6.16: The Walking Dead - Last Day on Earth

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Spoiler: Who is Neegan? Warning, reading this will spoil a lot of things!

For the past few weeks, The Walking Dead fans have had one obsession: who is Negan? The enigmatic leader of the Saviors has become season six’s biggest reveal. You could even call the build-up unbearable. Negan’s name has been mentioned in almost every episode since the show returned in February. And now, the hype of his introduction has peaked as the season finally came to an end this Sunday and we met the man himself.

So who is Negan? Even if you don’t know any of the character’s story in the comic books or what Jeffrey Dean Morgan looks like, you've probably heard about his gruesome entrance in the infamous issue #100, memorable not just in number but for the bloody death it delivers onto a fan favorite character. Negan's first kill in the story is perhaps a good place to start. Negan: portrait of The Walking Dead's greatest villain

 

[Bugg]

The Walking Dead season finale swings, misses

"Carl offers tactical advice at one point. Shut up, Carl."

 

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Not only has The Walking Dead not yet filmed the second half of last night's season-ending cliffhanger, apparently the actors haven't officially learned who it was that met their end at the hands of Negan and Lucille.

The Walking Dead Actors Don't Know Who Negan Killed

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays baseball-wielding Negan, understands the frustration many fans feel about the controversial cliffhanger but has faith that the showrunners ultimately made the right decision.

“Well, I didn’t know it was going to be a cliffhanger until I watched the show,” he explained during a conference call (via EW). “That’s just how it was done in my world. I don’t know if any of the cast knew exactly how it was going to end, which kind of caused a lot of the uncertainty and emotion that was going on. That said, in talking to Scott and Robert [after the finale], I think that their explanation was that it was the end of the story for that season, and that Rick has lost control and there’s Negan, and Negan has all the control.

“And I think that’s where they wanted to end the story, and it’s not about the death of that person, and then the death of the person is going to kick off season 7, and season 7 will be a big part of, obviously, who is on the receiving end of Lucille? I understand the fans’ frustration, I get that; that being said … I have to trust these writers and showrunners. They know what they’re doing; a lot of people watch for 6 seasons, and I believe that they’ll be back to see who met Lucille and as the story continues to grow.”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Understands Frustration With The Walking Dead Cliffhanger

 

[Culhwch]

I tend to agree with those who thought the episode was a touch long. Rick and crew drive around and run into numerous roadblocks. Morgan chases Carol. Rick and crew get captured. Morgan and Carol don't. Some one dies, but we don't know who. For a season finale, it was kind of a letdown. I don't mind the cliffhanger so much, but I still felt they could have revealed who died and left the question being: how do they get out of this one? Seriously, I have no idea.

On to who dies. Obviously neither Carl or Rick. Someone who doesn't go down easily - I feel like this is a misdirect to Abraham. As others have said they really laid some foundations for Eugene to die, but I think that might be another misdirect. I'm thinking they go with a sideline character like Sasha or Aaron. Maybe Rosita, but I don't think so. I'm sure it'll leak though, prior to the next season premiere!

 

[the_evil_ted]

SPOILERS

The more I think about that final scene, the more I'm impressed with the shooting of it. By bringing in PoV, Neegan is beating you, the viewer and you instantly put the person you like the most/see yourself as in the place of the beating.

For my two cents, I doubt it's Carl or Rick (here here, Culhwch), as I Neegan's lines give that away.

"If anyone moves, take the kid's other eye and feed it to his dad." Well, if he's beating Carl or Rick, that's going to be difficult to achieve.

The show is arguably centred around them, and it's my humble belief that when Rick dies, it's the end of the show because Carl will finally step up, becoming a "man" - arc complete.

The cast have all commented on how it's a game changer and it was sad on the last day of shooting - so this itself could be an indicator that they've already filmed it. However, with the magical means of the internet, the showrunners could be seeing how the fans feel and letting us chose.

I was disappointed in Rick, WTF was he doing? Has he become so arrogant that being shown he'd been beaten (pun intended) truly reduced him to a sack of used pampers? Or was he seething with contempt? I couldn't tell which one?

Overall, the episode was slow amongst the rest of this season's half. I know they wanted character moments, for us to feel the full impact of the last scene, to build the tension as much as possible - The van turned around 4 times? But we've spent eight episodes leading up to this already, we already know and love/hate the characters.

