The Walking Dead Season 9: How Rick's Death Should Happen

2. He Dies At Alexandria: Peaceful, Poignant, And Hopeful

With two injuries, there'd be the temptation to have Rick simply killed by the herd, and make his death a sacrifice. However, no one wants to see Lincoln being torn to shreds, and Rick is, at this stage, deserving of a more intimate death.

With his arm cut off and a small bite, he'd be hurt but nonetheless capable of making it back home, where there's then time for a proper send-off that gives all the major players a chance to say goodbye to him (again, using elements of Andrea's death, with Michonne effectively taking on the role of Rick there).

It'd be an opportunity to give the majority of an episode over to Lincoln, who can knock the emotional scenes out of the park one final time, as he reflects on his journey so far and what comes next. It'd also explain Jon Bernthal's return, with Rick having visions of his old friend (and ideally one or two other surprise cameos) right at the end, as he realises he doesn't have to fight anymore but can instead be at peace and be reunited with his family.

With the likes of Lincoln and Bernthal involved, it'd no doubt make for a powerful, poignant scene, but his death and goodbyes to those close to him can also be used to inspire more hope for the future. It has similarities to Carl's death, but there's something nice about that symmetry (ignoring that Carl's death never should've happened, anyway), and he goes out the same way as his son having finally, fully learnt his lessons and ensuring that legacy lives on.