The Walking Dead Season 8 Finale
**MULTIPLE SPOILERS BELOW** Stop reading now if you have yet to watch The Walking Dead season 8 finale.
Before I begin, there’s a few things I’d like everyone to know… First and foremost – TWD is one of the few shows that I’ve actually stuck around to watch 8 consecutive seasons. It’s a VERY rare occurrence as I usually slow down or give up on television shows after 3 or 4 seasons. (They just don’t continue to hold my attention or I’ll just wait and binge at a later date.) The other important thing to note: I almost never write anything “negative” about a television show. If I don’t enjoy something or I’m not into it – I just move on.
This episode (in my opinion) was a total atrocity and the final nail in the coffin. Many will not agree with my thoughts on the show and that’s okay. You can leave me comments below or even send me hate mail. I’m fine with that.
AMC was already losing viewers – and next season I expect viewership to fall even faster. Here’s a few reasons why…
Negan
If you’ve never heard me chat about The Walking Dead – I’m a huge Negan fan. Jeffrey Dean Morgan has played him to perfection and every evil deed has been fun (even when cringe worthy) to watch. That being said – It’s obviously time for Negan to go. Rick, Michonne, Daryl… SOMEONE needs to kill him.
For a brief moment, I actually cheered during the episode last night. Rick actually took him out. No more missed shots and no more “nonsense-I-almost-gotcha” chase scenes. He sliced his throat. Negan is a goner. HOORAY RICK! Until, he’s not a goner because Rick instructs the gang to “save him.”
What the ****?! Are you kidding me? SAVE HIM? And that garbage speech to Negan while he’s laying there with his throat bandaged… He’s going to be the example? What? Why? Is there really a point to this? No. He should be dead. Plain and simple.
Friends are now foes?
Maggie and I actually agree – Negan should be dead. But now all of a sudden she’s decided to become the next villain for Rick? Jesus and Daryl actually “joining” forces with Maggie to one day topple Rick and Michonne? Who in the hell thought of this ridiculous set of circumstances – and why? What purpose does this serve the viewers? We NEED to be able to root for the entire team – not factions within the team.
This was the twist we all needed to keep us enthralled to come back again next season? Maggie/Jesus/Daryl VS Rick/Michonne? No thanks. She can be pissed. She can do something stupid and rebellious like everyone seems to do at some point in the show – but to put together a shadow team that will eventually “deal” with Rick and his decision to keep Negan alive? Give me a break.
Viewers deserved better in this finale – and they deserve more next season.
The only “positives”
It doesn’t make up for the lackluster product of a finale, but there were two “bright” spots for the episode.
Eugene drives me up a wall. His crazy speeches and odd choices of words, his uncomfortable allegiance with Negan, and the fact we never really know when he’s speaking the truth… But he came through in a big way during the finale. His treachery and ability to sabotage the bullets single-handedly saved everyone from a sure demise. I actually felt proud of him – and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt that way about Eugene.
The second part I enjoyed: Team Oceanside showing up – and with fireballs! I’m glad they took part even if it wasn’t for an extended period of time. It was something to at least temporarily feel good about… And those fiery explosions were pretty darn cool.
Final Thoughts
Rick’s speech to the remaining saviors… Super anti-climactic. And what were they supposed to say/do in response? Say “nah, no thanks”? He didn’t appear superior and tough in this moment and he didn’t come across as forgiving and willing to reconcile things… he came across weak. If Simon had been successful the week before – Could you imagine that speech?
One last thing that I believe is missing from the finale… Why in the hell isn’t Gregory dead yet? Ugh!
Let me know!
I’m certain this isn’t a popular opinion – and that’s okay. I’d love to hear what you agree or disagree with. How did you feel about the finale? Has The Walking Dead lost their touch? Let me know in the comments below, tweet me, or send me an email!
And don’t forget to check out our TNTtalk Podcast with Tracey and Tameche. They discuss each episode of the show and the finale podcast will be out soon!