Why are fans of Walking Dead World Beyond shocked at this death?

The Walking Dead: World Beyond had a major death in season 2, episode 7. Dr. Lyla Belshaw, who Natalie Gold plays, is a research scientist for the CRM. She is in charge of the test subjects that the CRM is conducting experiments on as they search for a cure. This episode also marked her death at the hands of a walker, but ultimately, Jadis was responsible.

Belshaw was shown in season one to be conducting the testing on, who would learn in season two, is Dr. Samuel Abbot, one of her colleagues. She seems to be very nervous about making the wrong choices, and why wouldn’t she? When her colleague questioned things, he became a test subject. He is a constant reminder that she needs to do what she is told or else.

She becomes romantically involved with Dr. Leo Bennett, and she is aware of Lt. Colonel Lubeck’s plan to bring his daughter Hope to the research facility. It seems she has genuine feelings for Bennett, but she is keeping secrets from him.

Why did Dr. Belshaw’s death shock fans of The Walking Dead: World Beyond?

There is some internet buzz about the death of Dr. Belshaw in the recent episode of World Beyond. What? After eleven years of watching TWD series’, this is the death that people are shocked about?

This makes no sense. It wasn’t that graphic compared to some deaths we’ve seen in the franchise. It was a surprise but a shock? Not at all.

If anything was shocking, it was her lack of trying to defend herself. She’s been locked up in her research facility, but she has at least seen how to kill one of the undead. My question is, will we now see Belshaw as one of the test subjects?

Belshaw dug her own grave when she vouched for Bennett as being more intelligent than herself. Jadis saw no need to keep her around when Bennett and his equally, if not more, brilliant daughter is available to continue the research.

Perhaps fans have grown soft over the years? Or maybe I’ve grown numb.

The Walking Dead: World Beyond returns to AMC on November 21 for “Returning Point.” This episode is currently available on AMC+.