Showrunner Scott Gimple had a goal for the premier. He explained on The Talking Dead that he was “looking for a way to break the audience.” And he did.
He broke us with the last words uttered out of Glenn’s (Steven Yeun) mouth- his last thought to Maggie (Lauren Cohan).
“I will find you.”
Don’t tell me you didn’t shed a tear when Glenn mumbled this message to Maggie through blood-soaked lips. Don’t tell me your heart didn’t ache for Maggie, pregnant with his child. Don’t tell me you weren’t absolutely disgusted by Negan at this point, and wanted immediate revenge.
The loss of Glenn Rhee from The Walking Dead this past Sunday was a heartbreaking one to say the least. He’s been with the show since the first episode and is the sole reason why Rick Grimes survived Atlanta. He’s stayed with us for six seasons, which is something very few characters have done. He’s avoided death countless times. But Sunday’s Season 7 premiere was our goodbye to the pizza delivery boy turned apocalyptic survivor turned soon to be father. And we will miss him dearly.
Image via AMC
Glenn was a resourceful character, and although he was never the strongest, his smarts and his keen thinking got him out of deadly situations. His and Rick’s leadership dynamic was one for the books. As was his and Maggie’s love story.
It all began when the two were on a supply run after Rick’s group arrived to Hershel’s farm. They didn’t know what was happening in this world, so like most 20-year olds- their minds turned to sex. Back on the farm, they want to go at it again but this is when Glenn discovers the hidden barn full of walkers. Maggie begs him to keep it a secret, but he tells Rick anyway. And we all remember how well that turned out. Maggie felt betrayed by Glenn but as they were out on another supply run, Glenn saves her life when a walker attacks. It wasn’t long after this that Maggie confesses her love for him.
Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan) – The Walking Dead – Season 4 _ Gallery – Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC
Their relationship made the show. This isn’t me being dramatic. This is the truth. Maggie and Glenn had the longest lasting relationship in The Walking Dead so far. Their marriage was the first to take place after the apocalypse started. The two characters gave this world of walkers and death that fans watch every week slightly more relatable. We saw what it was like to fall madly and deeply in love when everything else was falling apart around you. Glenn was all Maggie had left. So it was no surprise when fans were devastated that he was killed off in the premiere.
As were Lauren Cohan and Steven Yuen, themselves. “They’re star-crossed lovers. ‘I’ll find you. I’ll be with you. I’ll watch over you. I’ll be there.’” Cohan tried to explain what Glenn meant by his last words during The Talking Dead. Yuen adds, ““He dies in such a Glenn way. Still not thinking about himself. It’s important that he puts those final words out as a way of saying, ‘Look out for one another.’”
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Losing Glenn was tough on us all, but we can only wait and see what the rest of this season has in store for the other characters.