Glenn Rhee, one of the original and most beloved characters on AMC’s The Walking Dead, met his brutal demise in Season 7, Episode 1, titled “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be.” This episode marks a pivotal and highly debated moment in the show’s history, triggering strong reactions from viewers and reshaping the narrative landscape.
The Unforgettable Episode: A Deep Dive into “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be”
The premiere of Season 7 was not merely an episode; it was a watershed moment. After months of anticipation and cliffhanger speculation following the Season 6 finale, audiences were finally confronted with the consequences of Negan’s arrival and the introduction of the Saviors. This episode isn’t just about who died; it’s about establishing the power dynamics, the abject brutality, and the psychological warfare that Negan inflicts upon Rick Grimes and his group. The episode opens with the aftermath of the cliffhanger, showing a visibly distraught Rick. The tension is palpable, the air thick with dread, perfectly setting the stage for the horror to come.
The core of the episode revolves around Negan’s “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” game. The anticipation is excruciating, prolonged to maximize the emotional impact. After selecting Abraham Ford, Negan brutally beats him to death with his barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat, Lucille. But the horror doesn’t end there.
Daryl, enraged by Abraham’s death, impulsively attacks Negan, leading to devastating repercussions. As punishment for Daryl’s act of defiance, Negan, in a move of shocking cruelty, turns his attention to Glenn Rhee. Glenn’s death is especially gut-wrenching. He is a husband, a father-to-be, and an unwavering symbol of hope and humanity within the group. The graphic depiction of his death, a faithful adaptation of the comic book scene, was met with mixed reactions, with many criticizing its excessive violence while others praised its commitment to the source material. The episode concludes with Negan further breaking Rick, forcing him to chop off Carl’s arm (which he ultimately doesn’t do). This final act underscores the complete control Negan exerts and sets the stage for the Saviors’ reign of terror.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Glenn’s Death
This section addresses common questions surrounding Glenn’s death in The Walking Dead, providing detailed explanations and insights.
Was Glenn’s Death Necessary?
This is arguably the most debated aspect of Glenn’s death. From a narrative perspective, Glenn’s death serves multiple purposes. It reinforces the severity of Negan’s threat, demonstrating his willingness to inflict extreme violence. It also served as a pivotal moment of loss for Maggie, driving her character development and fueling her determination to fight back against the Saviors. However, many viewers felt that Glenn’s death was needlessly graphic and that other characters could have served the same narrative purpose. The comic book mirrored the event, which contributed to the rationale. Ultimately, whether it was “necessary” is subjective and depends on individual interpretation.
How Did Glenn’s Death Differ From The Comic Book?
Glenn’s death in the TV series largely mirrors his death in Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic book series. The circumstances surrounding his death, the selection by Negan, and the brutal beating with Lucille are all faithful adaptations. The main difference lies in the setting. In the comic book, the group is traveling in a van, whereas in the TV series, they are kneeling in a clearing. The overall emotional impact and the graphic nature of the death remain consistent across both mediums.
What Impact Did Glenn’s Death Have on Maggie?
Glenn’s death profoundly impacted Maggie, his wife. Grief and rage consumed her, shaping her into a hardened leader determined to avenge her husband and protect her unborn child. It became the driving force behind her character arc throughout Seasons 7 and 8, as she became a key figure in the war against the Saviors. Her pregnancy became a symbol of hope amidst the darkness, pushing her to fight for a better future for her child and her community. Glenn’s death directly fueled Maggie’s transformation into a powerful and resilient leader.
Why Did Negan Choose Glenn After Abraham?
Negan’s decision to kill Glenn after Abraham was a direct consequence of Daryl’s impulsive attack. Negan stated that actions have consequences, and Daryl’s defiance warranted further punishment. Killing Glenn served two purposes: to further break Rick’s spirit by taking another member of his group and to send a clear message to everyone else about the consequences of disobeying him.
What Were the Fan Reactions to Glenn’s Death?
Fan reactions to Glenn’s death were overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers criticized the episode’s excessive violence and found it gratuitous. Others were simply heartbroken by the loss of a beloved character. The episode was widely discussed and debated on social media, with many fans expressing their disappointment and vowing to stop watching the show. The controversy surrounding Glenn’s death sparked a broader discussion about the use of violence in television and its impact on viewers.
Did Steven Yeun Want to Leave the Show?
While Steven Yeun has never explicitly stated that he wanted to leave The Walking Dead, he has spoken about the importance of actors having agency over their careers. Given the comic book storyline, Glenn’s death was inevitable, and Yeun has expressed understanding of the narrative reasons behind his character’s demise. His subsequent success in other roles suggests that he may have been ready to explore new opportunities beyond The Walking Dead.
How Did Glenn’s Death Affect Rick’s Character?
Glenn’s death was a pivotal moment in breaking Rick Grimes’ spirit. Forced to witness the brutal deaths of Abraham and Glenn, and then coerced by Negan to potentially harm his own son, Rick was utterly defeated. This episode marked a turning point, as Rick was initially willing to submit to Negan’s authority to protect his people. However, the pain and humiliation eventually fueled his resolve to fight back and reclaim his freedom. Glenn’s death served as a catalyst for Rick’s eventual rebellion against the Saviors.
What Was the Significance of the “Lucille” 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 its presence served as a constant reminder of Negan’s authority and the consequences of defiance. The bat itself became a character of sorts, instilling fear and dread in the survivors.
How Long After Glenn’s Death Did Maggie Give Birth?
Maggie gives birth to her and Glenn’s son, Hershel Rhee (named after her father) a considerable time after Glenn’s death, around the time of the time skip in Season 9. While the exact timeline is somewhat vague, it is several years after the events of Season 7 and the war with the Saviors.
Did Glenn’s Death Impact the Show’s Ratings?
While The Walking Dead still remained a popular show, the episode following Glenn’s death did experience a drop in ratings. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including viewer dissatisfaction with the graphic violence and the loss of a beloved character. While ratings ultimately recovered to some degree, the controversy surrounding Glenn’s death did have a noticeable impact.
Are There Any Flashbacks of Glenn in Later Seasons?
Yes, there are flashbacks of Glenn in later seasons. They serve to remind viewers of his importance to the group and the lasting impact of his loss. These flashbacks often highlight Glenn’s kindness, bravery, and unwavering loyalty, solidifying his status as one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Why Was Glenn Such a Popular Character?
Glenn Rhee resonated with audiences due to his inherent goodness and unwavering optimism in a bleak and unforgiving world. He was a resourceful and courageous individual who always put the needs of others before his own. His love story with Maggie was also a central part of his appeal, as viewers were invested in their relationship and their struggle to survive together. His status as an ordinary guy who rose to extraordinary circumstances made him relatable and inspiring to many. He represented the best of humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.