high school science teacher, and that he does not know how to cure the virus but lied to manipulate the other survivors into taking him to Washington, D.C., believing it to be the best chance for survival.

[volume & issue needed] Eugene claims to know what has caused the plague, but will not disclose any information with the remaining survivors, including Abraham and Rosita.

[volume & issue needed] During the journey, Eugene studies various zombies in order to gain knowledge about them, but is careful to shadow the convoy to protect himself.

[volume & issue needed] Eugene eventually realizes he can begin to manufacture bullets in a repair shop nearby, where Abraham is killed when they scout it out only moments after they make amends.

[volume & issue needed] They are tortured for information but eventually escape with the help of Dwight, taking a van with a mix of Alexandrians and defecting Saviours back.

[volume & issue needed] It turns out Rosita is pregnant by another man but Eugene vows to raise the child like his own.

Rick Grimes helps to save Eugene and the other captured group from Terminus ("No Sanctuary") and continue to make their way north, taking shelter in the former church run by Father Gabriel ("Strangers").

Abraham finds a fire truck that allows them to continue, until they run into a section of road that is overwhelmed by hundreds of walkers blocking their path.

Some time later, the group is invited to join the Alexandria Safe Zone community, a suburban development protected by strong walls.

Eugene helps with maintenance of the community, and goes with Glenn, Noah, Tara, Aiden, and Nicholas to get electronics supplies from a nearby warehouse.

In the mid-season finale, "Start to Finish", Eugene is rescued by Tara and Rosita from the herd of walkers, seconds after hearing Daryl on the radio and letting out a cry of help.

In the mid-season premiere "No Way Out", Eugene helps kill the remaining herd, showing his growing acts of bravery.

In the season finale "Last Day on Earth", Eugene accompanies a small group to bring an ill Maggie to the Hilltop.

The Saviors beat up Eugene as well as capturing him and trapping the group and then afterwards, Negan kills one of them after a twisted variation of the game, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

Eugene and the others are forced to witness Negan kill Abraham and later Glenn before they are let go, but told to expect the Saviors to arrive at Alexandria for a portion of their supplies ("The Day Will Come When You Won't Be").

Negan prepares to have the Saviors kill Rosita, but Eugene steps forward and claims responsibility for making the bullet.

Though Dwight admits to it, he insists that all Eugene needs to do is let things play out as Rick only wishes Negan dead and is trying to force everyone else to surrender.

Eugene is shown to have conflicted loyalties, drinking heavily and contemplating the seriously ill Gabriel's request to help rescue Doctor Carson.

Eugene eventually comes up with a plan to lure the walkers away using the music player he gave Sasha, but is foiled by Dwight.

In the mid-season finale "How It's Gotta Be," it is revealed that Eugene has found a way to clear the Sanctuary of walkers, allowing the Saviors to retaliate against Alexandria, the Hilltop and the Kingdom.

In the mid-season premiere "Honor" in Carl's envisioned future, Eugene is tending the gardens in Alexandria and offers Judith a green apple.

A nervous Eugene inquires about the events that occurred at Alexandria, Negan questions his loyalty and sending him to his own outpost in a bullet factory to create ammunition for war.

Following the crash of a satellite, Eugene builds a long-range radio and begins communicating with a woman calling herself Stephanie, eventually falling in love with her and setting up a rendezvous.

Eugene is eventually forced to lead the Commonwealth Army to Alexandria after an altercation with Milton's son Sebastian, arriving just in time to deliver vital food and rebuilding supplies for the community.

One day, Stephanie suddenly vanishes and Eugene begins an investigation, eventually discovering a rogue element within the Commonwealth led by Hornsby, who seeks power for himself.

After some initial hesitation on both sides, Eugene and Max start a romantic relationship and become embroiled in the plan to sow dissent against Pamela.

[3] The character's real name and the actor who would play the role (McDermitt) were confirmed during the show's panel at New York Comic Con 2013.

[4] Noel Murray of Rolling Stone ranked Eugene Porter 12th in a list of 30 best Walking Dead characters, saying, "Since admitting that he can't cure zombie-ism, the former high school science teacher has become determined to earn others' loyalty for real, and his tentative steps toward confidence and courage have been inspiring to watch.