After twelve years, the series has come to its conclusion (for now at least). The show has experienced many highs and lows, with its ratings taking a dramatic decline over the last few years. Miraculously, though, the eleventh and final series has ultimately provided a great final.
Embedded throughout Season 11 has been trademarks of the classic Walking Dead, and there seems to have been a clear attempt to satisfy its long-lasting fans. There is a subtle return of focus back to the actual dead, an aspect of the show which has bizarrely become a secondary plot-point. We’ve also been given the classic psychotic community leader, which almost never fails to hit the mark.
Despite my enjoyment, I think I left the episode with more questions than I went in with
So, how well did the final episode achieve a satisfying end to the story? Well, it’s complicated. Overall, I really liked the episode. There is an intensity throughout which kept me glued to the screen, a feeling which I don’t think I’ve had when watching The Walking Dead in a long time. Personally, my favourite scene was Rosita’s climbing scene (if you’ve watched it, you know the one). First of all, chivalry apparently doesn’t exist in the post-apocalyptic zombie world: Gabriel, why wouldn’t you make your girlfriend, not to mention your infant child, escape from the hoard of zombies before you save yourself? But, aside from that, I really enjoyed the scene. The intensity gave me flash-backs to the good-old-days of season 6 and Glenn’s dumpster scene.
The issue I have is this: as far as concluding episodes go, there were not a lot of conclusions in this one. Despite my enjoyment, I think I left the episode with more questions than I went in with. To some extent, I understand this, as there is a clear attempt to signpost the upcoming spin-off series. There was a strong emphasis on “the future” at the end of the episode, perhaps insinuating a spin-off involving the supposed next generation. I expect all of the unanswered questions to be cleared up within these various series, but I’m just not sure if we can see this episode entirely as the finale.
The eleventh and final series has ultimately provided a great final
The montage at the end of the episode was really effective, I think. Was it cliché and a little cringey? Yes. Did I still enjoy it? I did. Ultimately, it was time for the main series to come to an end. But looking back at all of the key moments of the show and stewing in my own nostalgia, almost made the last few series worth the pain. Almost...
