A Critical Analysis of The Walking Dead Finale: Why Fans Are Disappointed

The final season of The Walking Dead, which aired in November 2022, has left a significant portion of its fanbase feeling disappointed. This analysis delves into the various factors that contributed to this sentiment.

Pacing and Build-Up

One of the primary issues highlighted by many fans is the pacing of the final season, particularly the last few episodes. The storylines felt rushed and lacked the necessary pacing to provide satisfying closure to character arcs that had been developed over multiple seasons. This inconsistency in pacing often left fans feeling that the narrative rushed past important moments, thus diminishing the emotional impact.

Character Decisions and Inconsistency

The choices made by key characters in the finale were a source of frustration for many viewers. Some felt that these decisions were inconsistent with the established personalities of these characters, leading to a disconnect between what fans expected and what was shown on screen. These character decisions often felt forced, breaking the audience's suspension of disbelief and thereby setting back the narrative's progression.

Unresolved Plotlines

Another major point of contention was the unresolved nature of certain plotlines. Some story arcs were wrapped up too quickly, leaving questions unanswered and fans feeling that they deserved more thorough resolutions. This sense of incompleteness was particularly evident in long-running storylines that had been central to the show's narrative for years. The hurried resolution of these plot points was a significant contributor to the feeling of disappointment.

Expectations vs. Reality

After years of anticipation and buildup, many fans had high expectations for the finale. The show, known for shocking moments and complex narratives, was seen as setting itself up for a memorable and impactful end. However, when these expectations were not met, it led to a significant level of discontent among viewers. The lack of a shocking or intricate resolution was seen as a letdown, especially given the legacy and reputation of the show.

Comparison to Source Material

For fans of the original comic series, the finale took significant liberties with the source material, leading to additional disappointment. Some felt that the show diverged too much from the source material, which altered their viewing experience and overshadowed the emotional depth they had become accustomed to. This discrepancy between the comic and the TV series further fueled the dissatisfaction among these viewers.

Overall Series Fatigue

By the time of the finale, the series had been running for over a decade. This extended runtime inevitably led to some viewers losing interest or feeling fatigued by the prolonged narrative. The show's repetitive nature and the introduction of numerous new elements (such as the spinoff series) could have contributed to a sense of overexposure. This fatigue may have influenced the perception of the ending, making it feel less satisfying than previous finales.

Personal Reflection

I recently revisited the series after recommendations from many people and found it to be enjoyable to a certain extent. However, I was highly disappointed by the way the series concluded. New elements, such as the ability of walkers to climb and use weapons, were introduced only to be dropped in the following episodes. This inconsistency detracted from the narrative and left a sense of unfinished business. Additionally, the proliferation of spinoff series was seen as excessive and unnecessary, as their stories could have been integrated into the original series for a more cohesive and satisfying conclusion.

Conclusion

While some fans appreciated the emotional and character-driven moments in the finale, many were left feeling that the series did not live up to the grand expectations built up over its decade-long run. The pacing issues, inconsistent character decisions, unresolved plotlines, and overall fatigue contributed to this sentiment. Although the series had its strengths, the rush to conclude over several spinoffs without properly addressing the original story arcs undoubtedly left a lasting disappointment among many loyal followers.