During its run for over a decade, The Walking Dead was famously known as the show that would kill off anyone at any time. Main characters used to die to move the narrative in an unanticipated direction, keeping viewers cagey. As time went on, the shtick got old, and the series became less afraid of killing off characters that were the money-making fan-favorites. But in the Season 7 finale, The Walking Dead went back to its roots and ended a character's arc with meaning and purpose.
Sasha's Death on The Walking Dead, Explained
Sasha Went Out on Her Own Terms in the Season 7 Finale
But to her disbelief, Sasha would find happiness again with Abraham Ford. They had a brief relationship where it was hinted they discussed a life together at Alexandria, only that love was brief as well. Abraham was murdered by Negan in the legendary line-up in the Season 7 premiere, pushing Sasha back into a dark headspace. From that point forward, revenge was all that was on Sasha's mind. And who can blame her? Just after she became comfortable in normalcy, it was stripped away from her by Negan's hands.
However, Eugene gave her a poison pill that he had already made for two of Negan's wives. Sasha contemplates the life she's lived and the cherished relationships she made with Abraham and Maggie. While recalling flashbacks, she comes to the decision to take the pill so Maggie and the others can have a chance to rebuild the future. At Alexandria, a zombified Sasha surprises Negan. Although she didn't kill him like she hoped, she gave the Alexandrians a chance to fight back and show Negan they wouldn't be underestimated.
Why Did Sonequa Martin-Green Leave The Walking Dead?
Sasha's Death Lined Up With a New Role for Martin-Green
There was speculation that Martin-Green chose to depart The Walking Dead after landing the lead role of Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery. However, Martin-Green clarified that the death of Sasha was an intentional creative decision by showrunner Scott M. Gimple. Sasha's death was already planned prior to her signing onto Star Trek: Discovery:
Sonequa Martin-Green: "Star Trek was nowhere in the picture. I had complete peace with [Sasha's death]. It did make sense to me and thought it was beautiful. [Scott M. Gimple] told me about the heroic aspect of it and that it would be sacrificial. I loved that I get to that point as Sasha in my development as a human being where she would do something as big as that, as I say to Abraham in the car where I would actually live to do something like that. I was proud to hear about it. Star Trek came way later, after this was all said and done. We were shooting the [Season 7] finale before the opportunity for Star Trek [came] about."
