The Walking Dead: Why [Spoiler]'s Death Is Important

03/12/2017 09:34 pm EDT

Major spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 13 follow.

The Walking Dead lived up to its reputation on Sunday night and killed off a quickly rising character from the Kingdom. It was the first Kingdom death fans of the AMC series have seen and possibly the first King Ezekiel has witnessed since making his pact with the Saviors.

After getting shot in the leg, Benjamin died from his injuries in Carol's house.

Benjamin may not have been a crucial character in terms of moving the show's plot, however, he was very important to one character. Morgan Jones looked at Benjamin like a son. Morgan trained Benjamin, cared for him when he could, and mentored him when it came to raising a young boy.

The Saviors took Benjamin from Morgan which is almost as severe of an offense against the well trained survivor as killing his real son Duane.

According to Morgan Jones actor Lennie James, the death of Benjamin will be a major "jolt" thrust upon the character. James caught up with ComicBook.com for an exclusive interview about the episode and opened up about how Benjamin's death will effect Morgan.

"I think it's a combination of a few things," James said. "It's the pressure that's been put on him to decide one way or another both from Carol and Daryl and Rick and Richard. So, it's in his brain and I think, even after the death of Benjamin, he's still trying to resist it. It's another loss for Morgan, he was reluctant to take on Benjamin as he is taking responsibility for him and after King Ezekiel asked him to almost father Benjamin, it's like Morgan reached out and cared for somebody else and that person was taken from him. I think it's a jolt to his system and he's still trying to navigate that jolt."

Previously, James has addressed fans hoping to see Morgan kill again, saying they should "be careful" what they wish for, teasing the idea of killing being an addiction which Morgan managed to kick. Benjamin's death has inevitably sparked a change in Morgan's philosophy which might send him to the depths of insanity viewers caught in Season 3.

The Walking Dead is currently the fifth ranked series in ComicBook.com's TV database, earning a rating of 87.14 out of 100 from fan votes. The only shows ranked with more prestige are The Flash, Stranger Things, Daredevil, and Game of Thrones.

MORE WALKING DEAD: Negan's Nod To Glenn Everyone Missed / Did We Just Meet The Whisperers? / Gallery Of Rick And Michonne Getting It On / Another Sign Michonne Is Taking Andrea's Place / 'Say Yes' Recap With Spoilers / Nicotero On Sasha And Rosita's Mission / The Sixteen Candles Tribute In 'Say Yes'

The Walking Dead TV series airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.

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