I think he was smiling because he sees the potential in the accidental discovery of another large group to join forces with to take Negan down. He sees opportunity.

Agree with nubyan's assessment.

I keep reading that about him smiling. My problem with it is that for all he knows...these people are going to kill them. I don't see why he would smile like that.

People who want to kill...kill you on the spot.

At least, that's how I would go about it.

@Nubyan

I thought about that aspect too. But something just kind of "off" about that smile. I guess we'll see.

@NorthernLad,

Yes, can't wait to find out. Check back with me next week.

Because he needs people to help him fight. It's so obvious he's going to talk them into joining with them and eventually the Kingdom.

Because he got the numbers. Btw in case you are wondering those are the garage pail kids not the whisperers.

Well they found the word BOAT in the ledger left by Father Gabriel. They went to the boat and found his tracks. I think Father Gabriel was among that group that surrounded them.

While watching Talking Dead afterword Greg Nicotero slipped by saying it was a bit obvious. They didn't elaborate but I'll bet my thoughts are true.

Without a doubt Gabriel is among the group. He's the one that lead them there so it seems to be a given.

Rick was smiling and about to burst out laughing because he was recalling how until quite recently they were able to go within walking distance outside of Alexandria without stumbling into some other huge group of survivors - The Hilltopers, The Saviours, The Kingdom and now these chaps! Who's next he's wondering...

Found the attached link which discusses why Rick was smiling. Contains spoilers for the most recent episode in case you haven't seen it yet.

http://ew.com/tv/2017/02/12/walking-dead-midseason-premiere-rock-in-the-road-greg-nicotero-rick-smiling/

@Pandora78 - Thanks for the link. I think that does explain it a little more. I'm happy with the situation. Can't wait to see more. Last night was one of the episodes that I didn't want the show to end.

@Pandora78, Thanks for the link. I totally missed someone else in the car. Any ideas on who it could be?

Father Gabriel is officially a badass of the cloth.

Rosita needs to know that and I can't wait for her to recognize that fact. I sympathize with Rosita but she's pissing me off.

Her skills on the highway came in really handy. No doubt... skills that she picked up from Abraham.

Ricks immediate thoughts...

https://youtu.be/Ut0XTC33TEQ