SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from the Season 8 premiere of The Walking Dead, entitled “Mercy.” Proceed with caution.
The Walking Dead hit a milestone on Sunday night. No, we’re not talking about the Season 8 premiere being the 100th episode. We’re talking about seeing a grown-up Judith Grimes.
The daughter of Shane Walsh Rick and his late wife Lori has been around for five seasons now with nary a peep (she said her first word, “mama,” in the Season 7 finale).
Early in the Season 8 premiere, we see give Rick give Judith a kiss as he heads off to confront Negan at the Sanctuary. It’s a touching moment between father and his toddler daughter.
Later, during a dream (or potential flash forward), a much older Judith (who appears about 7-9 years old) enters the kitchen to talk to her dad Rick and “mom” Michonne.
“Daddy,” she calls out. “They made a big owl for the party,” as she leads a bearded and greying Rick outside to a lively festival. The vision then cuts to a despondent and tearful Rick, which suggests he’s grieving over a death. Is it Judy’s?
In the comics, Judith Grimes has been long dead, having been killed along with Lori while escaping the prison. However, the TV series has diverted from the comics, and she is still alive (having survived the Governor’s assault on the prison and Negan’s attack on Alexandria).
Judging Judy
Will she die this season on The Walking Dead? Or will another person close to Rick perish? Theories abound on the internet.
The only reason rick would be crying would be because something happen to carl, Judith or michonne #TheWalkingDead
— Lisa (@DarkAngellisa03) October 23, 2017
What if Rick and Judith aged in the dream and Michonne doesn’t bc she dies in this season #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/pmWNNXmx27
— v / semi ia bc college (@LostAtSea08) October 23, 2017
Many fans believe that because every character has seemingly aged except Michonne in the vision, Rick’s katana-wielding love interest dies. Or, she has a really great skincare regimen.
Fans are also puzzled by the fact that Maggie isn’t showing, despite declaring she’s in her second trimester with Glenn’s baby. It’s very odd that even baby Judith is noticeable older, but Maggie isn’t noticeable bigger.
Okay, Judith grown af and Maggie still ain’t showing soooo…what is time? #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/rQLbYDG2z7
— bella noches bayang (@screenready) October 23, 2017
How is Judith so grown but Maggie has no baby bump? #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/frebDu1lrT
— Taïsha (@TaishaLazare) October 23, 2017
Do you think Judith or Michonne will die this season? And where will the end up on the list of saddest deaths on The Walking Dead?
You’ll have to keep watching to find out.
