By now most people are aware of how things went down on last night’s Walking Dead season finale. After months of many character deaths, and intense fighting between the prison and Woodbury, Rick’s group survives to live another season. The conclusion of Rick’s war against the Governor ended on a more “happier” tone, or “more hope for the future,” vibe as compared to the season 2 finale. Essentially, the way things played out on last night’s episode differed significantly to the comics. Here’s a look back on some key differentials.
The most obvious change on last night’s Walking Dead season finale was Rick’s group survived the onslaught against Governor, and in the end won the war against Woodbury. In the comics both sides lose during the prison assault. The Governor and the Woodbury army kill a majority of the cast: Hershel, Tyrese, Axel, Patricia, Hershel, Lori and Judy, but as the Woodbury army takes over the prison they are overrun by the walkers. The biggest change that sealed Woodbury’s fate on the show was when the Governor executed his entire army, except for Martinez and Bow Man, after failing to take the prison. Later as Rick’s group plots to attack Woodbury, Andrea’s wish to save everyone and Tyrese’s vow not to kill the living unites the two groups. The Governor originally dies in the comics, but last night’s episode he and his most loyal cronies abandon Woodbury and take off on the open road. The Governor is gone for now, but he may return in the future.
On a character development perspective, the final confrontation against Woodbury in the comics plunges Rick into delusional insanity, i.e. the telephone calls, whereas in the show Lori’s death after Judy’s birth causes Rick to see Lori. Fortunately, it was heavily implied Rick’s sanity and humanity returns at the end of the episode. Alternatively, Carl’s psychopathic personality has slowly grown and developed after executing Lori. His journey to becoming a darker character will be a key element in the next upcoming future seasons.
The best element about Walking Dead’s season finale was who died. In the comics the prison arc ended with numerous character deaths, #48 was Lori and Judy death issue, therefore, Walking Dead comic fans were expecting people to die on Rick’s group. Ironically, there were only two big deaths on last night’s episode. Milton, played by Dallas Roberts, was fatally stabbed, and was later reanimated to infect Andrea, played by Laurie Holden. Milton represented the comic book characters Dr. Stevens and Alice, two Woodbury residents who sympathized with Rick’s group, in the television show. Since Dallas Roberts has been rumored to star in a CBS pilot show it came as no surprise his character would be killed off. However, Andrea’s fate is another issue.
In the comics, Andrea is a fan-favorite who is still alive in the comics, and currently in a romantic relationship with Rick. Whereas, her portrayal on the show has been met less favorable reactions since she always aligned herself with the show’s antagonists, and her loyalty to the group and will to live was always put into question. Fortunately, Andrea’s character growth came to a full circle this season as she wanted both Rick’s group and Woodbury to live in peace, and renewed her friendship with Michonne. Andrea’s death is another big departure from the comics with many fans having mixed reactions: some liked her, other hated her, and most people probably saw her death coming. However, one fact is her death lead to Woodbury’s illumination of the Governor’s evilness, and joining the prison. Emotionally, Andrea’s death was a sad goodbye and she will be greatly missed.
Since the prison is still intact who knows what’s in store for Rick and the other survivors. There are still a lot of stories to adapt from the comics: the hunters, New Alexandria, the Hilltop, and Negan. Walking Dead is the number one cable show and it’s not ending anytime soon.
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