Oh - TREVOR!!!! My ever vigilant wife shouted as she heard his voice. I don't know the actors name, but it's him, from Grand Theft Auto.

Coming back to ending the show - there's a good youtube theory about how long the zombies will last. They're showing more signs of decay, and the story is being told in smaller sections of time. I think the first part of the season is over a space of a couple of days. Soon the small part of the brain that animates the zombies will decay enough for them to die, so the hordes will be gone, they'll only have to deal with the more recently turned.

I like the idea of that, and the one I've been routing for - is that Judith is immune and all babies born since the outbreak will be. After this show, they have to leave it with some hope.

 

[svalbard]

I thought it was a really, good tense episode. Yes there were plenty of implausible moments, but what a build up to Negan's entrance. He was terrifying, the scene was horrific, this guy is going to be a major badass. As to who dies, my money is still on Glen, although Abraham's earlier conversation with Sasha about parenthood might be an indicator that he is the unfortunate victim.

Rick's indecisiveness throughout the episode was puzzling. I cannot help but think that the Hilltop crew set him up. They must have known about The Saviors strength.

The two horsemen that Morgan meets will surely have a large part to play next season in what will surely become a war between The Saviors and the other communities in the Walking Dead world.

 

[the_evil_ted]

Rick's indecisiveness throughout the episode was puzzling. I cannot help but think that the Hilltop crew set him up. They must have known about The Saviors strength.

The two horsemen that Morgan meets will surely have a large part to play next season in what will surely become a war between The Saviors and the other communities in the Walking Dead world.

I keep pondering over this, Rick has taken a path very close to the Govner did and he's gotten arrogant with it. This definately his fall.

Really thankful it's Morgan and Carol who have met the horsemen, if they'd met Rick...

The whole, give half your crap to me speech from Neegan, and the fact that 'Fred Kruger's half brother' was met while running away from Neegan gives me some hope that not everyone is a willing disciple. The next season is going to be an interesting one.

 

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I keep pondering over this, Rick has taken a path very close to the Govner did and he's gotten arrogant with it. This definately his fall.

He never had time-off since he picked telephone and started talking to dead people. It's not like his sanity got any better over time. Instead he has become crazier and yeah, he put everyone in risk when he decided not to turn back, but what we don't know is how much of risk Maggy really is. There is no ambulances, no emergency numbers, and all doctors that company Rick's crew end up dead.

 

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Executive producer Scott Gimple has now defended the scene, saying this to Entertainment Weekly...

"The reasoning behind this was... In many ways what we saw last night was the end of the story of [episode] 16. Where Rick winds up is completely different from where he started in 1 and where he started in 9. I know obviously what it is in 701. And presenting what occurs, to show what happened in full-force, is the beginning of the next story."

Director Greg Nicotero chimed in as well, saying this in a different EW interview...

"Next season is really Negan's story and how our group has to deal with who he is and what his way of life is, so I think it’s the perfect ending to this season: watching everyone on their knees, stripped down to the barest vulnerability, and knowing that the cavalry's not coming over the hill. Our group has never been in this situation before, so I think it’s the perfect opportunity. We had early conversations about, would we show who it was at the end of the season? Yeah, you always have discussions of what’s the best story.

"I was very passionate about ending this season on a cliffhanger and not knowing, because I feel like it propels us into next season in a great way. So people can be upset. A week from now, they won't be upset anymore, and it'll be fun."

The Walking Dead season 6: producer and director defend Negan cliffhanger

 

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Norman Reedus on the cliffhanger:

"That finale was about the change of power," Reedus said. "I think sometimes people think our show is survivor island and 'Who's gonna eat it this week?' but it's not and that episode was to show the change of power.Rick goes into that episode real confident and he comes out of it broken."

While most cast members have avoided saying anything about when the mystery will be solved and what the outcome will be when it is, Reedus claims to already know what happens.

"Cliffhangers have been happening since the beginning of entertainment so it makes sense," the actor says, before concluding, "I know what happens and it's gutwrenching to me."

