I think he spotted someone we know and love.

 

It's just a feeling. But as he was looking over everyone.....his eyes stop on just one person and then he grins. So that's why I think it's someone he knows. I can't think of any other reason to grin like that.

 

Rick laughs in the face of danger. Plus he saw loads of people with guns, just what he was looking for, and he knows they already hate Negan or soon will.

 

lol i started the same thread My very first impression was that it was kind of a "here we go again" type of smile...maybe a little bit unhinged. Like when you're having a bad day and then something happens AGAIN and you just laugh.

...but the more I thought about it and read peoples' comments, it seemed like maybe he felt this group could be recruited. It was very obvious they were not part of the Saviors so maybe he didn't see them as much of a threat. For some reason i didn't get the impression he recognized anyone in the group, but i could be wrong.

 

No biggie!

 

Either Morales or Heath. (MeiCAN from season one (had a fam.) or that dude rockin the dreads from Alexandria who left.

 

I thought it was someone in the crowd he recognized as well. I could be wrong but I don't see Rick smiling with him and his family being once again held at gunpoint by a strange horde. Having said that, I hope they find a way to bring this group into the fold on their side.

 

I was thinking perhaps this was where Gabriel took the supplies he lifted from alexandria. Or maybe this is Glenns new group and rick smiled because he came sliding out from under a dumpster.

 

According to executive producer Greg Nicotero, Rick is smiling because he's finally found the folks that he's going to war.

"He's smiling because there's his army. However you cut it, he's gonna make sure that those people are on his side."

There you have it, Rick has his army. Hopefully, this crew will help him convince King Ezekiel that they have the power to take on Negan - and beat him once and for all.

 

I thought it might be the people fr Gabriel went off with, hence the "boat" message. Rick saw Gabriel and was relieved that he hadn't just run off or was killed, but these new people represent a potential army to take down Negan

 

In the promo for next week's episode that shows the overhead shot of the area they're in...is that not car Gabriel left Alexandria in parked off to the left hand side of the screen?

I think he sees Gabriel and understands why he took the food...he's recruiting this group. He takes all their food and leaves, if it was his intent to just bolt and never return why would he leave such an obvious clue (BOAT) behind?

 

taking a wild guess here...but we never saw this guy from season 1 die..maybe rick saw him

 

I think he saw Father Gabriel. Maybe Father Gabriel recruited this new group to help fight the Saviors. It's someone Rick recognized. His smile was one of elation and even relief.

 

I think he just a large group with guns and is thinking he can get them to help fight Negan in the upcoming war..