When The Walking Dead Crossed the Line: A Shocking Episode That Changed Everything

Fifteen years ago, I found myself completely hooked on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” This show became an integral part of my daily routine, much like “Game of Thrones.” Every week, I eagerly awaited the latest episode, unable to resist the allure. However, one particular episode stands out in my memory as a turning point for the series. After several seasons of zombie-centric plots, the show began to focus more on the post-apocalyptic world and human rivalries. This shift made sense given the survival-of-the-fittest nature of our post-zombie world, but it wasn’t until a new villain emerged that I truly understood the implications.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I must express my awe at the electrifying impact of “The Walking Dead” season 7 premiere, which captivated a staggering 17 million viewers in the US alone. The episode halted the world for many, with its events lingering long in the minds of fans. The introduction of Negan was nothing short of unforgettable, sending chills down every viewer’s spine and leaving us all utterly shocked. However, it seems that this intense response wasn’t universally positive. For some, the direction the show took seemed to cross a line, sparking debates among fans about the show’s artistic choices.

“The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” Went Too Far for The Walking Dead

In the opening of Season 7’s Episode 1, fans of “The Walking Dead” were left on tenterhooks as the storyline resumed from a tense cliffhanger in the Season 6 finale. The arrival of Negan and his New World Order plan had made it evident that Rick’s group was not just embarking on a new plotline but confronting one of television’s most formidable antagonists. This development is significant for the show as it signifies that no character, even the protagonist, is immune to danger. The season finale began with a chilling game of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” to determine which member of Rick’s group would meet their end following an interruption in their journey to Hilltop. However, it was only in “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” that viewers learned who had fallen victim to Negan’s wrath.

The incident under scrutiny zeroes in on this particular instance, intensifying the tension and anticipation. The narrative unfolds a few minutes following the baffling demise, with Rick visibly shaken, compelled to converse privately with Negan. From the outset, the feeling of distress is profound, despite Rick’s past encounters with harrowing events. Yet, nothing appears as emotionally taxing as the recent slaying of one of his comrades. It’s evident how taken aback he is, even while issuing threats towards Negan, suggesting that the deceased was more than just a secondary character.

Following this, Negan engages Rick in a confrontational dialogue within a trailer, as scenes of poignant memories with every member of Rick’s group unfold on the screen. This serves to intensify emotions and psychologically prepare viewers for the revelation of the victim – someone from their number could have been chosen. Suddenly, the scene shifts back to the group kneeling, signaling a concluding flashback, with Negan brandishing Lucille, his bat. In this game of chance determining who meets their end, Abraham is the one selected, and his skull is brutally crushed until he succumbs to death. However, it’s at this point that The Walking Dead crosses a line.

It was thought that Negan would carry out just one heinous act, but viewers were taken aback. There was momentary pause before Abraham’s death, yet there was still a feeling of relief since Abraham had joined the series in season 4, allowing fans less time to develop an emotional connection with him. The fact that Abraham was the victim didn’t seem too harsh, but then Negan suddenly bashes Glenn’s head – a retaliation for Daryl striking him earlier.

The issue arises because the sudden violence disrupts the established pattern, surpassing the previously depicted levels in “The Walking Dead.” The viciousness of the attacks is extreme, causing Glenn’s skull to collapse and even forcing an eye out. This gruesome scene is particularly unsettling, especially given the excessive bloodshed. At this point, “The Walking Dead” no longer seems like a suspenseful thriller but rather a graphic horror series. However, Negan doesn’t cease his assault; he continues until Glenn’s head is nearly destroyed, leaving behind a pile of bone, brain matter, and flesh, with the body twitching on the ground.

The TV series “The Walking Dead” typically leaves out some gruesome details, but in this instance, the level of violence depicted was unusually intense and left many viewers uncomfortable. Some viewers were so displeased that they stopped watching the show altogether. However, the graphic scene mirrored the comic books closely, aiming to convey the same intensity and emotional impact. Director Greg Nicotero admitted it was challenging to film such brutality, but stressed its importance for the series’ storyline. Without a doubt, this episode remains an unforgettable moment for fans of “The Walking Dead.

Steven Yeun and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Shared Thoughts on the Episode

Shortly following the airing of an episode from “The Walking Dead,” Steven Yeun reflected on the emotional scene and his character at the 2017 Walker Stalker Con. He admitted, “Perhaps we went too far. It was quite intense, but it happened and people remember it, which is cool.” The scene’s impact can be difficult to fully grasp initially, but it eventually leaves viewers feeling sadness, especially those who have been following the character since season 1. Glenn’s history with Maggie, his son he left behind, and his final words make the situation even more heart-wrenching. However, Yeun expressed gratitude that his character had resonated so deeply with the audience that his death evoked such a strong response.

For Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the circumstances were unique given his role as Negan, a villain who often blurs the line between reality and storytelling for some viewers. Years later, his character embarked on a journey towards redemption and reconciliation with his past in the spin-off “The Walking Dead: Dead City.” Yet, the actor has shared that he continues to encounter fans of the series who hold him responsible for Negan’s actions.

Despite experiencing highs and lows throughout its run, “The Walking Dead” continues to stand as a significant pop culture artifact. Even as the narrative evolved following the exit of cherished characters, and its popularity waned slightly, one episode in particular left an indelible impression on fans by pushing boundaries and altering the trajectory of characters forever. The demise of Glenn served as a particularly poignant turning point.

The Walking Dead is available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-02-28 01:41