Now that The Walking Dead TV show has outlived the comic book series, the question remains whether AMC's title can follow the same ending. The popular series is based on the graphic novels created by Robert Kirkman for Image Comics. In total, Kirkman released 193 issues between 2003 and 2019 before abruptly ending the beloved comic. During that span, AMC made the brilliant decision to transform Kirkman's work into a TV show. Now gearing up for season 11, The Walking Dead is still one of the most-watched cable dramas on TV.
The Walking Dead first debuted on Halloween in 2010, following closely to the comic book pages. It followed the primary protagonist Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) as he woke up from a coma in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. In time, Rick reunited with his wife, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), and son, Carl (Chandler Riggs), before emerging as a leader for a group of survivors. As the pack moved from location to location in search of a safe haven, they continuously encountered villainous figures. In some cases, the threat came from within the group like the case with Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal). More importantly, Rick met key allies like Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), Michonne (Danai Gurira), Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), and Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan), who continued to fight for the greater good.
After initially following the layout from the comics storyline, The Walking Dead has deviated from major plot points. Some characters who appeared in most of the comics are long dead on the TV show, and vice versa. For example, Andrea had a major impact in the comics and even had a romantic relationship with Rick, but in the show, Michonne took over that role. In addition, Rick was assassinated in the penultimate issue, but the show has already left Rick in the rearview after Lincoln exited the series. The biggest change, however, is the fact that Carl was killed off in season 8 despite being a primary character in the comics. In fact, he's the focus of the comic book's ending, but that doesn't mean the AMC series can't create something that resembles Kirkman's concluding issue.
How The Walking Dead Comics End
The final issue of The Walking Dead comic book series picks up 25 years after the death of Rick. Carl, now well into adulthood, lives on the Grimes family farm with his wife, Sophia, and daughter, Andrea. Many aspects of society have been restored during the time jump, and the threat of walkers is now a rarity. Carl spots a walker on his property and quickly kills it before realizing it wandered from Hershel Rhee's traveling roadshow. Seeing as walkers are now private property, Carl faces a stiff punishment, forcing him to go before the judge. With Maggie's input as the leader of the Commonwealth and Hershel's mother, Carl is ordered to replace the walker with another member of the undead. Feeling as though people have forgotten the past so easily, Carl secretly kills the rest of Hershel's horde.
Carl decides to leave town quickly so he heads out for a long scavenging mission, which Lydia accompanies him on. They end up making a detour to Negan's residence, insinuating that the two kept up their relationship. Carl also trades supplies with someone in contact with Aaron and Jesus, who are presumably thriving in the new world. In time, the pair arrive at a station to board a train. At the end of a line, Carl and Lydia run into Eugene who is now leading the construction of the railroad system connecting to the "Western Front."
When Carl arrives back home, he's immediately taken to Commonwealth's Judge Hawthorne, better known to Walking Dead viewers as Michonne. She isn't too pleased with Carl's actions, but he makes his case that the younger generation doesn't understand the sacrifices it took to get to their current state. He also worries that society will fall into the old ways if they're not careful. Michonne ultimately sides with Carl, allowing him to return to his family without punishment. After taking the time to appreciate the statue of his father outside of the courthouse, Carl goes home and tells his daughter the story of the legendary Rick Grimes.
Judith Can Replace Carl In The Walking Dead TV Show
With Carl out of the equation in The Walking Dead's live-action series, it's impossible to completely follow the outline set by Kirkman. Carl is such an integral part of the comic's conclusion that the TV show will need to find a new way to present the future of society. Thankfully, the series already set up another character to take Carl's place: Judith Grimes. Not only is she alive and well in the show, but her role has also grown since the time jump following Rick's exit. Judith's comic book counterpart was killed alongside her mother when she was barely a month old. The show stayed away from that plot point, and the decision could greatly pay off.
Since Carl's death and Rick's departure from the story, Judith has emerged as a young but viable force for the survivors. Michonne has raised young Judith as one of her own, teaching her how to protect herself and her little brother. Despite her age, Judith is highly skilled in wielding a sword in addition to firearms. She's wise beyond her years and braver than most of the fellow survivors. There's no doubt that Judith can keep thriving in her surroundings before emerging as a leader like Carl in the comics. It's reasonable to believe that the series is heading to the point of presenting Judith as the symbol of society's future.
Rick, Michonne, and Carl each made tough decisions for the hope of a better world. Just as old man Carl built a safe environment for his family in the comics, it would be fitting for Judith to do the same. No matter what happens to Rick or Michonne, Judith will continue their legacy. Seeing an adult Judith carrying on the Grimes names in a growing society could be a satisfying end to the long-running series.
How Close Can The Show Get To The Comics Ending?
Not only did Carl's death throw a wrench in the plans for the TV show to follow the comics ending, but the absence of Rick and Michonne have affected the status quo. Rick's death propelled the events that lead to the conclusion of Kirkman's tale. Rather than have Rick present as an elderly figure, he turned into a legend among society. Though his death could still occur in the planned Rick Grimes sequel movies, it wouldn't have the same impact seeing as though he's not present in the show's current story. It's always possible that Rick and Michonne could reappear in the TV show down the line, but even Lincoln nixed the notion of returning.
Granted, the TV show could still follow the broader scope of the Kirkman's conclusion to some degree, but The Walking Dead can't have the same exact ending as its comic book counterpart. Carl, Rick, and Michonne are key figures, but the same message about the growth of society could only be shared through a different story direction. As stated above, Judith could play a crucial role in showcasing the advancements made by the successful communities. While sharing the importance of the past, as well as the roles her family played in survival, Judith can give an update on notable figures while sharing insight into the progress they've made. Maggie could still be a leader among communities while Eugene paves a way to connect to the western region. Daryl, Carol, and Negan could also be involved if they are still around in the future. The Walking Dead ending can't be a direct match, but it may very well share a complimentary message of hope.