Fans of The Walking Dead know that the show isn't shy about showing the brutal realities of a zombie apocalypse.  But even for a series known for its graphic violence, one death, in particular, left a lasting impression—and even the show's star, Andrew Lincoln, admits it might have gone a bit too far.

A Brutal Farewell

We're talking about the death of Glenn Rhee, a fan-favorite character whose demise in the premiere episode of season 7 shook viewers to their core.  Introduced as a kind, resourceful, and loyal member of Rick's group, Glenn's death was particularly brutal and shocking.  New villain, Negan, used his barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat, Lucille, to deliver a series of vicious blows to Glenn's head, leaving audiences horrified and heartbroken.

Lincoln's Reflections

In a recent interview with Empire, Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes, reflected on the scene, admitting that even he felt the death was a bit over the top.  He described it as "over-egging the omelet," suggesting that the scene might have been a little too intense, even for the gritty world of The Walking Dead.

The Intensity of the Scene

Filming the scene, Lincoln explained, was "the most intense nights of shooting I’ve ever been part of," despite the fact that Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who played Negan, is "one of the nicest guys you’re ever going to meet.

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Lincoln described the atmosphere on set, saying that "everybody was on their knees and weeping when they weren’t on camera."  He even recalled Morgan asking, "Is this normal?"  And Lincoln's response was, "Yeah, everybody just keeps going."

The Impact of the Death

Glenn's death was not just a shocking moment in the show;  it served as a turning point, highlighting the cruel realities of Negan's reign and pushing Rick and his group to new levels of desperation.  It also solidified Negan's reputation as a terrifying antagonist, capable of inflicting unimaginable pain.

The Walking Dead Legacy Continues

While the main The Walking Dead series has ended, the franchise lives on with various spin-offs, including The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live starring Lincoln and Danai Gurira (Michonne), and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon starring Norman Reedus (Daryl).

A Question of Balance

While Lincoln acknowledges that the brutality of Glenn's death was a bit much, it's a testament to the show's ability to shock and horrify viewers.  The series has never shied away from depicting the harsh realities of a zombie apocalypse, and this death is a testament to that commitment.  However, as Lincoln's comments suggest, there's always a balance to be struck between shocking viewers and creating a truly compelling narrative.