The Walking Dead: 5 Characters Who Overstayed Their Welcome (And 5 Gone Too Soon)

Likely the most controversial pick on this list, Atlanta original and fan favourite Glenn Rhee is another character who overstayed their welcome. In this case it’s not because the character became a chore to watch, but rather the show’s inability to capitalize on the right moment to finish him off, instead opting to continue to drag Glenn along for another season past his due date.

Throughout his time on The Walking Dead, Glenn’s storylines often centered on the teasing of his death.

In season 4 at the prison he contracted a deadly illness that killed many within the group but after some touch and go moments, he pulls through. Season 5 has him next in line for execution at the Terminus compound but Carol’s distraction spares him. Then in season 6 when he is separated from the group alongside Nicholas, his death is teased again but once more he pulls through. By the time Glenn actually meets his end during the season 7 premiere, viewers were suffering from ‘boy who cries wolf’ fatigue and his death felt more expected than emotional.

In hindsight, his ‘dumpster moment’ with Nicholas was the perfect opportunity to kill him off. The scene was well executed and generated a lot of buzz for the show, ultimately providing more of a shocking moment than his actual demise.