The final episode of The Walking Dead, titled “Rest in Peace,” culminates a journey of survival, loss, and rebirth, but thankfully, none of the core, remaining characters meet their definitive end on screen. While several minor characters and Walkers meet their demise, the focus remains on the community’s future, leaving viewers with a sense of hope rather than despair.
The Final Casualties: A Closer Look
While the series finale avoids killing off major players like Daryl, Carol, or Maggie, death still plays a role, underscoring the ever-present threat in the post-apocalyptic world. The primary fatalities are within the ranks of the Commonwealth soldiers, primarily those loyal to Governor Pamela Milton. They fall during the final siege of the Estates, victims of Walker hordes and the desperate measures taken by the protagonists to save their community.
The most notable death is that of Luke, who, despite his strong spirit and musical talents, succumbs to a Walker bite while attempting to aid Jules. Jules herself is bitten in the same encounter and although he survives the initial swarm, her life is ultimately lost when his infection inevitably takes over. This double loss serves as a stark reminder of the brutal reality of the world they inhabit. The deaths, while impactful, primarily serve to highlight the peril of their situation and the sacrifices made to ensure a future.
FAQs: Dissecting the Deaths and Their Impact
FAQ 1: Was Luke’s death necessary for the storyline?
While Luke’s death may seem tragic and, to some, unnecessary, it served several narrative purposes. Firstly, it underscored the ongoing danger posed by Walkers, even after years of survival. Secondly, it highlighted the cost of building a better world and the sacrifices required. Luke’s character represented hope and art, a testament to humanity’s ability to create beauty even in the darkest times. His death emphasizes the fragility of that hope and the constant fight to preserve it. Ultimately it provided emotional weight to the finale.
FAQ 2: How did Jules’ death impact the other characters?
Jules’ passing, directly linked to Luke’s demise, amplified the sense of loss and urgency. Her relationship with Luke added an extra layer of grief, reminding viewers of the personal connections that make survival worthwhile. Her death fueled the remaining characters’ determination to defeat Pamela Milton and create a safe haven where such losses would be less frequent. Her death, alongside Luke’s, solidified the resolve to build a better future.
FAQ 3: Why were no major characters killed off in the finale?
The decision not to kill off major characters was likely driven by a desire to end the series on a note of optimism. The Walking Dead franchise is known for its bleakness and high character mortality rate. Ending the main series with widespread major character deaths would have reinforced that despair. Instead, the writers opted to show the survivors finally achieving a measure of peace and building a sustainable future, a reward for their years of struggle. Also, it created spin-off opportunities.
FAQ 4: Did Pamela Milton die in the final episode?
No, Pamela Milton does not die in the final episode. Instead, she is imprisoned for her crimes against the Commonwealth. This decision is significant because it underscores the idea that justice, not vengeance, is the preferred path forward. Instead of a violent end, Pamela Milton is forced to confront the consequences of her actions, highlighting the importance of accountability and the rejection of blind retribution.
FAQ 5: What about Walkers? Did they “die” in the finale?
Walkers, by their very nature, are already deceased, but they were definitively “killed” throughout the finale, primarily during the final siege of the Estates. The episode showcases the survivors’ continued efficiency in dispatching these undead threats. While the Walker threat persists, the communities have demonstrably learned how to manage and control them, minimizing their impact on daily life.
FAQ 6: How did the finale address the CRM and Rick Grimes’ storyline?
The CRM (Civic Republic Military) is mentioned, and there are visual callbacks to Rick Grimes in the final moments, suggesting a larger world beyond the immediate scope of the finale. A letter written by Rick to Michonne is included and he reappears in the final scenes, along with Michonne, hinting at their future adventures. The episode skillfully sets the stage for future spin-offs and the potential return of key characters, keeping those storylines alive without overshadowing the main series’ ending.
FAQ 7: What happened to Negan in the finale?
Negan’s journey of redemption is a central theme throughout the later seasons, and the finale sees him further solidify his position as a trusted member of the community. He plays a crucial role in saving the Commonwealth and even offers Glenn’s son, Hershel, an apology. This reinforces the theme of forgiveness and the possibility of growth, even for those who have committed terrible acts.
FAQ 8: Did Judith Grimes survive the events of the final episode?
Yes, Judith Grimes survives the finale. She is a central figure in the story, representing the next generation and the hope for a brighter future. Her survival is particularly significant given her near-death experience earlier in the season, emphasizing the resilience of youth and the importance of protecting the future.
FAQ 9: What was the significance of the episode’s title, “Rest in Peace?”
The title “Rest in Peace” is ironic considering the constant fight for survival throughout the series. While it could refer to the literal deaths of Luke and Jules, it more broadly represents the communities finally finding a measure of peace and stability after years of turmoil. The finale offers a sense of closure and the promise of a future where the survivors can finally begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
FAQ 10: How did the finale deal with the theme of community?
The theme of community is at the heart of the final episode. The survivors ultimately triumph because they work together, putting aside their differences to fight for a common goal. The formation of a unified community, encompassing Alexandria, Hilltop, Oceanside, and the Commonwealth, represents the culmination of their journey and the realization that survival depends on cooperation and mutual support.
FAQ 11: Was the ending of The Walking Dead series truly definitive?
While the finale provides a sense of closure, it also leaves several storylines open-ended, primarily concerning Rick and Michonne and the CRM. The impending spin-offs focusing on Daryl, Negan and Maggie, and Rick and Michonne, ensure that the universe continues to expand, offering further exploration of these characters and their experiences. So, while the main series concludes, the story continues in other forms.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of The Walking Dead’s ending?
The overall message of The Walking Dead’s ending is one of hope and resilience. Despite the immense loss and suffering experienced by the characters, they ultimately find a way to rebuild and create a better future. The finale emphasizes the importance of community, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It suggests that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, hope can prevail.