The Walking Dead: Who died in the mid-season finale ‘Evolution’
By Sonya Iryna
The Walking Dead wrapped up the first half of season 9 with the arrival of a new threat and the loss of beloved character.
The Walking Dead midseason finale “Evolution” introduced a terrifying new threat by sacrificing one of The Hilltop’s favorites. Paul “Jesus” Rovia was the first casualty of The Whisperers who are going to be the next, and possibly the most terrifying, villains in The Walking Dead canon.
The herd that had been pursuing Eugene wasn’t a herd of walkers, it was a herd of Whisperers. The Whisperers wear masks and suits made from the skin of the dead so that they can blend in among the walkers. And when Jesus and Aaron tried to fight off what they thought was a herd of walkers Jesus was attacked by a Whisperer and stabbed in the back.
Jesus has been a stalwart of The Hilltop for several seasons and his ninja-like fighting skills and calm presence were things that the people of The Hilltop depended on. He was so respected at The Hilltop that since Maggie has been gone he’s been elected to be the community leader several times. He is a reluctant leader but he always put the good of the community first.
Jesus had a warrior’s death which is the best that anyone can hope for in The Walking Dead world but it’s still sad to lose him, and for actor Tom Payne who played Jesus to leave the show. But fans of The Walking Dead need to prepare themselves because if the show gives The Whisperers an arc similar to the comics Jesus is just the first of many popular characters that will fall due to The Whisperers.
Jesus’ Legacy
Jesus has always been a moral compass to an extent which is usually the kiss of death in The Walking Dead world but Jesus has been able to survive for several seasons thanks to his fighting skills. He cautioned Maggie to let Alden and the other captured Saviors live because he thought that they could change and become assets to The Hilltop and many of them did. Jesus didn’t believe in killing unless it was absolutely necessary. And when it was necessary he would kill without a second thought.
Jesus was an enigmatic character with an impish sense of humor and an easygoing nature that hid his considerable fighting skills. His death is a huge loss to The Hilltop, who will now need another leader that everyone feels is trustworthy and that won’t be easy to find.
Next. The Walking Dead 908 recap: Evolution. dark
Losing Jesus is a big loss for The Walking Dead fans but it was great to see him go out as the incredible warrior that he was. And it was fitting that he got to be the one to reveal The Whisperers who might be the most dangerous threat that The Walking Dead survivors have ever seen. What did you think of Jesus’ death and the arrival of The Whisperers? Tweet us @UndeadWalkingFS to tell us!