"The Next World" is the tenth episode of the sixth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead, which aired on AMC on February 21, 2016.
This episode marks the first appearance of the character "Jesus" from the comic, Paul Rovia, changed from Monroe, to distinguish from the first family of Alexandria.
After the passing of two months, the walls of the Alexandria Safe-Zone have been repaired and expanded, and the residents are living a seemingly normal lifestyle.
Michonne asks Rick for spearmint and baking soda toothpaste, while Denise requests a specific soft drink so she can surprise Tara.
Eugene's research leads Rick and Daryl to a truck that is filled with food, ammunition and other supplies including a case of toothpaste.
They all lie about not having a camp, and after Rick introduces himself and Daryl, the man removes his mask and gives his name as Paul Rovia, but tells them his friends call him Jesus.
Rick and Daryl hear noises from behind the gas station and, forewarned of approaching walkers, decide to investigate, only to find firecrackers popping.
Michonne and Rick leap up and grab their weapons as the speaker is revealed to be Jesus, who is standing at the foot of the bed and says they need to talk.
Actor Tom Payne, who plays the new character Paul "Jesus" Rovia, auditioned, was cast, and began filming the role all in the span of about a week.
[5] Richard Nguyen of The Harvard Crimson points out that Spencer killing and burying his zombified mother, Deanna, grants him spiritual revitalization and emotional closure after the loss of his entire family.
The critics' consensus reads: "Vintage-style action and the spark of a hot new romance make "The Next World" a gratifying successor to the shocking mid-season premiere.
"[8] Lenika Cruz and David Sims of The Atlantic praise the much-needed time jump which refreshed the series from the brutal slog of previous episodes.
"[9] Writing for IGN, Matt Fowler gave a good analysis saying: Despite having a few moments of danger, "The Next World" was the lightest, most joy-filled episode of The Walking Dead since the start.
Rick's new life feels earned and deserved and I loved how this episode allowed "No Way Out" - from last week, to be the definitive end point for the whole initial Alexandria arc by skipping over (what's usually) obligatory reflection and wallowing.
And he's not wrong, as Daryl points out at the end of "The Next World," in a wonderful Murtaugh-inspired moment, that it's dumb for him and Rick to keep going out on reckless supply runs, just for the two of them to agree that they're just going to do it again the next day.
As the men cheerfully walk out of the door—it's a shame no sax is playing in the background—I got the sense that both Daryl and Rick had finally embraced their situation, not as the damning thing of past years, but as a challenge they need/will overcome.