(In this article, there will be references to certain details in the movie, the author kindly notes before reading)
After a long wait, the TV series The Walking Dead has finally returned with an episode that brings viewers a multitude of emotions, but primarily serves as a tribute to the main characters who must face the death of one of their own. For those who survive, they must endure the severe psychological trauma that can linger long after.
There are many surprising details, but the main speculation among die-hard fans regarding Negan’s choice of victim from Rick’s group has finally been revealed to be Abraham, not Glenn as in the original comic series.
However, after that revelation, Daryl, in a moment of rage, charged at Negan, leading to the decision to take another member of Rick’s group. That person turned out to be Glenn. This scene was executed in a way that closely followed the comic book, providing a gut-wrenching moment for fans as Negan not only killed one but two members of Rick’s group.
Many fans who loved Glenn felt that the portrayal of his death was unnecessary since Abraham had already been a victim of Negan’s wrath; why then must a beloved character like Glenn also meet the same fate?
The answer is quite simple: if only one character were to die, the film would be incredibly unconvincing, and this plot detail would likely not resonate well with the audience.
To understand why this is unconvincing, we must consider that Negan’s decision to kill someone in Rick’s group was meant to create a sense of terror, preventing anyone from daring to rise against him again. It is important for the remaining characters to live in fear and continue to work under such oppressive conditions.
In the comic series, only one character needed to be killed in the most brutal manner by Negan to instill fear. Meanwhile, in the show, Rick’s group has been built up to be a strong and cohesive unit. We have Daryl, Rick, Carol, and Michonne, all powerful characters who contribute to the team’s strength. Thus, it seems reasonable that one death alone may not effectively convey the message of terror and devastation intended by Negan. Another character must also die, creating a significant loss that highlights the dangers they face.
Glenn, a beloved character known for his vulnerability, was chosen for this tragic fate, making it all the more heartbreaking for fans when we see him kneel before Negan and face his demise.
After the events above, many have raised the question of why the filmmakers decided to have Negan target Daryl, resulting in the death of two members from Rick’s group while sparing another. The truth is that this plot detail was added to avoid potential complications in the story later on. Since it was already known that Glenn would die, Daryl’s impulsive action led to this tragic consequence. If Daryl had held back, the show would have needed additional episodes to resolve the conflict arising from his guilt and the relationship dynamics between Daryl, Glenn, and Maggie, which would likely disrupt the story’s pace.
In conclusion, the first episode of Season 7 of The Walking Dead, while bringing a lot of negative emotions to the audience, can still be considered one of the best, most logical, and outstanding episodes to date.
