Andrew Lincoln Addresses Backlash Over The Walking Dead Cliffhanger

In television history, there are shows which are known for their controversial cliffhangers. With series like Dallas, LOST, even Friends, the entertainment industry has nailed the art of dramatic cliffhangers. And AMC's The Walking Dead recently came to stand amongst those shows. The series' Season 6 finale is one of the most controversial cliffhangers of all-time, stunning fans and critics alike. Now, one of the show's stars is finally speaking out about the fans' intense backlash.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) talked about The Walking Dead's passionate fandom and their reaction to the Season 6 finale.

"We love the fans," he said. "I love the fact that everybody is so engaged with it and so opinionated about it. I think it's a great energy that we feed off. I mean, obviously we don't want a divided reaction every time we do something as a season finale because then we'd start to be concerned, but we value and respect everybody's opinion because without it we wouldn't be here."

Lincoln went on to say it's the fans' opinions he cares about, explaining, "I sort of keep out of the online stuff. I don't do any social media. I don't read reviews, because you can't just take the good stuff. You have to take the bad stuff as well, and I don't want to engage in that."

As for whether the backlash surprised him, Lincoln admitted it was somewhat expected. He told the site he'd learned long ago that The Walking Dead cast had handed over the show to fans. "It was a done deal. And...there is a sort of symbiotic relationship with the show and the fanbase, which is also part of a bigger conversation in my opinion. We're just a small part of a much bigger conversation online. And far be it for me to say someone's right or wrong," he said.

But, hilariously, the actor did say almost everyone he meets asks him who Negan killed last season. He said people ask him, "Every time I leave my house. Every time I go through customs. Every time they are checking my belt going through the security...and all of that. It's hilarious. Absolutely insane."

If you're one of the millions of fans wanting to know who Negan's victim is, then you can find out when The Walking Dead returns on October 23rd.