After nearly eleven seasons of The Walking Dead, the popular zombie series is coming to an end. Based on Robert Kirkman’s graphic novel series of the same name, The Walking Dead has arguably become a staple in the zombie genre. Produced by AMC and released initially in 2010, the series follows human survivors of a zombie-pocalypse as they travel in search of safety, freedom, and the cause of the zombies. What makes The Walking Dead a remarkable example of character development is its continual focus on exploring the human condition throughout each season. In addition to zombie enemies, characters find themselves pitted against each other, navigating a seemingly lawless world.
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The Walking Dead has given audiences beloved character after beloved character. While many storylines have ended within the series, there are still some loose ends remaining. Tensions between Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan), for example, have been on the rise ever since Maggie’s return to Alexandria. In Maggie’s absence however, the audience has seen a softer side to Negan. Here are the 7 crucial episodes you must watch before the series finale.
Season 2, Episode 4 - “Cherokee Rose”
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In this episode Maggie asks for help clearing a walker out of a freshwater well on the property. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) suggests Glenn (Steven Yeun) be used as bait to lure the walker out. Afterwards, Maggie and Glenn go on a supply run together upon request from Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). As Glenn searches for the morning after pill, he happens upon a box of condoms. Maggie glances over and assumes Glenn is propositioning her, leading the pair to have sex. After the act, Maggie shares her feelings. “You’re smart. You’re brave. You’re a leader. But you don’t know it. And your friends don’t want to know it. There’s a dead guy in the well? Send Glenn down. You’re Walker-bait. I can’t take you becoming one of them.”
“Cherokee Rose” marks the beginning of Glenn and Maggie’s romantic relationship. We also see a more vulnerable side to the tough as nails Daryl (Norman Reedus), and the beginning of his strong bond with Carol (Melissa McBride).
Season 3, Episode 15 - “This Sorrowful Life”
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In “This Sorrowful Life” we see Hershel (Scott Wilson) counsel Rick after he confides his decision to turn Michonne (Danai Gurira) over to the Governor (David Morissey). Hershel’s desire was to end the blood shed and co-exist peacefully with the Governor. Ultimately Rick defies Hershel and has Merle (Michael Rooker) make the trade. Later on Glenn ask’s Hershel for his permission to marry Maggie, to which Hershel happily obliges. Glenn then proposes to Maggie with a wedding ring he took from one of the dead.
The installment features Rooker’s final performance as Merle. Norman Reedus’s performance in reaction to Merle’s death is tremendous. The episode recieved critical acclaim and was dubbed the best episode of season 3.
Season 4, Episode 8 - “Too Far Gone”
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In “Too Far Gone” the audience is confronted with the violent death of Maggie’s father Hershel. In the episode Rick tries to subdue the Governor by offering his group safe refuge in the prison and the promise of peace. Moments before Hershel dies a brutal death we see a proud smile crest his face during Rick’s plea, as he knows his lessons to Rick have been embraced. As Maggie’s father Hershel would want Maggie to carry those same lessons.
“Too Far Gone” was critically acclaimed and dubbed one of the best and most emotional episodes of The Walking Dead. Wilson’s Hershel was the moral compass of the show, and his death took the show in a different direction.
Season 7, Episode 1 - “The Day Will Come When you Won’t Be”
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The Season 7 premier reveals who Negan murder’s after the tense Season 6 cliffhanger. The unfortunate victim is Abraham (Michael Cudlitz). After Daryl retaliates, Negan bludgeons Glenn as well as a form of twisted punishment. This episode is crucial to understanding Maggie’s grudge against Negan and her need for vengeance.
Glenn’s death featured explicit violence and as such had mixed reviews from critics. The decision to kill off a staple character in such a violent nature lead many fans to jump ship and ratings to steadily decline.
Season 9, Episode 5 - “What Comes After”
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In “What Comes After” a severely injured Rick tries to lead a massive horde of walkers over a newly constructed bridge hoping the weight will cause it to collapse. Things do not go as planned and Rick is forced to sacrifice himself by blowing up the bridge. The episode concludes with Jadis (Polyanna McIntosh) rescuing Rick by calling a helicopter in, claiming she has a “B”. Anne and Rick (injured but alive) board the chopper and escape to an undisclosed location. Earlier in the episode Maggie returns to Alexandria with hopes of killing Negan, however when she confronts him it is obvious that he longs to die and return to his wife. Maggie spares him and condemns him to suffer his loss as she suffers hers.
The episode is a must watch as it is front-runner Andrew Lincoln’s final episode. The show has revolved around Grimes’ leadership since the beginning so his departure is taking the show in an entirely new direction.
Season 10, Episode 12 - “Walk with Us”
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In “Walk With Us” Alpha (Samantha Morton) recruits Negan to find her daughter Lydia (Cassidy McClincy) stating it is her destiny to kill her. Negan kidnaps and binds Lydia. Later on he leads Alpha to the supposed cabin where Lydia is being held. Alpha opens the door and is surprised to see Lydia is not there, she turns to Negan as he hastily slits her throat. The episode concludes with the best twist of the series. Negan throws Alpha’s decapitated head at the feet of Carol who had enlisted him as a double agent to end Alpha’s reign of terror.
“Walk with Us” was lauded for the outstanding performances of both Morton and Morgan and marks Negan’s first step towards redemption within the group. In his self-sacrificing act he has ended the war with the whisperers and has begun to regain the groups trust.
Season 10, Episode 22 - “Here’s Negan”
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“Here’s Negan” delivers a flashback episode dedicated to Negan’s long overdue backstory. We see him caring for his wife Lucille (Hilarie Burton) who is dying of cancer. Negan makes every effort to continue with Lucille’s cancer treatments despite the world coming to an end. We learn he betrayed his wife (before the apocalypse) and does everything in his power to redeem himself. In the episode Lucille states he has made it up to her, and his redemption with Lucille could foreshadow his redemption with the survivors. At the close of the episode Negan throws his bat “Lucille” on the fire, symbolizing the death of his former self.
