The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Deaths likely on upcoming ‘The Walking Dead’ finale
On “The Walking Dead,” season finales have often meant shocking moments though not always major character deaths. But with a war brewing between Rick’s cobbled-together alliance and the Saviors, there are likely to be casualties during this Sunday’s season seven finale.
This means it’s time to guess who are most vulnerable to perish. We provide our best guesses, with no advance knowledge of what is actually going to happen:
Sasha, 90%: Her character has already seen her brother and two of her boyfriends die. She has tried to kamikaze her way into the Saviors’ compound and is now imprisoned. Her story arc appears to be leading to a monster, heroic death. And the actress Sonequa Martin-Green has been cast in the lead of the upcoming CBS All Access show “Star Trek Discovery.” That does not bode well for Sasha’s future.
Gregory, 80%: He’s a weak, seemingly accidental leader of the Hilltop who can’t remember anyone’s names. He is a pure supplicant to Negan. He can’t seem to exert any real authority over Maggie. He has never even killed a walker. He is now on his way to the Saviors’ compound to provide intel to Negan. But he has very little actual intel. This trip is unlikely to go down well for him.
Morgan, 70%: His storyline
has been a zigzag. In 2010, on the very first “Walking Dead” episode, he was the first person to school Rick on the zombie apocalypse. He reappeared in season three, sequestered and mentally crazed, having lost his wife and son. Later, he found a mentor who taught him to become far more Zen-like. He could kill walkers but not people. When he reconnected with Rick in Alexandria at the end of season five, he was the king of pacifism. But he was tested over time, eventually forced to kill a Savior to save Carol. In a recent episode, he choked to death a man he ultimately blamed for the death of a youth he admired. He then isolated himself to prep for war. The writers appear to be setting him up for a courageous, selfsacrificing death. Dwight, 30%: Dwight has become a Savior turncoat. He has plenty of reasons to seek revenge on Negan. Negan burned the side of his face for trying to escape. Negan then took his wife (Sherry) away as one of his sex slaves. Sherry let Daryl go and disappeared. In an effort to save his own hide, he falsely blamed a doctor whom Negan ultimately killed in savage fashion. Dwight could provide Rick great intel. It seems premature for him to die this Sunday. And his death would distract from more emotionally heart-rending
deaths of Morgan and/or Sasha. Rosita, 30%: Her character has wanted to kill Negan all season and was willing to sacrifice herself. But Sasha took her place, telling her that she is a warrior and would be more valuable in the upcoming war. I suspect the writers find this rationale viable and will keep her around.
Carol, 25%: Atlanta’s Melissa McBride has turned Carol into one of the show’s most powerful, compelling characters. Carol has killed time and time again. She has made tough decisions to keep her group alive. The weight of what she has done ultimately enveloped her. She was ready to die when Morgan saved her. She sequestered herself until Morgan told her what really happened to Rick’s group. She is now ready to fight. She is way too useful to kill off now.
Tara, 20%: She is a solid midlevel character on the show but not a weighty one. Killing her off during a season finale would seem almost picayune. Eugene, 20%: He is a pragmatist with poor fighting skills but an impressive survivor’s instinct. The fact he is now working with Negan means Rick’s group could very well kill him. Or Negan might choose to do it himself
if Eugene shows any hesitancy to do any real dirty work against Rick.
Aaron, 15%: Like Tara, he hasn’t been on screen enough to “earn” a season finale death.
Gabriel, 15%: He has gone from Gregory-level cowardice to a true acolyte of Rick, a clear redemption story. He has survived far more times than anyone expected. Killing him now would be intriguing, but it would have to be super interesting from a plot standpoint.
Jesus, 10%: This likable character seems way too savvy to die at this stage. And the writers seem to have plenty more story to tell about him.
Enid, 10%: Her story arc doesn’t seem to lead to an “end” now. Not yet at least. And Carl needs a love interest, right? King Ezekiel, 5% :Heis way too interesting to perish now. Carl, 3%: He’s the future generation. Plus, he already lost his eye last season.
Maggie, 3%: They already killed off her husband, Glenn, this season. Plus, she’s pregnant and avoiding actual combat. Negan, 2%: Rick’s chief protagonist needs to be around for season eight.
Michonne, 1%: She is nearly as invincible as Rick and Daryl in terms of popularity. Rick, 0%: He’s the heart of the show. Of course, he’s safe. Daryl, 0%: Like every other season, Daryl is way too beloved to be offed.