Walking Dead season 11: What that happened before the final season, explained

Yes, The Walking DeadThe series is continuing to air. The AMC zombie apocalypse series, which began last summer twelve years ago, will end in 2022. The show has survived showrunner changes, the death or disappearance of all but two characters who have been there since the first season, and a real-world pandemic, all while running more or less parallel to Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore’s comic book source material. Although the show made many original creative choices, Season 11 will introduce new characters and arcs to the series. The Walking Dead’s star Melissa McBride, Norman Reedus have already been announced as the spinoff.

However, viewership ratings are not considered to be the best indicator of audience participation. The Walking DeadFans have also fallen off the show over time. If you dropped off the show at some point, you’re not alone. To help get those who might want to jump back in for a final season get back up to speed, here’s a look back at the milestones of The Walking DeadHistory, featuring the small and forgotten roles played by actors who were guests or never known to have performed in them. Also, characters that have appeared, died off or have antagonized survivors throughout the years.

Season 1: Don’t open, dead inside

We met these people: Rick Grimes, Morgan Jones, Shane Walsh, Lori Grimes, Carl Grimes, Dale Horvath, Andrea, Glenn Rhee, Merle Dixon, Daryl Dixon, T-Dog, Carol Peletier, Sophia Peletier, Morales

Who did we lose: Jacqui, Ed Peletier, Amy

You forgot about:Noah Emmerich played Edwin Jenner aka The CDC Guy. Emmerich was recently back on the show in a spin-off. The World Beyond.

This is the big problem: Walkers

Here’s the gist Rick Grimes awakens from a coma to become a zombie apocalypse. Morgan Jones rescues him. Glenn Rhee is with him as he makes his way through Atlanta. He also meets a group of survivors.

Some drama erupts when one of Glenn’s companions, Merle, launches a racist attack against a man named T-Dog. Rick handscuffs Merle on a roof pipe, to subdue the man. T-Dog loses the key. He is left on the roof, and they return to him in an episode later with Daryl. Only then do they discover that Merle had cut his hand and fled.

Back at their camp, Rick is reunited with his wife Lori, his son Carl, and his best friend Shane … who has taken up with his wife Lori. Yikes!

The survivors look for answers at the CDC Building outside of Atlanta after the final episode. While they find some answers, the survivors soon discover Edwin Jenner plans to demolish the building. Jenner finally allows them to go, just in time for the place to kabooms.

Season 2: The Farm

We met these people: Maggie Greene, Hershel Greene, Beth Greene

Who did we lose: Sophia Peletier, Shane Walsh, Dale Horvath, Otis, Patricia

You forgot about:Michael Zegan was the one who played Joel. The Amazing Mrs. MaiselRandall was played by. Michael Raymond James, better known as René from True bloodDave was a fictional character played by.

This is the big problem: Shane Walsh

Here’s the gist Rick’s group is taken in by the Greene family at its farm. Glenn falls in love with Maggie, the oldest of his daughters.

Carol’s daughter Sophia runs off, and the survivors search for her to no avail. Rick takes her body, which is zombified, out of the barn with walkers.

After a strained relationship between them, Rick and Shane becomes bitter.

All walker victims are infected and all will be turned when they’re dead. Rick heard this from Dr. Edwin Jenner during the season 1 finale. He held onto that information until the second season finale.

Season 3: The prison & the governor

We met these people:Phillip Blake, a.k.a. Phillip Blake a.k.a.

We lost who: Lori, Haley, Milton Mamet, Axel, Merle, T-Dog

You forgot about: Teen WolfAnd Chicago FireMelissa Ponzio was the survivor Karen. Also, this was the first year. Community’s Yvette Nicole Brown was a guest on the after-show Talking Dead.

This is the big problem:The Governor

Here’s the gist Rick’s group lodges at a (mostly) abandoned prison after clearing a herd of walkers from the yard.

Andrea meets Michonne, a woman by the same name. They discover Woodbury as a settlement under the control of a governor with an imposing leadership style and dark secrets. He’s keeping his zombified daughter locked up like something out of Jane Eyre.

Lori is killed in childbirth. Carl has to insert a bullet into her brain in order for Lori to reanimate.

Daryl’s brother Merle returns and sides with The Governor. He kidnaps Glenn and Maggie and tortures Glenn for Daryl and Rick’s location while The Governor sexually harasses Maggie.

Michonne follows Glenn and Maggie’s tracks to the prison. Rick and his friends hear about the Governor. They don’t trust her, but it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.

