What Happened to Morgan in The Walking Dead? Is Morgan Dead in The Walking Dead?
by Naveenkumar
Updated Jul 24, 2023
What Happened to Morgan in The Walking Dead?
Morgan Jones, portrayed by Lennie James in The Walking Dead, has been an integral part of the fandom since the show's debut on October 31, 2010. From the very first episode, Morgan and his son Duane (played by Adrian Kali Turner) play a crucial role as they save the protagonist, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln).
Upon encountering Rick, who is disoriented and unaware of the world's state, Morgan takes him under his wing and tends to his needs. As a former law enforcement officer, Rick is taught by Morgan and Duane how to dispatch the undead with headshots, while Morgan explains the grim reality of their situation.
Despite understanding the nature of the undead, Morgan cannot bring himself to kill his reanimated wife, a decision that will later prove to be a significant and fateful mistake. Throughout the series, Morgan's presence remains impactful, as he repeatedly comes and goes, leaving a lasting impression on the show's dynamic storyline.
Morgan in The Walking Dead
Morgan Jones, a fictional character from The Walking Dead comic book series, is skillfully portrayed by Lennie James in both the original TV show and its companion series, Fear the Walking Dead. As a devoted father, Morgan grapples with the recent loss of his wife and seeks shelter with his son Duane in Rick's hometown when the outbreak occurs. Their encounter with Rick, after he awakens from a coma, marks the beginning of their intertwined journeys.
Throughout the TV series, Morgan's signature catchphrase, "You know what it is," becomes a memorable aspect of his character. Initially, Morgan saves Rick's life from a zombie attack and informs him about the dire situation with the outbreak. Despite parting ways with the intent to reunite in Atlanta, they lose contact.
In the third season episode "Clear," Rick discovers that Morgan is still alive during a supply run, but he has suffered mental instability due to the loss of his son, who was killed by Morgan's reanimated wife. This tragedy leads him to refuse to rejoin Rick's group. However, in the fifth season, Morgan's mental state has improved, and he learns of Rick's whereabouts in Virginia, eventually reuniting with his old friend.
In the sixth season, Morgan adopts a pacifist stance, believing that the group can handle threats without resorting to violence, which conflicts with Rick's approach. He also strives to help Rick rediscover his humanity. In a flashback episode titled "Here's Not Here," it is revealed that Morgan encountered a survivor named Eastman, who aided him in recovering from his mental breakdown. Eastman taught Morgan Aikido and emphasized that he could navigate through conflicts without taking lives.
However, as an ongoing war unfolds, Morgan's commitment to peace wavers, and he returns to using lethal force. By the end of the war, he chooses to leave Washington. The decision is made to transfer Morgan's character to the companion series, Fear the Walking Dead, expanding his role in this expanded universe.
Is Morgan Dead in The Walking Dead?
No, Morgan is not dead in The Walking Dead. In Fear, The Walking Dead season 8, episode 5, a pivotal and tense moment unfolds between Morgan and Shrike, which echoes back to his resilient mindset from The Walking Dead season 8. During this encounter, Morgan boldly declares that he cannot be killed, exhibiting a sense of invincibility. However, this assertion raises apprehensions about what fate may have in store for him. As the series approaches its conclusion, his ominous words, "I won't die! Everybody else does... but I don't," take on a deliberate foreshadowing, hinting at the possibility of Morgan facing a perilous end.
Shrike's response further adds to the ominous tone of the scene. As the co-leader of PADRE, Shrike challenges Morgan to deeply consider why he continually survives while others perish in the harsh world they inhabit. This thought-provoking exchange lays the groundwork for a potential transformation in Morgan's perspective. It implies that to protect his loved ones from further heartache and loss, he might be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice in Fear The Walking Dead's final episodes. The proximity of these profound and somber discussions about Morgan's mortality, as the series draws to a close, heightens the sense of urgency, making it feel as though Morgan's days are indeed numbered.
When Does Morgan Show Up in Fear the Walking Dead?
