The devastating moment when Negan brutally murders Glenn Rhee occurs in Season 7, Episode 1 of The Walking Dead, titled “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be.” However, the episode also delivers another horrific blow, claiming the life of another core character, Abraham Ford, making it one of the most controversial and talked-about episodes in the show’s history.
The Anatomy of A Tragedy: “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be”
The episode’s title is chillingly prophetic, foreshadowing the loss of life and the profound shift in power dynamics within Rick Grimes’ group. Following a cliffhanger ending in the previous season, the episode picks up immediately after Negan has chosen his victim. The atmosphere is thick with dread and uncertainty. The extended sequence of violence is deliberately unsettling, designed to break Rick’s spirit and establish Negan and the Saviors as the dominant force.
The choice to kill both Abraham and Glenn served multiple narrative purposes. Abraham’s death, while shocking, initially appeared to fulfill the comic book storyline. However, adding Glenn’s death drastically heightened the emotional impact and served as a brutal illustration of Negan’s unpredictability and utter disregard for human life. The episode’s graphic depiction of the violence, particularly Glenn’s death, was heavily criticized by some viewers, who found it gratuitous and unnecessary.
The scene’s lasting effect on Rick and the group cannot be overstated. It fundamentally changed their perception of the world and forced them into a period of subservience under Negan’s rule. The psychological trauma inflicted upon Rick, in particular, shaped his decisions and actions throughout subsequent seasons. The episode remains a pivotal moment in the series, marking a clear turning point in the narrative.
FAQs: Diving Deeper Into Negan’s Actions and Their Consequences
Here, we address some frequently asked questions to further contextualize the episode and its significance within the broader narrative of The Walking Dead.
Why did Negan kill Glenn and Abraham?
Negan killed Glenn and Abraham not out of personal animosity, but to establish his authority and break Rick’s spirit. He needed to demonstrate the consequences of defiance and enforce the Saviors’ demands for tribute. The choice of victims, particularly Glenn, seemed calculated to inflict maximum emotional pain on Rick and the entire group. It was a power play, a brutal lesson in obedience. The element of randomness in Negan’s “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” selection process highlighted his capricious and terrifying nature.
Was Glenn’s death more brutal in the show than in the comics?
Yes, many viewers felt Glenn’s death in the show was significantly more graphic and prolonged than in the comics. While the comic book version was undoubtedly shocking, the visual depiction in the television adaptation was considered by some to be excessively violent. The prolonged beating and the close-up shots of Glenn’s injuries contributed to the perception of increased brutality.
Did the comic book version of Negan also kill Abraham?
No, in the comic book series, it was Abraham who was originally meant to be Negan’s victim. The decision to kill Abraham and Glenn in the television show was a significant departure from the source material. This change surprised many comic book readers and added an extra layer of shock and devastation to the episode.
How did the other characters react to Glenn and Abraham’s deaths?
The reactions were varied and deeply emotional. Rick was broken and psychologically manipulated. Maggie was devastated, grappling with the loss of her husband and the father of her unborn child. Daryl, fueled by guilt and anger, lashed out at Negan, leading to further consequences. The entire group was traumatized, struggling to cope with the brutality they had witnessed and the loss of two valued members.
Did Glenn’s death significantly impact the ratings and viewership of The Walking Dead?
The episode did receive a significant boost in ratings, due to the anticipation following the cliffhanger ending of the previous season. However, the graphic violence and the deaths of two beloved characters also led to a backlash from some viewers, with some reporting they stopped watching the show after the episode. The long-term impact on viewership is debatable, but the episode undoubtedly sparked a major debate about the show’s direction and its use of violence.
What was the significance of the “Lucille” baseball bat?
Lucille, Negan’s barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat, became a symbol of his power and brutality. It was the instrument of death for both Abraham and Glenn, and it represented the Saviors’ ruthless methods of control. The mere sight of Lucille instilled fear and obedience in Rick and his group. It was a tangible representation of the threat they faced.
Did Steven Yeun (Glenn) know his character would be killed off for a long time?
Yes, Steven Yeun was aware that his character’s death was coming, as it mirrored the comic book storyline. However, the timing and the specific circumstances of the death might not have been fully revealed until closer to the actual filming. He prepared himself emotionally for the role and embraced the opportunity to give Glenn a memorable and impactful send-off.
How did Glenn’s death change Maggie’s character arc?
Glenn’s death profoundly impacted Maggie’s character arc. She became a stronger, more determined leader, driven by a desire to protect her child and build a better future for them. She eventually took on leadership roles in both Hilltop and the Commonwealth, demonstrating her resilience and strategic thinking. Her grief and rage were powerful motivators in her fight against Negan and the Saviors.
Was Negan’s character redeemed later in the series?
Yes, Negan’s character underwent a significant transformation throughout the series. He was eventually imprisoned by Rick and, over time, began to show remorse for his past actions. He even formed unexpected alliances and contributed to the fight against new threats. This redemption arc was controversial for some viewers, who struggled to forgive him for his past atrocities, particularly the murder of Glenn.
What was the overall message or theme of “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be”?
The episode explored themes of power, control, loss, and the psychological toll of violence. It showed the devastating consequences of resistance against overwhelming force and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. It also highlighted the fragility of life and the importance of hope in the face of despair.
How did this episode affect the relationship between Rick and Negan?
This episode irrevocably altered the relationship between Rick and Negan. Initially, Rick was utterly defeated and forced into subservience. However, the events of this episode planted the seeds for Rick’s eventual rebellion. While Rick initially vowed to kill Negan, he ultimately chose to imprison him, a decision that reflected his growing commitment to building a more just and compassionate society.
What are some other episodes of The Walking Dead that are considered equally shocking or impactful?
While “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” is widely regarded as one of the most shocking episodes, others that are frequently mentioned in the same breath include “No Sanctuary” (Season 5, Episode 1), “The Grove” (Season 4, Episode 14), and “Too Far Gone” (Season 4, Episode 8). These episodes feature significant character deaths, intense violence, and pivotal moments that dramatically alter the course of the narrative.