'The Walking Dead' season 9: Major death left Rick with few options

Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) cited family as the reason for his decision to exit “The Walking Dead” TV series in season 9. But, did a major death on the show make this an eventuality? That’s what fellow cast member Tom Payne (Jesus) appears to have suggested in a recent interview. The following article contains spoilers from episodes that have already aired.

In an interview with DigitalSpy, Payne said that he agreed with Lincoln’s decision to quit to focus on his family. He, however, also said that one event on the show that must have given the actor a moment to pause and think about the future of his character was the death of Carl (Chandler Riggs).

Carl was not only the son of Rick, but also an important member of the group. In the comics the character was supposed to take on the leadership position and fight new enemies. The shocking death of the character on the show may have affected the creative choices left for Rick.

“I think when Carl died last year and Chandler left, I think that was a moment for him of: 'OK, where does this leave Rick? And how does he move forward?' I think that was a pause for thought,” Payne said.

Payne, however, did point out that the long filming duration of the show for the past eight years does take a toll on a person both physically and mentally. He said that he wouldn’t “bemoan” Lincoln if he decided to retire from acting. Payne added that he would have done the same if he was in Lincoln’s position.

“The Walking Dead” season 9 is set to premiere on Oct. 7. The plot will focus on the heroes travelling to Washington, D. C. Together. The new faction of villains they will encounter is called The Whisperers, a mysterious group that wears the skin of zombies.