The Walking Dead Season 9: 6 Ups & 1 Down From 'Stradivarius'

5. Judith's Absence

While Who Are You Now? boasted a long-awaited return to form for The Walking Dead, there was one incredibly big issue that plagued the episode - and the show's new direction - and that's Judith's characterisation.

With Rick and Carl both gone, Judith will undoubtedly be used to carry on the Grimes' legacy, which is understandable of course, but given that she's still incredibly young, her characterisation is coming across as contrived, which is diluting the character.

Her idealistic view of the world is the only child-like thing about her, because she's being used as the centre-piece of the show, and is exhibiting traits that she simply wouldn't have at such a young age. It feels as if the writers have given what would have been Carl's material to Judith, which is perfectly fine, but they haven't aged her enough to be able to handle such responsibilities.

Judith's absence in Stradivarius highlights that she show can cope just fine without a Grimes at front and centre, and the episode was much more enjoyable because of it. We're not saying remove Judith altogether, we're simply saying don't put so much focus on her, because she's not old enough to be making such decisions, and Michonne should be the one leading her, not the other way around.