In a momentous crossover event, the worlds of The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead intersected in the season 4 premiere of Fear the Walking Dead. This marked the introduction of one of the most beloved characters from the original series, Morgan Jones, portrayed by Lennie James, into the regular cast of Fear the Walking Dead. From that pivotal moment, Morgan's presence has become an integral and vital part of the spinoff's ensemble.
With his arrival in Fear the Walking Dead, Morgan's journey seamlessly integrated into the show's narrative, captivating both longtime fans of The Walking Dead and new viewers alike. As a result, he quickly evolved into a central figure in the spinoff series, earning a dedicated following. Notably, unlike other crossover characters who made limited appearances, Morgan stayed on as a full-time cast member, solidifying his importance to the show's ongoing storyline.
Morgan's addition to Fear the Walking Dead brought fresh dynamics, unique insights, and a rich backstory that continued to unfold. As he navigated the challenges of this new world and encountered a diverse group of characters, he contributed significantly to the evolving plotlines and character arcs, enriching the overall experience for the viewers.
Through Morgan's journey, Fear the Walking Dead expanded its narrative scope and deepened the connections between the two series. His enduring presence has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, bridging the gap between the two shows and solidifying the shared universe of The Walking Dead franchise.
Why Did Morgan Kill Richard
Morgan's longstanding reluctance to kill on The Walking Dead took a significant turn in the episode "Bury Me Here" when he made the difficult decision to kill Richard. This pivotal moment may raise questions about whether Morgan has abandoned his belief that all life is precious.
The answer is no; Morgan still holds onto his conviction that every life is valuable. However, he appears to be slowly coming to terms with the harsh reality of the apocalyptic world they live in. In this brutal landscape, refraining from killing is no longer a practical or viable option for survival. Instead, Morgan seems to be embracing the idea that while sparing lives is essential, choosing when and why to take a life is a decision that must be made on an individual basis.
Richard's demise came about due to his own actions and intentions. He desired to become a martyr and hoped that his death would ignite The Kingdom's involvement in the war against Negan and The Saviors. He executed a plan to delay The Kingdom soldiers' supply drop to The Saviors by blocking the road and also stole a melon, intending to provoke a response from The Saviors. Unfortunately, Richard's plan backfired, and The Saviors killed a different member of The Kingdom, Benjamin, instead of him.
In killing Richard, Morgan essentially granted Richard's wish to die as a martyr. However, Morgan's primary motivation was to prevent any more innocent lives from being lost due to Richard's well-meaning but misguided attempts to incite a war. It was a tough and morally complex decision, highlighting the challenges of living in a world where survival often involves difficult choices and sacrifices.
This turning point in Morgan's character development showcased his growth and evolution. While he still cherishes the value of life, he's also recognizing the necessity to make tough decisions to protect those he cares about and to navigate the unforgiving world they inhabit
What Happened to Morgan in The Walking Dead? -FAQs
Morgan Jones is a fictional character portrayed by Lennie James in The Walking Dead TV series. He first appears in the show's debut episode as a devoted father seeking refuge with his son, Duane, after the outbreak occurs. Morgan and Duane save the protagonist, Rick Grimes, and become the first survivors Rick encounters after waking from his coma. Throughout the series, Morgan's journey is marked by personal struggles, mental instability, and a recurring commitment to non-violence.
Morgan Jones was alive in The Walking Dead.
Morgan Jones makes his appearance in Fear the Walking Dead during the season 4 premiere. This crossover event brings the character from The Walking Dead to the companion series, expanding his role in the expanded universe.
Morgan's decision to kill Richard occurs in The Walking Dead episode titled "Bury Me Here." Richard's desire to become a martyr and spark a war between The Kingdom and The Saviors leads to a series of events that result in the death of an innocent member of The Kingdom. Morgan's act of taking Richard's life is driven by a desire to prevent further loss of innocent lives due to Richard's misguided attempts, even though Morgan still values all life.
Yes, Morgan's perspective on killing has undergone changes throughout the series. Initially a pacifist, he later becomes a lethal force in the ongoing war with The Saviors. However, despite the necessity of taking lives in the apocalyptic world, he still believes in the value of life and continues to grapple with the difficult choices and sacrifices that come with survival in this brutal reality.