‘Walking Dead’: Glenn And Abraham’s Deaths Were Necessary Evils, According To ‘TWD’ EP Greg Nicotero [Spoilers]

The Walking Dead Season 7 premiere ended with not one death, but two. As predicted by many fans and spoiler sites, Glenn and Abraham were killed with Negan’s barbed wire baseball bat, Lucille. Some viewers felt the TV show went too far. However, executive producer Greg Nicotero says killing both characters were necessary evils.

There might be TWD spoilers ahead. If you have not seen the Season 7 premiere or don’t want to risk finding out what could happen next, then do not continue reading.

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Ever since the season finale of The Walking Dead aired, fans have been wondering who Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) killed. During the Season 7 premiere, the answer was finally revealed. First, Negan chose Sgt. Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz). Later, in a surprising swing, Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) was next.

Even though predictions for months stated that Glenn and Abraham would die on the zombie apocalypse series, it still came as a shock to viewers. It wasn’t that both men were killed, but how it happened and the extent of the injuries shown on television. Glenn’s death in The Walking Dead mirrored the one in Robert Kirkman’s comic books, right down to the eyeball popping out of his head.

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Following the Season 7 premiere, executive producers have been posting photos to Instagram of the dummies used and the actors with special makeup. Even though some find it incredible how realistic special effects can be, others were not pleased. A few even claimed that they were just being cruel. Executive producer Greg Nicotero recently spoke to TV Guide about Glenn and Abraham‘s deaths in The Walking Dead. He explained why both characters being killed off were necessary evils.

“We really needed to drive Rick and Negan’s story throughout the season. We felt that one death would do the trick, but the second death, Glenn’s death, really propels us in a very different direction.”

Actor Michael Cudlitz also had something to say about Glenn and Abraham’s deaths in The Walking Dead. He is happy with the outcome and made it clear that he didn’t want Abraham’s death to overshadow Glenn’s.

“Glenn has a much more cemented, emotional place in the show… we’ve watched him grow up.”

Some TWD fans feel that things went too far with Glenn and Abraham’s gruesome deaths. However, Nicotero is confident that the anger is out of love, not from hatred or disgust. The executive producer explains that The Walking Dead deaths deeply affect fans because they have grown to care about the characters. What about the ones who say they are done with the show? Nicotero promises that it will be worth it if they stick around.

Regarding what is coming next, a sneak peek and a promo clip have been released for The Walking Dead Season 7, Episode 3. Titled “The Cell,” it will focus on Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus). As fans recall, he was kidnapped by Negan and the Saviors. He has to deal with Negan’s unique brand of torment and being pushed around by Dwight (Austin Amelio). Daryl will also be going through emotional trauma, just like Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), Maggie Green (Lauren Cohan), and the other group members. However, he has to do it alone or while being kept as a slave at the Sanctuary.

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One scene shows Dixon crouched against the wall and he seems to be shaking. The man who seemed unbreakable and solid appears to be crumbling and some of that will be from guilt. Despite Negan’s warning, Daryl reacted, lunged at him, and punched the TWD villain. This is what resulted in Glenn’s death. Even though Daryl will blame himself, Steven Yeun believes that Dixon is not at fault and shouldn’t be judged too harshly by fans.

What do you think of what Greg Nicotero had to say about Glenn and Abraham’s deaths in The Walking Dead?

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[Featured Image by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for AMC]