Rick, Carl, Michonne and Michonne learn that Morgan lives alone and is severely mentally ill. The three of them try to persuade Morgan to move in with them but he resists.

Merle and Daryl are forced to fight, but it’s The Governor who ultimately kills Merle. In the season finale, Andrea is killed as well — marking one of the series’ biggest departures from the source material.

Season 4: Once again, The Governor

We met these people: Bob Stookey and Tara, Eugene and Rosita. Gareth. Lizzie. Mika.

Who did we lose:Hershel The Governor Zach, Karen, David, Lizzie, Mika

You forgot about:Aldis Hodge Hidden Figures played Michonne’s boyfriend Mike. Robin Lord Taylor was the Penguin’s actor. GothamIn seasons 4 and 5, he appeared on Terminus. Enver Gjokaj is a flashback. Agent CarterAnd DollhouseHe played Pete, a survivor who was betrayed during The Governor’s rise to power. Marvel’s actress Kerry Condon, who voiced the AI system in several films Friday, played Clara in two episodes. Kyle Gallner (a.k.a. Beavers Veronica Mars, played Beth’s boyfriend.

This is the big problem:The Governor and The Claimers Terminus

Here’s the gist The survivors of the flu are still in prison and have to cope with it. It was contracted from pigs. Carol mercy is temporarily banned from the group after she kills two of its victims.

The Governor, with Hershel and Michonne held hostage, drives a friggin’ tank up to the prison and confronts Rick and his council. Shortly thereafter, he kills Hershel and is shot.

After leaving the prison, they are divided into small groups. They all individually start following signs towards a place called “Terminus” that offers “sanctuary.” Sasha becomes romantically involved with Bob.

Glenn and Tara, who used to be one of The Governor’s followers, meet Abraham, Rosita, and Eugene. The trio are on a mission: to bring Eugene (who claims to have a cure for Walker’s disease), to Washington D.C.

Lizzie Samuels gets a little more enlightened TooShe becomes attached to the walkers and murders her little sister in order to show that she is serious. In one of the show’s most heartbreaking moments, Carol pulls an The Difference Between Men and MiceLizzie gets killed and is no threat to anyone else.

Rick bit the neck of Carl’s gang member, threatening to murder and rape both Michonne. You can’t be Mr. Nice Rick any more.

Each group makes it to Terminus but soon realizes that it’s a trap. Dun dun dun!

Season 5: Terminus

We met these people:Aaron, Enid and Father Gabriel Stokes. Jessie Anderson. Tobin. Olivia. Eric

Who did we lose: Beth Greene, Bob Stookey, Jessie’s husband Pete, Tyreese

You forgot about: Maximiliano Hernández, better known as Jasper Sitwell of the MCU, had a two-episode arc this season. Austin Abrams was of Dash and Lilly fame, played Jessie’s son Ron. Keisha Castle Hughes, a former child star (Whale RiderBeth was a patient in the hospital. Tyler James Williams was Noah and went on to be a star in Everyone Hates Chris).

This is the big problem: Terminus, Grady Memorial Hospital, Deanna Monroe

Here’s the gist Terminus is home to cannibals and the gang manages escape. Highlights include Carol pulling a surprise attack and blowing up Terminus with a tire iron. Rocket, and Bob Stookey weaponizing the ol’ “hide your bite” trick by allowing the cannibals to consume his “tainted meat.”

After being held hostage at a hospital, Beth accidentally dies in a hostage situation.

Abraham, Eugene, and Rosita continue their quest to DC to find a cure for the virus … until Eugene reveals that he was lying the whole time.

Next, the group will travel to Alexandria Safe-Zone. This is a suburbia community headed by Deanna Monroe. While she provides lodgings for the survivors, they don’t trust her and her people don’t trust them.

Carol finds out that Jessie (a woman called Jessie) is being abused and begs Rick for help. This causes further conflict between them and their new hosts … especially as Rick bonds with Jessie.

Morgan Jones is back in the series for the second time. She has made the decision that Rick is the key of the future. In the season’s final and most powerful moment, Rick executes Pete on Deanna’s orders at the exact moment that Morgan reaches Alexandria.

Season 6: Alexandria, the safe-zone

We met these people: Paul “Jesus” Rovia, Dwight, Sherry, Gregory, Simon, Scott

Who did we lose: The Andersons, Owen, Negan’s “mysterious” victim

You forgot about: The HeightsAnd Straight Outta ComptonHeath was played in the movie by Corey Hawkins. This season also featured character actor John Carroll Lynch as Morgan’s mentor Eastman. Ethan EmbrySweet Home Alabama Grace and FrankieIn one episode, ), appeared. Merritt Wever, a two-time Emmy nominee, appeared in a few episodes as Denise.

