Glenn Rhee, a beloved character on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” meets his brutal demise at the hands of Negan in Season 7, Episode 1, titled “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be.” This episode is a pivotal and intensely controversial moment in the show’s history, marking a significant turning point for the remaining survivors.
The Devastating Scene: A Moment of Unparalleled Violence
The premiere of Season 7 picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of Season 6, where Negan introduces himself and his weapon of choice, Lucille, to Rick Grimes and his group. The suspense and dread are palpable as Negan, played with chilling charisma by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, decides who will be punished for Rick’s past defiance.
Initially, Abraham Ford is chosen and brutally beaten to death. However, after Daryl Dixon lashes out, Negan decides to deliver another devastating blow to the group to further break Rick’s spirit. In a moment of agonizing horror, Glenn Rhee is selected as Negan’s second victim.
Glenn, already weakened and battered from the previous battle, manages to call out to his pregnant wife, Maggie, before being repeatedly bludgeoned by Lucille. His death is graphic and heartbreaking, a scene many viewers found excessively violent and emotionally distressing. This moment forever alters the dynamics of “The Walking Dead,” solidifying Negan’s dominance and setting the stage for the long and arduous war to come. The scene is pivotal not only for the graphic nature of Glenn’s death, but also for the complete shattering of Rick’s spirit and the group’s sense of security.
The Aftermath: A Show Forever Changed
Glenn’s death had a profound impact on the show’s narrative and its viewers. It marked a shift towards darker themes and a willingness to depict extreme violence. The character, known for his optimism, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty, was a fan favorite, and his loss was deeply felt. The subsequent seasons explored the psychological toll of Negan’s actions and the long road to rebuilding for the survivors. The show itself arguably never fully recovered in popularity with many fans from the brutality and perceived meaninglessness of the deaths shown in the episode.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Glenn’s Death and its Context
H3: Why was Glenn chosen to die?
Glenn’s death was largely influenced by the source material, Robert Kirkman’s “The Walking Dead” comic book series. In the comics, Glenn is the one who meets his end at Negan’s hands during this particular confrontation. The show often deviates from the comics, but this was a key moment the writers chose to remain faithful to, despite the uproar from fans. The rationale was to establish Negan as a credible and terrifying threat, and Glenn’s death served as a powerful, albeit painful, example of his ruthlessness.
H3: Did Steven Yeun want to leave “The Walking Dead”?
There’s no indication that Steven Yeun actively sought to leave the show. While actors sometimes request to be written off a series, Yeun’s departure appears to have been driven by the storyline and the desire to remain true to the comic book narrative. In interviews following his departure, Yeun spoke of appreciating the opportunity to work on the show and the challenge of portraying such a significant moment.
H3: How did Maggie react to Glenn’s death?
Maggie Greene, played by Lauren Cohan, is understandably devastated by Glenn’s murder. She is pregnant with their child at the time and witnesses his brutal demise. Her grief fuels her determination to avenge him and ultimately leads her to become a strong and capable leader within the Alexandria community and beyond. Maggie’s storyline in the seasons following Glenn’s death revolves around her grappling with loss, raising their son Hershel, and fighting for a better future for him and the other survivors.
H3: Was Glenn’s death necessary for the story?
This is a question that has been hotly debated by fans since the episode aired. Some argue that Glenn’s death was a crucial plot point to establish Negan’s power and drive the narrative forward. Others believe it was gratuitous and overly violent, arguing that it crossed a line and negatively impacted the show’s overall quality. Ultimately, whether or not Glenn’s death was “necessary” is subjective and depends on individual perspectives on storytelling and the show’s overall direction.
H3: How did other characters react to Glenn’s death?
Glenn’s death deeply affected all the surviving members of the group. Rick was utterly broken, his leadership and confidence shattered. Daryl felt immense guilt, believing his outburst had triggered Negan’s decision to kill Glenn. The loss of Glenn further solidified the group’s resolve to fight against Negan and his Saviors. Michonne, too, felt the weight of his death, as she had grown close to Glenn and witnessed his unwavering goodness.
H3: Was the scene too graphic?
The level of graphic violence in Glenn’s death scene was a major point of contention. Many viewers found it excessively brutal and unnecessary, arguing that it crossed a line and detracted from the emotional impact. Others defended it as a realistic portrayal of the show’s dystopian world and a necessary means of conveying Negan’s cruelty. AMC acknowledged the controversy and defended the scene as being vital to the storytelling, though they subsequently toned down the graphic violence in later episodes.
H3: What other differences are there between the comic book and the show regarding Glenn’s death?
While the circumstances of Glenn’s death are largely the same in both the comic book and the TV show, there are some minor differences. The comic book version of the scene arguably feels less drawn out. The emotional impact, however, remains consistent. The TV show added the element of Maggie witnessing the event while pregnant, adding another layer of horror and grief.
H3: What happened to Glenn’s son, Hershel?
Glenn’s son, Hershel, named after Maggie’s father, plays a significant role in the later seasons of “The Walking Dead.” Maggie raises him, instilling in him the values of compassion and resilience that Glenn embodied. Hershel serves as a symbol of hope for the future and a reminder of the losses the group has endured. He is a constant reminder of what they are fighting for.
H3: How did Glenn’s death affect ratings of the show?
While the Season 7 premiere garnered high ratings, the extreme violence and Glenn’s death are widely considered to have initiated a decline in viewership in subsequent seasons. Many viewers felt alienated by the show’s increasingly bleak and nihilistic tone. While other factors contributed to the decline, Glenn’s death is often cited as a pivotal moment that turned off a significant portion of the audience.
H3: What was the public’s reaction to the casting backlash?
The controversy surrounding Glenn’s death also sparked discussions about the show’s perceived tendency to kill off minority characters. Some viewers felt that Glenn’s death perpetuated a harmful trope, leading to a backlash against the writers and producers. While the show’s creators defended their decision as being faithful to the comic book storyline, the controversy highlighted the importance of considering representation and the potential impact of character deaths on marginalized communities.
H3: What did Steven Yeun do after leaving “The Walking Dead”?
Steven Yeun’s career has flourished since his departure from “The Walking Dead.” He has garnered critical acclaim for his performances in films such as “Okja,” “Burning,” and “Minari,” the latter of which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He has also starred in the animated series “Invincible” and the Netflix series “Beef,” further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
H3: Where does Glenn rank amongst the most beloved “Walking Dead” characters?
Glenn Rhee consistently ranks among the most beloved and iconic characters in “The Walking Dead” universe. His kindness, bravery, and resourcefulness resonated with viewers, making him a fan favorite. His relationship with Maggie was also a central and compelling aspect of the show, further solidifying his place in the hearts of fans. His death remains one of the most impactful and controversial moments in the show’s history, a testament to the character’s enduring legacy.