The Walking Dead, a leading zombie series that debuted in 2010, has not only captivated audiences but has also given rise to a vast franchise comprised of seven spin-offs. The original series aired for 11 seasons until 2022, and its legacy continues with titles like Fear the Walking Dead, World Beyond, Tales of the Walking Dead, and most recently, Dead City and Daryl Dixon, both launched in 2023. Another spin-off, The Ones Who Live, is scheduled to premiere in 2024.
A pivotal moment in The Walking Dead’s narrative was the controversial death of Glenn Rhee, played by Steven Yeun. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who portrays the infamous villain Negan, recently discussed the impact of Glenn’s death in a video with co-star Lauren Cohan. Morgan expressed that if Glenn hadn’t died, it would have led to a less antagonistic relationship between Negan and Cohan’s character, Maggie. He noted that while the storyline would have diverged, he speculated that Negan would have met his demise through another means, suggesting that characters often face peril in this unpredictable series.
The death of Glenn, depicted in the first episode of Season 7, remains significant in the series. While this episode is highly regarded on IMDb, it also drew mixed reactions from fans, with some arguing that the series lost its momentum following this dramatic moment. Discussion on platforms like Reddit highlights a divide among viewers regarding the direction of the show post-Glenn’s death.
Commenting on these sentiments, MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes agreed that while he enjoyed the earlier seasons, he felt the series began to wane in interest with Season 8. Despite the mixed reviews about the creative choices, it’s clear that the drama and unpredictability have been central to The Walking Dead’s enduring appeal.
As the franchise continues to expand, fans might find new narratives that breathe fresh life into the beloved universe, keeping alive the tension and emotional depth that originally drew them in.