This is the big problem:Negan, The Wolves

Here’s the gist Rick’s group continues to stay at the Alexandria-Safe Zone. The Wolves come after them. A herd of walkers is found in Alexandria’s quarry.

Carl is accidentally shot by his dad’s girlfriend’s son Ron and loses an eye.

Glenn is on a mission of diverting the herd but gets stuck under a dumpster that seems to have no escape. Steven Yeun’s name is removed from the credits. After four episodes, he is back.

Months later, the group meets a man who calls himself “Jesus” from another community living on a historical site called The Hilltop. Jesus tells them that his group is being extorted by people who call themselves “The Saviors” and are led by a man called Negan. The group accepts their help.

There’s a lot of relationship drama. Abraham splits with Rosita, and pursues Sasha. Rick and Michonne are the power couple that will end all power relationships. Tobin and Carol break up.

Dwight, a Savior and the Daryl to Negan’s Rick, accidentally kills Tara’s girlfriend Denise. It happens just days after several other scenes of death for lesbian characters on TV in 2016, such as those in The 100And Jane the VirginIt’s a great way to start a dialogue about the Bury Your Gays trope.

Season 3 ends with a dramatic cliffhanger. Jeffrey Dean Morgan makes a surprise appearance. DramaticEntrance as Negan. Line up all the major characters, and kill one just to get out of sight.

Season 7: Negan

We met these people: Ezekiel, Jerry, Diane, Anne/Jadis, Henry

Who did we lose: Abraham, Glenn, Spencer Monroe, Sasha, Olivia

You forgot about:Shiva is also a Tiger.

This is the big problem: Negan

Here’s the gist Fans were left guessing at the end of season 6, who Negan killed with Lucille his beloved bat. Will it be Glenn as it appears in comics or another person? The writers weren’t going to let any fan theories be correct. Both options were considered. Negan kills Abraham … and then Glenn. Ouch.

Daryl is kidnapped by the Saviors and tortured with a banger song called “Easy Street” that was written for the show. Eugene, later in the season is held hostage by the Saviors and tortured with a song called “Easy Street” that was written for the show.

Maggie gives birth to her and Glenn’s son and names him Hershell.

Rick adds to his mix by recruiting three additional communities: Oceanside, which is made up of women living on the coast; The Scavengers (a secretive group that lives in the trash); and The Kingdom. This group, led and led by an ex-community theatre actor, calls himself King Ezekiel.

Sasha dies from cyanide poisoning after being held hostage in Alexandria. This is so her walker can kill some Saviors.

Season 8: Negan is back

We met these people:Siddiq Arat Alden

Who did we lose: Shiva, Carl, Eric, Morales

You forgot about:Comedy comedian Whitmer ThomasStone Quackers, the sketch group Power Violence) as “Gunther.” Jayne Atkinson, who you may know from House of CardsAnd Free WillyGeorgie is the one who appears.

This is the big problem: … still Negan

Here’s the gist The war between Rick’s militia and the Saviors takes up the entire season. We also see more of what life is like at Negan’s Sanctuary, and a handful of Saviors attempt and fail to overthrow their fearless leader.

Remember Morales from season one? It’s revealed in season 8 that his family died and he fell in with the Saviors. Daryl shoots him dead after threatening Rick.

Maggie meets a woman named Georgie who gives her a book with schematics for windmills, aqueducts, and other medieval infrastructure technology that can help survivors build “a future from our past.”

Eugene, finally, betrayed the Saviors when he created ammunition that was backfiring against them.

Carl, who was carrying Siddiq the doctor to Alexandria from Egypt, was bit by a Walker. He prepared for Siddiq’s imminent death by writing an article. Lot to send them letters. Negan was the first to receive his letters. Rick was the recipient of his letter. Enid received his letters. He wrote Michonne. He advocated for an end to the war, and forgiving Negan for a better future.

To honor Carl’s wishes, and much to the dismay of Maggie and many of the other survivors, when Rick corners Negan in the final battle against the Saviors, he doesn’t kill him.

Season 9: Farewell Rick

We met these people:Magna, Connie Kelly, Luke and Yumiko.

Who did we lose:Gregory, Jesus and Tara Enid. Tammy Rose. Henry

You forgot about: Rutina YousleyTrue Blood, Queen Sugar) guest-starred as a former friend of Michonne’s. Tony Award nominee Steve KazeeOnce) also appeared in one episode this season as Alpha’s husband.

