The Walking Dead’s Downfall: How Glenn’s Death Changed Everything

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In a stunning turn of events, the swing echoed globally, leaving countless fans devastated who had watched Glenn Rhee grow into a cherished figure over six years in “The Walking Dead.” This groundbreaking post-apocalyptic show chronicled the journey of a band of survivors uniting to combat zombies amidst a ruined world. Initially led by former Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln.

Despite Rick Grimes being the central figure on the popular show The Walking Dead who shocked viewers when he exited in 2018, it was actually Glenn’s heart-wrenching demise during the Season 7 premiere that left fans emotionally shattered. Steven Yeun, who portrayed Glenn brilliantly as a pizza boy turned walker slayer, departed from the series, causing a profound void in viewers and altering The Walking Dead’s course forever.

Steven Yeun’s Fan-Favorite Performance in ‘The Walking Dead’

In a way reminiscent of his memorable debut when he rescued Rick Grimes from walkers in a tank, Glenn Rhee said goodbye to “The Walking Dead” in a similarly dramatic manner. The Season 7 premiere, titled “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be,“, didn’t hesitate to shock viewers as the villainous Negan, armed with a baseball bat, mercilessly killed both Glenn and Abraham to make it clear who was in control.

Regardless of fans anticipating a gruesome end for Glenn in the comics, the surprising episode still sparked debate among viewers and even creator/producer Robert Kirkman and the showrunners. They had contemplated saving Glenn’s life and questioned if his death was essential given that Abraham had been selected as Negan’s victim earlier. Nevertheless, Kirkman concluded that Glenn’s demise was crucial to the episode, as he shared with Entertainment Weekly following the shocking broadcast.

There’s a significant amount of plot related to Glenn’s demise in the comics. We considered various alternatives, but ultimately decided that exploring this event would unravel too many other aspects and make it challenging to maintain the storyline without his death.

Glenn’s Death Completely Rocks ‘The Walking Dead’

It’s not surprising that Abraham and Glenn’s grim end stirred up strong reactions from fans, leading to a fierce discussion about where The Walking Dead was heading next. Many felt that the violence of their deaths was excessive, believing the show had crossed a line. For longtime viewers, killing off a beloved character like Glenn was hard to accept. However, others defended the deaths, arguing they demonstrated just how ruthless Negan is and reinforced the idea that no one in the series is truly safe.

Without a doubt, Glenn Rhee was the essence and spirit of “The Walking Dead.” His departure marked a turning point for the series, as both the characters and viewers came to understand that perseverance and striving to be good in the face of insurmountable challenges couldn’t shield a character, no matter how well-liked. The subsequent episodes and seasons underwent a significant transformation in mood. They were steeped in despair and sorrow as the group grappled with accepting their harsh new existence under Negan’s oppressive rule.

Glenn’s wife Maggie (played by Lauren Cohan) was not only left devastated and confused, but Daryl grappled with guilt as Negan killed Glenn in response to Daryl’s defiance. Rick felt powerless to stop the brutal attack. When Glenn whispered, “I’ll find you, Maggie,” fans were deeply affected, signifying a shift in the show’s caliber and sparking discussions about whether it was still worth investing time into this horror series. Yeun accepted his character’s end, telling TVLine that he was at peace with it.

To put it simply, I felt deeply attached to that event, and I believe no one meant for someone else to experience it. Frankly, it’s a significant moment, and I understood its necessity, even if it was difficult.

Stream The Walking Dead on Netflix.

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2025-04-21 03:04