The Walking Dead season 11 Talking Dead preview recap

In less than a week, The Walking Dead will return to AMC with the premiere of season 11, part 3.  Talking Dead hosted a preview special for the final episodes, with a lot to discuss. If you were unable to watch the special, below is an in-depth recap of what was discussed regarding season 11C.

Chris Hardwick hosted special guests, including showrunner Angela Kang, Cooper Andrews, and Paola Lázaro. Kang shared that the last episodes will have fun twists, turns, and action, but they “really wanted to capture the heart” of the series.

Andrews said he is glad he finally gets to swing a sword and is very happy about that. He had practiced using Jesus (Tom Payne) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) as inspiration. He sent Kang a video of his skills with a sword and told her it would be cool if this could be used. He is excited for fans to see him in action.

Hardwick asked Lázaro if the episodes are as action-packed as the trailer appears. She stated that they are, and the scenes with emotional tension doubled the adrenaline.

Kang also shared that things are very different for our heroes as they imagined the Commonwealth as a temporary residence and that they would one day return to Alexandria. But, now that the Commonwealth has control, things are vastly different.

Hardwick asked Andrews if Jerry knows his friends’ actions against the Miltons. He said Ezekiel wouldn’t leave Jerry out of the loop, and he knows his friends well. He has his wife and kids to think about, so his situation is different.

Lázaro stated that Princess is beginning to see the “cracks in the foundation” of the Commonwealth. This is sad, though, as Princess finally felt like she was part of a community.

One of the fan questions was regarding additional F-bombs in 11C. Kang stated, “Yes, some key delicious F-Bombs.”

The Walking Dead final scenes preview

Lauren Cohan shared her favorite behind-the-scenes memory of the show via recorded video. It is when they are filming in front of the burning bus in season 5. She stated that they are trying to stay away from the heat of the flames but also remain in the scene. Josh McDermitt’s mullet was getting singed, and Cohan and Alanna Masterson (Tara) were laughing during filming. She stated you can see a look on her face when you rewatch the scene. She thinks fans love to see how silly things are BTS as the show is very serious.

Andrews a fan of Maggie and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and has enjoyed watching the pair’s storyline. He says every time Maggie sees Negan, he thinks she should punch him in the face. He really enjoys the tension between those two characters.

Hardwick then ironically interjected, “I wonder what would happen if the two of them went on an adventure together.” Referring to the spinoff series The Walking Dead: Dead City that pairs up the former enemies.

Regarding Negan and his new wife and child, Kang says this is something Negan has wanted. He messed up with Lucille and lost her; then he over-compensated by having his harem of wives in that twisted situation. Now he finds himself at a point where he can make things right.

Another fan asked Lázaro if we will learn more about Princess’ past before the world fell apart. She answered that yes, in the finale episodes, more will be revealed as to why Princess is the way she is and why she used comedy as her defense mechanism. She stated she is excited to share this will the fans.

Andrews was asked his thoughts on Daryl (Norman Reedus) killing Leah (Lynn Collins) to save Maggie. He remarked, “He can’t catch a break,” referring to Daryl. He says each time Daryl makes those tough decisions, it breaks his heart because he just can’t win. Then he threw his support in of Donnie, referring to the ship name for Daryl and Lauren Ridloff’s Connie. Kang added that although Daryl isn’t the type to make a speech and take over as group leader, the final episodes will require him to step up and be a driving force in bringing everyone together to figure out the situation they find themselves in.

Cailey Fleming, who portrays Judith, shared her excitement via video about Judith’s new look and being able to cut her hair. She feels it is more Cailey than Judith, and she loved that she finally got rid of the dirty jeans and shirts, which are her classic look. The new outfits, compliments of the Commonwealth, were a new and exciting thing for Judith, who has only known life in the apocalypse. Kang shared that Judith and RJ (Antony Azor) are the heart of the family, and Daryl is especially invested in their care.