This is the big problem: Alpha

Here’s the gist Andrew Lincoln is no longer in the series, although he was still Rick Grimes. Anne/Jadis kidnaps him, and he takes him off in a helicopter carrying a strange symbol. It also appears on the TV series. TWD spin-offs Fear The Walking DeadAnd The World Beyond.

Maggie orders Gregory to execute and then takes over The Hilltop. She eventually leaves Georgie, however, to build new communities.

You can find them here two time jumps this season — first to two years after the end of the Savior War, and then to six years after Rick’s disappearance. We find out eight years later that Michonne, the Alexandria de factor leader is dead and Jesus has taken control of the Hilltop.

From the four surviving communities, a coalition was formed: Alexandria, The Kingdom and Oceanside. A fifth group, called “The Highwaymen,” also joins. Some remaining Saviors joined the four community. Others fly. But despite the coalition on paper, the communities are a bit divided in Rick’s absence.

Some romances also grew during that period. We learn that Rosita is in a long-term relationship with Father Gabriel after briefly sleeping with Siddiq, Enid is now with Alden, and Carol and Ezekiel got married … but then break up in the season finale. Daryl also lives in the woods with Dog, his dog.

Following a period in peace, there is a new threat. The Whisperers is a group that’s led by Alpha. She wears masks made of walking skin in order to live with them. Alpha’s daughter Lydia is captured and held at Alexandria, but ultimately defects and asks to stay there.

First, the Whisperers attack Jesus who then dies in foggy glory. They then make a statement by kidnapping, torturing, and beheading 10 survivors from the other communities — who were enjoying a peaceful unity fair — including Tara, Enid, and Carol’s adopted son Henry. They place their heads on pikes, warning them to not cross into Whisperer territory.

The season’s finale sees a huge snowstorm that destroys The Kingdom’s infrastructure and brings everyone back to Alexandria and Hilltop. The snowball fight ensues! Michonne regrettably thanks Negan, but she is grateful for saving Judith. But Alpha, Beta, and the Whisperers are still out there …

Season 10: The Whisperers

We met these people:Leah (sort of), Stephanie, Leah and Pope.

Who did we lose: Earl, Dante, Lucille and the bat for baseball, Siddiq

You forgot about: Thora Birch (Ghost WorldGamma, a Whisperer was played by ). Robert Patrick played twin brothers in a stand-alone episode, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s wife Hilarie Burton played Negan’s wife Lucille in a flashback.

This is the big problem: Alpha and Beta

Here’s the gist Due to the pandemic shut downs, this super-sized season was divided into several parts. It was aired in 2020 and 2021. The Whisperer War continues in it. The Hilltop burns, and Alexandria walls are broken. Lydia bonds with Negan, Carol.

Carol helps Negan escape. He enters The Whisperers to kill Alpha. After he kills Alpha, Negan, Daryl and the Whisperer War ceases.

In the finale of midseason, Lauren Cohen returns as Maggie. The Reapers are antagonizing her group of survivors, so she has them along. She’s not too jazzed about how friendly Negan has become with everyone. Carol suggested that Negan live alone to ease tension. He tries that, and then in the season’s final moments heads back to Alexandria.

Eugene begins to speak to Stephanie over the radio throughout the season. Yumiko and Ezekiel travel to her aid. They meet a lone survivor named Princess and end up getting captured by Stephanie’s people.

Danai Guirera will be leaving the show this season. However, her character is not dead. Michonne left to search for Rick. If you are interested in these TWD universe spin-off movies ever get made, we’ll likely see their reunion there.

We are able to see in a flashback that Daryl was involved with Leah during the six year time jump. She’s the original owner of Dog the dog and the cabin where Negan is briefly banished.

The Commonwealth – Season 11

We met these people: Pamela Milton, Lance Hornsby, Mercer, Tomichi

We lost who:Pope

This is the big problem:Pamela Milton – The Reapers

Here’s the gist Season 10’s final half-season is recapped in the first season. Maggie is back in the fight against the Reapers and helps rebuild Alexandria. Daryl’s ex-girlfriend Leah returns, and is revealed to be one of the Reapers. While he briefly joins the Reapers, he remains loyal to Maggie.

Connie & Virgil have been reunited, but only after having survived a house of cannibals.

Yumiko and her brother Tomichi are reunited at the Commonwealth. This is an homage to Michonne’s arc in the comics. After reaching the Commonwealth, she is reunited with her daughter. Ezekial and Eugene also struggle to adapt at this new environment. VeryTo varying degrees, organized communities have achieved success. Something is going right. A group whose soldiers look like Stormtroopers can’t be good … right?