The Walking Dead's 10 Best Farewell Episodes

What Comes After might’ve been number one on this list had it not advertised the ninth season as Rick’s final season, and if it didn’t cheat and disrespect fans with its cheap and convenient ending that undid Rick’s heroic and satisfying sacrifice in the name of franchise extension. Still, the lead up to the reveal is the Walking Dead at its best.

The Obliged concludes with Rick impaled on a rebar as he leads away a massive herd from the communities. What Comes After features a parade of ghosts from his old pal Shane to Herschel, and finally Sasha as he fades in and out of consciousness. Why Lori and Carl didn’t show up is anyone’s guess. However, it was still nice to see these reunions.

Rick eventually leads the walkers to the bridge he and the communities spent season 9 building. To prevent them from crossing, Rick blows it, and himself sky-high while Michonne, Maggie, Daryl, Carol, Ezekiel and others watch on, helpless. Or so we think. Afterwards, Anne finds a gravely injured Rick on a muddy bank and summons the mysterious helicopter people, who we know to be associated with CRM, to pick them up.

All things said, this is a fine farewell for Rick, but it’s less impactful because of its eleventh-hour twist. It’s just goodbye for now. Let’s see if the movie trilogy pays off.