A great question from a fan was to Lázaro and how she feels about Mercer’s (Michael James Shaw) dedication to the Commonwealth ideologies. She replied that initially, she was attracted to his commitment but now is bringing to question why.

Harwick asked Andrews about Jerry’s Commonwealth screening process went. He laughed, stating that he’s always played Jerry as a loyal dog. He imagines when Jerry met Mercer, he complemented his axes and said he once had a huge ax, and he told him there is a lot they could learn from each other. Of course, Andrews told it in a very comical way as only he can.

Kang believes Mercer knows Lance Hornsby’s (Josh Hamilton) action and doesn’t agree with it, but because they are in different areas of leadership, he isn’t able to do anything about it. Lázaro believes Princess has always been leery of Hornsby since her group’s treatment when they arrived at the community.  Andrews stated that it is difficult for Jerry and the others to trust the Commonwealth as their paths aren’t the same. Our survivors fight daily to live, and the Commonwealth is more focused on affluence.

Hardwick asked Kang about Hornsby’s last coin flip at Oceanside in the midseason finale. She stated when they were establishing Hornsby’s character, they made him a bit of a gambler, and he loves to take risks. The coin, which is a Milton coin, represents his obsession with that family and allows him to leave his decisions to chance.

Andrews enjoys the Mercer/Princess relationship. He says that because she is so intuitive, Princess can see right through his armor and tough guy persona. He also stated he will be the first one to ship this relationship and serve as first mate. Kang teased that coming up Mercer and Princess will be at a strange point in their relationship when their groups come into conflict with one another.

Kang was asked if Max (Margot Bingham) and Eugene (Josh McDermitt) are a solid couple. She said their relationship is stable, and they are partners in crime. But, things will get “funky” between them but not because of each other.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan shared some thoughts via a recorded video about the cast’s special relationship with their fans. That is a unique relationship vastly different from anything he has ever been a part of. He and the rest of TWD cast and crew know that everyone wants this series to end the right way. He believes “going big” is the best to express how the series will end.

Other cast members also weighed in on their thoughts on the last episodes. Cohan shared that Hornsby is the big bad wolf who will pull some surprise moves. Ross Marquand, who plays Aaron, stated this is has been an incredible run of a show. He feels that the final season is tackling some of the best moments of the comic story.

Khary Payton (Ezekiel) said you don’t get this fair and not run across the finish line that this should feel like a celebration. “If happiness can be covered in blood, this is the place. Let’s do it.”

Another fan question asked about seeing some Prime Carol (Melissa McBride) in 11C. Kang stated yes, Carol has some big moves in 11C. She complimented McBride on bringing so much depth to Carol and says she’s such a badass.

Hardwick asked about the new walkers featured in the SDCC trailer and what Kang can share about them. She talked about the new “lurker” walkers from the beginning of season 11 who could go dormant. And she spoke of the walkers from the pilot climbing the fences and earlier ones who juggled door knobs etc. She feels walkers in different areas develop differently, and we’ve never seen them en masse. She says fans will just have to watch and see.

Lázaro revealed she was able to snag Princess’ pink fuzzy jacket and goggles to take home.

A fan asked Andrews if there will be more iconic Carol and Jerry scenes. He remarked that he loves his scenes with McBride, and some fun scenes will come.

The sneak peek shown for next week’s episode features Daryl and Maggie being hunted by Hornsby and a large number of Commonwealth soldiers. Kang confirmed there will be a big battle between the Commonwealth and our survivors.

The final fan questions asked what kind of legacy Kang hopes The Walking Dead leaves behind. She hopes that people remember how this series brought people together.

Hardwick revealed the official The Walking Dead Farewell Tour Sweatshirt. It features Maggie, Negan, Daryl, and Carol on the front and the locations our survivors have been throughout the series. You can purchase this at the TWDU shop.

Talking Dead will return on October 2, one hour later than usual, immediately following AMC’s newest series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. Hardwick’s guests for this episode will be director and SFX guru Greg Nicotero, Norman Reedus and Yvette Nicole Brown.

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