The Walking Dead 915 panel discussion: That shocking death scene

Like most of TWDFamily our panelists had a lot to say about that big death scene on The Walking Dead this week.

The Walking Dead brought another iconic moment from the comic to the screen this week when it was revealed that Alpha had killed 10 of the survivors and mounted their heads on pikes to mark the border between the survivors’ territory and the Whisperers’ territory. The reveal was devastating, especially the Henry reveal because of the effect it had on Carol.

There was some surprise at the characters that were selected to die in this scene. In the comic there were a few more well-known characters who weren’t able to survive a fight with the Whisperers. Most of the 10 who died on the pikes were minor characters. Some, like the two Highwaymen, fans didn’t really know at all.

But losing Tara and Enid is going to be a huge loss for the Hilltop. Tara really stepped up into a leadership role and as the only doctor at Hilltop Enid’s medical training from Siddiq was invaluable. Hilltop also lost Rodney and Addie, and Tammy Rose. Losing Henry will be a tough loss for Carol and the King, and for Lydia too.

Now that a few days have passed and everyone had a change to process the huge emotional impact of that pike death reveal scene what does our panel think of how the scene played out in The Walking Dead “The Calm Before”? Here’s what they said:

A Haunting Scene

What was your reaction to the pike scene reveal?

Sonya says:

"I read the comics so I suspected what was coming but even with that knowledge I wasn’t prepared for the reaction I would have to seeing it on the screen. I thought it was beautifully done because it was so sad and poignant and absolutely haunting. The image of those pikes at the top of the hill is one that will forever be associated with the show. It was brilliantly done."

Sara says:

"The pike scene was one of the most terrifying scenes in The Walking Dead history without a doubt. It was so well done too. Everything from the eerie score that played to the way we saw individual shots of each pike, absolutely horrifying and brilliant. I’m devastated that we lost so many great characters, it’s the most we have ever lost in an episode. As heartbreaking as the scene was, it was incredibly done so well."

Jeffrey says:

"As a reader of the comics, the pike scene was something that I had been both fearful and strangely excited to see adapted in the television show. As Daryl and the others walk up the hill and the pikes are shown from a distance, my whole body felt cold and I knew everything was about to change. The slow reveal of each victim, paired with the confusion at the Kingdom as people searched for their missing loves one really just blew me away. Seeing each of these characters in such a violent and brutal scenario really hurt, but Enid, Tara, and Henry broke me. This scene will haunt me forever."

Sarabeth says:

"I was full of anxiety and anticipation throughout the episode because the foreshadowing was simply brilliant. It really could have been anyone up there and after months of rumors it was nice to see that there were lots of surprises there. I also think that 10 pikes was appropriate. I know some people wanted to see a major cast member up there and with Tara and Enid, both series regulars, I think we got it. And the fact that Hilltop was hit so hard is also very appropriate."

What did you think of the pike death reveal scene on The Walking Dead TWDFamily? Were you surprised at who ended up on the pikes? Who do you think should have been up there? Tweet us: @SonyaIryna, @WrittenBySara, @TWalkingDWorld, @SarabethPollock and @UndeadWalkingFS to tell us what you thought.