The Walking Dead has traversed numerous highs and lows, yet remains an absolute juggernaut. Even while many suggest the series has suffered diminishing returns. Although there’s certainly validity to some harsher criticism, the show has refocused on interesting, character-driven drama. What began as an exercise in vicarious survival, gradually traded plausibility for more of its source material’s tendencies.
But the established audience investment, remarkable special effects, and frequently strong acting still attract a massive viewership. It persisted through troublesome pacing, and the inevitable loss of interest in zombies. The series found neat ways to stretch its thematic leash, doing so with fun evolution and tremendous inclusivity. And the finales are historically crucial—often propelling the most story, and taking the most risks. So, spoilers ahead.
Season 6: Last Day on Earth - 6.5
Judging by IMDb, this wasn’t nearly as controversial a season as the next. Despite slamming the brakes at the onset, it slowly unfolds as the botched plan to herd walkers causes chaos. It established plenty - Enid’s backstory, Jesus and the Hilltop, and unfortunately, the Saviors. Throughout the show, it has been undeniably fascinating to see how some groups coped with the apocalypse. New, terrifying threats molded by humanity’s most unbridled, self-destructive impulses. But the awful score for this episode is probably based on cutting off Negan at the mic. His drawn out introduction actually felt imposing enough, with stark lighting and accumulated Savior altercations. But the cliffhanger defangs him, a gimmick that faced appropriate backlash. Particularly after the Glenn fakeout, audiences craved legitimate consequence.
Season 8: Wrath - 7.4
At this point, audiences had become considerably jaded by the dragging episodes of season seven. And perhaps rightfully so. But consequently, this season goes somewhat underrated, even with sustaining the series’ notable shift in tone. The opening war episodes made some interesting moves, including the loss of Shiva and the brief return of Morales. But the show thrives when it commits to plot, ideally while balancing character construction. After extending the Savior war for so long, no conclusion would have compensated. Still, until Negan invoked Carl’s name, it seemed Rick was absolutely ready to kill. Sparing Negan, even for Carl, steals viewers’ closure. In retrospect, it’s fun having him around, especially for fans of the hit comics. But that was a frustrating direction at the time. And again, many had issues with predictability and implausibility.
Season 9: The Storm - 7.6
This quiet epilogue didn’t leave fans with the same sting as its preceding episode. But the heads on pikes caught many by surprise precisely because it subverted finale expectations. That episode dealt major death, and was even compared to Game of Thrones’ “Red Wedding”. So, this episode reined in the harrowing horror, and instead allows the devastation to haunt.
The winter setting couldn’t be more appropriate, as the defeated characters mainly cope with loss. They also greatly consider Alpha’s boundary, and so the writers neatly brace for upcoming conflict. It may not be boisterous, but the dialogue is really on point. Angela Kang effortlessly revived this show, and Alpha is arguably the most interesting villain yet. The Whisperers are the animalistic regression of humanity, a perfect counter to Alexandria’s goal of civilization.
Season 7: The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life - 7.6
True, some of the politics and methods of the Saviors prove to be rather interesting. But most of our main characters were divided this season, resulting in crushing filler material. This is unquestionably the season that confirmed detractors’ growing dismissal. Although each episode sets pieces in play for the inevitable Savior war, the story definitely needed to be condensed. Further, the premiere’s brutality was unprecedented—a graphic display followed by depressing aftermath. But the finale was surprisingly effective, with a few fun turns despite the awkwardly choreographed shootout. Unleashing Shiva was a delight, especially after Jadis’ inevitable betrayal made all feel lost.
Season 3: Welcome To The Tombs - 8.2
Andrea ultimately pays for her loyalty to the Governor, but aside from that major outcome, there’s no actual resolution. That proved to be somewhat disappointing back in the day, when the show was at the height of its popularity. And that alone is why this finale ends up stuck in the middle of this list. Everything else is fantastic, and the suspense does accumulate well.
Season three was the first outright war with another large group of survivors, and explored many intriguing themes. Which have since been revisited ad nauseam, and for good reason. The unhinged, manipulative Governor was a clever, slippery villain that forced interesting situations like turning Michonne over. Ethical, moral arguments have always been the strong point of this show.
Season 1: TS-19 - 8.7
Like Breaking Bad, the first season was comprised of only a handful of episodes, but made a stirring impact. It was a radically different series then, even declaring unique and discarded rules for the walkers themselves. But it was rich with entertainment, outstanding effects, and character drama. And the inaugural season was so taut, the story carefully took time to breathe while still moving at a breakneck pace. This finale put all the characters in one desperate situation that survivors would reasonably pursue. But the world comes crashing down, killing off important characters while leaving Jenner’s secret as a tantalizing cliffhanger. It’s a superb finale, with great drama involving Shane, and mystery regarding the CDC itself. It’s the only time the nature of the walkers is discussed outright.
Season 2: Beside The Dying Fire - 9.2
It’s difficult to recall a time when the farm was considered a slow season. The season was mostly preoccupied with finding Sophia and fixing Carl, while the group contested with Hershel. Shane was probably the antagonist of the season, with his feisty convictions and unbecoming relationship with Lori. The character interactions throughout the season were predominantly intriguing.
But the finale burns down the entire farm, and delivers countless walkers. This finale pushed the story forward, with numerous reveals—including Jenner’s secret, Michonne, the prison, and ends with the ‘Ricktatorship’. It tidies everything up, after exciting action, and promises great momentum.
Season 4: A - 9.2
This episode featured a terrifying showdown with Daryl’s new group, Joe and his ‘claimers’. The scenario was genuinely upsetting, and their twisted threats resulted in an exhilarating struggle. It is fittingly vicious and bloody, as Carl and Michonne were nearly raped. And all the while, this episode is filled with contrasting flashbacks of Hershel convincing Rick to rest his gun in peace. The latter half of this season found the group disbanded, but they slowly reconvene at Terminus. And the reveal is spectacular. It’s akin to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, as the slightest hints of cannibalism are implied. The group is even herded like cattle, into a marked boxcar. This cliffhanger is actually well-earned, and Rick’s final statement makes a promise that Carol later delivers.
Season 5: Conquer - 9.3
This was truly the culmination of the series’ popularity, and a masterful juggling act of characters. It’s very telling of what the fans value most, that this drama-oriented finale bests all of the bloody action in its peers. The fifth season mainly concerned Rick’s hardened group conflicting with the miraculously ignorant, sheltered survivors of Alexandria. It was a smart way to illustrate the contrast between how Rick’s group began, and adversity transformed them. The violent parade of villainous humans, illness, and even starvation. This season granted audiences a new point of view, and a new kind of human conflict. The finale offered unexpected, warming mercy, upon Gabriel and even Nicholas. But Deanna indulges Rick’s whims after her husband is accidentally murdered. Every building storyline is capitalized on and neatly resolved, before setting up the Wolves. It achieved what every finale should.