When The Walking Dead debuted in 2010, it quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, captivating audiences with its gripping storylines, shocking twists, and unforgettable characters. For several seasons, it was one of the most talked-about shows on television, but by the time season 7 arrived, it was clear that the series had begun to falter. One of the most significant turning points in the show’s decline came with the infamous deaths of Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) and Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz), and while Glenn’s death was controversial, it was the premature loss of Abraham that truly marked the beginning of
In season 6, fans were left on the edge of their seats when Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) appeared at the end of the finale, with one member of Rick’s group destined to meet their fate at his hands. The cliffhanger—who would die?—left viewers anxiously waiting for months to find out. When season 7 kicked off, the show revealed that Abraham, not Glenn, was the first to fall victim to Negan’s baseball bat, Lucille. This decision was an attempt to throw fans off the scent, but it had a much deeper, negative impact on the series.
Abraham’s death, while dramatic, was ultimately a waste of a great character. Abraham was a fan-favorite, a soldier with a tough exterior but deep emotional complexity. His character had been going through a significant transition, shifting from being the comedic, no-nonsense soldier to someone grappling with his vulnerabilities and desire for more than just survival. His untimely death robbed the series of a character who could have contributed much more to the ongoing war with the Saviors, adding depth and conflict to the show. Abraham’s short temper and combat experience could have led to some incredible confrontations with Negan, especially considering the eventual showdowns in the Saviors arc. Sadly, this was never explored.
The real mistake, however, was how Abraham’s death was overshadowed by Glenn’s. After Abraham was killed, Glenn, who had been the logical and emotional anchor of the show, was also bludgeoned by Lucille in a scene so brutal it sparked outrage across social media and left many viewers abandoning the show. The problem with this was that Abraham’s death, which could have carried significant weight and emotional impact, was brushed aside in favor of Glenn’s. While Glenn’s death was faithful to the comics and arguably the right time for him to go, it was a tragic waste of Abraham’s character, and fans were left feeling robbed of the arc he deserved.
Abraham’s death was a bit of a bluff, a red herring meant to confuse viewers about who would die, but the move ultimately backfired. The death of two key characters in the same episode, while shocking, undercut the significance of Abraham’s loss. In the comics, Abraham survived far longer, and his story was integral to the development of the narrative, something the TV series neglected to capitalize on. The choice to sacrifice Abraham early was a decision that not only disappointed fans but also left a void in the series that could never quite be filled.
Furthermore, The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman, admitted that Abraham’s death in the comics was a means to spice up a dull issue. While the TV show could have used this as an opportunity to redeem the character, instead, they opted for shock value, sacrificing Abraham’s full potential for a more dramatic, sensational moment. This move not only wasted a great character but also set the tone for
One of the biggest missed opportunities was not seeing Abraham face off against Beta, one of the most intense battles that fans had hoped for but never saw. This clash, which could have been one of the most exciting and emotional moments in the series, was never realized, further proving that the show was sacrificing meaningful narratives for the sake of spectacle.
In the end, The Walking Dead paid a heavy price for its decision to kill off Abraham too soon. While Glenn’s death was tragic and emotional, it was Abraham’s death that truly marked a turning point for the show. The character was robbed of the arc he deserved, and in doing so, the show lost one of its most complex and interesting characters. It’s a mistake that