‘The Walking Dead’ series officially sees its dead end. (Worry not, as this is spoiler-free content.)
On November 20, The Walking Dead officially concluded its 11th and final season with the 90-minute episode titled “Rest in Peace.” The flagship program of AMC first premiered in October of 2010 and has gathered millions of viewers around the globe since then. It began airing its final eight episodes on October 2, this year. The show lasted for 12 years, with a total of 11 seasons and 177 episodes.
However, “the end” doesn’t literally mean the end for the walkers. While the story of The Walking Dead closes, the franchise remains restless, as it has already prepared an ‘afterlife’ plan.
Did you know that the ending of the post-apocalyptic horror series actually marks a new beginning? Yes, the last episode is also made to prepare the fans for the multiple spin-offs that are set to premiere after the main series has been concluded.
It can be remembered that AMC announced in 2020 that they are already planning ahead a new spin-off focused on the fan favorite characters such as Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride). These spin-offs were originally planned to air in 2023.
Two years later, these spinoffs are finally seeing the light. Spin-offs such as “Dead City,” “Rick & Michonne,” and “Daryl Dixon” will be launched in the coming months.
There were spin-offs that already aired prior to ‘The Walking Dead’ series ending. “Fear the Walking Dead,” the first ever spin-off series released, premiered in 2015 and was renewed for an eighth season last year. Moreover, the second spin-off, “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” premiered in 2020 and wrapped up after two seasons in 2021. The third spin-off, “Tales of the Walking Dead,” premiered on the same channel, AMC, in August 2022.
Ever wondered what happens to the Commonwealth or how the finale sets up Rick Grimes’ and Michonne’s, Daryl, Maggie, and Negan spinoff shows? Well, that’s for you to find out. Go and watch the ‘not-so-finale’ episode.
In the meantime, let’s look back at some of the best episodes in The Walking Dead series history.
Season 1 Episode 1 – “Days Gone Bye”
AMC logline: Rick searches for his family after emerging from a coma into a world terrorized by the walking dead. Morgan and Duane, whom he meets along the way, help teach Rick the new rules for survival.
“Days Gone By,” the debut episode of The Walking Dead, precisely depicted the first issues of the iconic comic book of Robert Kirkman, both in story and imagery. It seemed like a picture straight out of the imagination. Indeed, it’s the perfect way to open the show. If you want to know what we’re talking about, go and watch the very first episode of TWD.
Season 4 Episode 8 – “Too Far Gone”
AMC logline: Just when everything started to calm down at the prison, Rick and his group now face imminent danger and destruction. This time, they might not win.
The highlight of this episode is the violent act remarkable eye-patch-wearing Governor, which is considered as one of the show’s best and remarkable antagonists. What he did triggered one of the fiercest battles in TWD history.
Season 9 Episode 15 – “The Calm Before”
AMC logline:The fair at the Kingdom is underway, with all four communities coming together in celebration for the first time in years; while some pacts are renewed, other deals will come at a much steeper price.
What makes this episode different is the death of some of the most sought characters in the series. TWD doesn’t mind getting rid of some of its main characters to maintain the flow of its story. Even so, it still shocked long-time viewers as the show lost Enid, Tara, and Carol’s adopted son Henry.
Season 2, Episode 12 -“Better Angels”
AMC logline: The group learns that someone dangerous may be on the loose near the farm. As night falls, Rick, Shane, Daryl and Glenn comb the woods to handle the situation and keep the group safe.
The major incident in this episode is the death of Shane after being stabbed by Rick. Shane then reanimates into a walker and was shot dead by Carl in the head
Season 1, Episode 6 – “TS-19”
AMC logline: Rick and the group are allowed into the CDC by a strange doctor. But not all is what it seems in their newly found haven.
The final episode of the first season shows Rick and the group finding a safe haven in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. However, they later on discovered the secret of the suicidal scientist, Dr. Edwin Jenner. This episode offers a high tech setting and special effects that set it apart from other episodes.
Season 2 Episode 7 – “Pretty Much Dead Already”
AMC logline: The group discovers a grave threat right under their noses. Rick works with Hershel to avoid a dangerous impasse. Dale confronts Shane.
Sophia Peletier’s death is the highlight of “Pretty Much Dead Already.” Sophia, Carol’s 12-year-old daughter, was found at the barn as one of the walkers. Rick had to shoot her himself, much to the group’s and viewers’ dismay. The painful scene has continuously affected the show’s characters, even after many years.
Other POP! stories you might like:
The Walking Dead to conclude after 11 seasons
With the exodus of The Walking Dead, will we see the eventual demise of the Zombie genre?
The weird, dank humor that soared to new heights in light of Twitter and Meta’s lay-offs
