Pretty much, yes.  I think he sees himself doing Maggie's dirty work behind her back, so that she doesn't have to get her hands dirty, so that she can keep her conscience clean.  Because, really, he sees himself as way past redemption, so what's a little more blood on his hands (especially the blood of some really bad baddies?)?

And can I just say how much better this season is than the past two seasons?  Is there a new show runner on board or something?

Wait.  Son of a bitch, Negan!  Back to your old ways, are you?  Did you really think your redemption was a one-off?  That La Dama was irredeemable?  I guess Negan will always be grey-scale.

But in his mind he only did it for Maggie so she wouldn't have to, right?

The writing this season is lighter and funnier than in seasons one and two.  This allows for the much lighter version of Maggie to emerge again: one filled with hope and a vision for the future in which she, Hershel, and a new community can thrive. 

It has also allowed the wisecracking Negan to rise from the ashes, having buried one too many friends and said good-bye to his wife and son (it looks like the show has decided that the whole Papa Negan thing was not quite working for him, except as a long-distance idea).  I gotta say, I like him living in the post-apocalyptic version of Cheers, with the walker Norm always at the bar, and the good-natured Sam always with a beer and popcorn at the ready.  Funny that it has grown peaceful enough these days that Negan can content himself with playing video games instead of shooting real baddies out on the streets.  And poetic justice to have La Dama locked up for good, the way Negan had been back in the day. 

With Hershel now happily learning medical skills (so many callbacks to Hershel Sr. -- he even has the watch -- am I the only one who sniffled when I saw him timing contractions on Old Hershel's watch?), this really does look like a good place to have landed.

Is that the bartender? He's played by Jimmi Simpson, who I quite liked in Westworld. You'll have to let me know if anything... untoward... happens to him. A lot of fans are enjoying this season, I hear.

I thought the actor seemed familiar! Well you KNOW that something untoward will happen to him. I mean, doesn't it always? We can't have nice things...

Enjoying this season so far. I like the hospital and bar settings. Negan's new friend is hilarious.

Is that the bartender? He's played by Jimmi Simpson, who I quite liked in Westworld. You'll have to let me know if anything... untoward... happens to him. A lot of fans are enjoying this season, I hear.