Was The Walking Dead Season 6 Finale’s Cliffhanger and Creative Choices a Poor Decision?

The The Walking Dead Season 6 finale remains one of the most contentious episodes in the series' history. While some fans were entertained by the cliffhanger, others found it to be a poor creative choice. This article delves into the criticisms surrounding the cliffhanger and examines whether it was indeed a misstep in storytelling.

The Final Cut: Humanity and Morality at the Core

The finale's use of a first-person perspective was intended to create a heightened sense of tension and suspense. However, this approach displayed several flaws, both from a narrative and dramatic standpoint. Fans noted that the perspective did not align with the characters or the events, making the scene feel out of place and unconvincing.

Glenn's Fake Death: A Meaningless Scene

Glenn's death was a particularly controversial moment in Season 6. The episode presented his death as a fake, only to reveal it later as real. Critics argue that this scene was unnecessary, as it did not serve any significant plot purpose. The dramatic reveal felt forced and disconnected from the character's arc and the overall storyline, in some cases, resembling more of a marketing gimmick than a strategic storytelling choice.

The Season 7 Open: A Poor Extension of Poor Decisions

The decision to kill both Abraham and Glenn in the Season 7 opener was seen as an extension of the same poor decision-making that occurred in the finale. While the deaths themselves were not necessarily unexpected, the way they were delivered and the consideration of how they were framed in flashbacks detracted from the emotional impact. Fan expectations were neither met nor exceeded, leading to a sense of disappointment and frustration.

A Missed Opportunity: Enhancing the Impact of the Cliffhanger

Even with the cliffhanger in place, the show could have done much better in its execution. The finale could have been improved by maintaining the status quo and delivering Abraham's death while leaving Glenn's fate in the air, much like many successful cliffhangers in the past. The narrative could have then proceeded to the next logical scene, where the climax was created.

Analysis of the Creative Choices

The show's creative choices in Season 6 were driven by a mix of narrative and commercial considerations, with the latter often taking precedence over the former. The network's desire to spike ratings through action and shock value led to a series of decisions that, while entertaining, often detracted from the show's thematic and emotional depth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Season 6 finale's cliffhanger and the creative choices surrounding it were questionable. While cliffhangers can be effective tools in storytelling, the execution in this case felt rushed and inauthentic. A more thoughtful approach to storytelling, with an emphasis on plot coherence and character development, could have made for a much stronger and more memorable finale. Fans may continue to debate these points, but it is clear that the decisions made during this season were not without controversy.