Norman Reedus On The Walking Dead Cliffhanger: "I Know What Happens And It's Gutwrenching"

 

[Judderman]

Having an extended episode is always good. The extra 20 minutes (not really double length) meant they could include the repeated turning around and still get through a decent amount of story. It wasn't as exciting as I hoped but after a season which has mostly been successful for Rick's group it brought them to a new low. As has been said there were several stupid moments in the last few episodes but I doubt they could hold out in Alexandria against the whole Saviors group anyway. Presumably the people Morgan met will save them though how can they beat so many. Or somehow Neegan will get killed at the end of next season by an Alexandrian and the rest will crumble.
I also would prefer them to have shown who was killed rather than leaving it till next season. I will probably find out who it was soon rather than waiting. The Cliffhanger should just be How are the rest of them going to get out of this without being farmers for Neegan?
The cast make it seem like a big deal who dies. But they may just be exaggerating? It seems it wont be Rick or Carl. It would be big if it was Michonne too. Quite big if Abraham. They are the key fighters. I can see Michonne's death would upset folks.

Rosita being the one probably wouldn't affect the story much. Neither Sasha, though Abraham would want revenge (possibly if Rosita too). Eugene gave up the ammo building details and was called a Survivor which completes his journey, so it could be him. He also seemed to expect to die when driving off in the RV. I don't see that the loss of Rosita, Sasha or Eugene would be that gutwrenching.
Maggy is pregnant so obviously if her that would be shocking. Though perhaps she would die anyway. Glen has perplexingly survived death this season so it is overdue for him. Also his role has declined somewhat.
Darryl has been a fool the last few episodes so it could also be him.

 

[svalbard]

One thing I noticed in the episode was that at each road block the Saviors numbers increased. This seemed to have an effect on Rick.

 

[Judderman]

Yes he could see his position as the big man was looking more and more likely to collapse. He had become so confident before.

 

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What happened to that truck they sank at bottom of a river couple episodes ago? I'm asking, because I got thinking it's still there and it's full of supplies Ricknation could do with, even if they have to supply things to Neegan nevertheless who he removed from the roster. I think Eugene still have uses, as he's clever like that, and it cannot just end to him giving out the ammo recipes.

Anyone in that ring can die. Even Rick, because it would take out a lot of insanity from the leadership, while Mama Michoenne lays vengeance to Neegan's Saviors. Then again, if it would be Carl, Rick would go totally bonkers and he probably would try to acquire something devastating from the military bases around DC area. He might even try to commandeer a navy ship if one of them would come at front of him.

 

[Culhwch]

Can't be Carl or Rick though - Negan's dialogue ruled that out.

Interesting analysis of the audio from the end of the scene, purporting to revealing who died: http://io9.gizmodo.com/we-may-already-know-who-died-in-that-annoyinFwwalking-d-1769096667. Definitely a spoiler alert on that, though I'm not sure if I give much weight to it.

 

[Ste-Pe]

Possible spoiler alert:


Heard that Norman Reedus is making a new show for AMC ('Norman Reedus on a bike' or something) and I'm guessing if the show is a hit, guess who will be killed off... If it isn't, I think it'll be Glenn. Hence why they didnt show who got killed, the writers don't know if Norman would be back for season 7

Can't find the link now, but I saw a clip of them testing the model head that'll explode when hit by Negan's bat in the big reveal in season 7 - going to be gory/horrific

 

[Judderman]

Just saw that. Quite amusing in a sick way. Though the head is not resembling any of the actors/characters so not really giving anything anyway.

I doubt the writers and actors at this point wouldn't know who they have killed off...

 

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If it isn't, I think it'll be Glenn

Problem is that they're starting shooting next season and Steven Yeun isn't with them. As apparently he's heading into a film shoot. If that's the case, I don't understand why they couldn't show the scene, because it would be over and they could start from that. Straight away.

I doubt the writers and actors at this point wouldn't know who they have killed off...

Yes they do. While we've been watching they've been writing and by this point the actors would have had chances to read drafts and given input to the writer.

I saw a clip of them testing the model head that'll explode when hit by Negan's bat in the big reveal in season 7 - going to be gory/horrific

The Walking Dead's Greg Nicotero Is Testing Exploding Heads

 

[Ste-Pe]

I don't think the writers knew at the end of season 6 who was going to be killed off. Hopefully they do now (either Daryl or Glenn)
I'll give it a couple of months before leaked photos pop up (like the ones of glenn and Jesus not long after the cliffhanger where we thought glenn was dead) and we'll know for certain.

 

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Kirkman apologised the cliffhanger. Bless him.