What Is The Point Of Glenn?

Glenn Daryl Glenn Rhee Maggie

#1
Bestrafen

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Hi All,

I have not gone through all the threads on this great message board so I apologize in advance if the topic has already been discussed. I am a big advocate of Kirkman's graphic novels and managed to catch up on the first two seasons of the tv show, marathon style, after coming back to the US once my service tour was done. Wonderful, just in time for Season 3 to begin.

Both me and my girlfriend and several other friends absolutely adore Glenn because he is the only one who seems to be the conscious and moral compass of the group; something that is very much needed in any apocalyptic event when people abuse and feed (no pun intended) on one another. His conscientiousness and selflessness is a great asset and endearing to any group in the ZA.

That being said, we're starting to be a little concerned on where his character is going. In short, nowhere. During Season one, some of his shining moments were when he was strategizing on how to deal with tense and dangerous situations. The first time was when he, Rick, Jacqui, Andrea, and Morales were trapped in that basement of a building in Atlanta. He was dictating how things were going to go down and everyone respected and followed his direction. The second time was when he, Rick, Daryl, and T went back to Atlanta for the bag of guns and Merle. He quickly jotted down a plan of action; even Rick and Daryl gave him a look when they asked him "Hey, kid. What did you do before all this?" Besides, who can forget the famous quote he transmitted to Rick while he was in the tank at the end of the pilot episode? :)

As the episodes went on in Season 2, he seemed to lose his decisiveness and confidence (some of which were explained with his "situation" with Maggie). He wasn't a fly on the wall but much of his "screen time" has been diminished significantly. I never believe personal growth, in life or fantasy, should ever be a zero sum game but it feels like after the midway point of Season 2, it started to turn into "The Walking Dead: Commentary by Rick and Daryl." The writers only really seem to focus on these two individuals. Daryl is the only one who even has a character arc (encounter with Merle) before it even happens!

I know Season 3 just started and we should give the writers more time to flesh out the "supporting" characters but at this juncture, what is Glenn's point? Bear in mind that I don't dislike the character of Daryl, in fact, I think this personal growth is great to watch but is it coming at a cost of the other characters (including T, Carol, Beth, etc)? I don't think standing around counts; only instances where they are actually speaking.

At this point, I would much rather he be around for one season, be great, and go out in a blaze of glory instead of having him be around for 5 seasons, dissolve into uselessness, and rubbed out without anyone even noticing.
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#2
CaptainJax

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I think he is the "trust guy" people come to talk to when its something private or personal, even though he shared a few secrets to the group or to other people in season 2, Carol still came to him for the zombie experiment. I think Rick trusts him with his life as well do the others, Maggie is in love with him and they might extend them both longer than their comic book lives. Glenn to me is like the therapist with morals still attached to him.

He is also a skilled zombie killer and is one of the most overall helpful members of the group.
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#3
gracie lou

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I'm sure Glenn will get much more screen time, and more of his story told throughout the season. He is very much a part of the group, and was a big help clearing out the prison. This past episode he was left behind with Maggie in the event that Hershel needed to be 'dispatched'. Although, not as exciting as helping to clear out the other cell block, it was a necessary task.
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#4
mr teaspoon

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Both me and my girlfriend and several other friends absolutely adore Glenn because he is the only one who seems to be the conscious and moral compass of the group; something that is very much needed in any apocalyptic event when people abuse and feed (no pun intended) on one another.


Yeah, like the time they were gonna kill Randall and Glenn was the only one who stood up to defend him.
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#5
Edocil

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In the comics they like to leave certain characters in the dark for a couple of issues and then revisit them later, I don't think the tv show is any different, hes gunna have his prison plot, I wouldn't worry about it
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#6
RETURNversesROMERO

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You never know, they might
comic spoiler:
Spoiler

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#7
Daisy

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As much as I like Maggie, I think the romance is making him a bit meh... His best moments were in season 1 and before he hooked up with Maggie. Romance sometimes really makes characters boring. I want him to stay though, I think he showed great potential.
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#8
GirlsDeadMonster

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I think everyone pretty much likes Glen. His character is strong and deep. I can see what you mean in Season 2 when he started to doubt himself and the reasoning behind it makes sense, I think he's realizing that it is going to take much more to be the leader of the group and how hard and much responsiblity that will be. He's turned into the heart of the group since Dale died. Character development is very important and it's good that Glen's character is going through this, it will make him stronger.


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#9
Bestrafen

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Ha, many people have said that Maggie has essentially signed Glenn's death warrant (or her own). I only felt the need to bring up this topic because Daryl obviously has extreme fan favoritism when it comes to the fan base and it can be interpreted that the writers are actually catering to them. It took ridicule and internet memes about T pulling off disappearing acts in order for him to get some face time in the series. People rarely chat about the possibility of Daryl being killed off either.

Hopefully this isn't the case and there is some hope as the actor who plays Glenn stated that as the season goes on, he'll start questioning Rick's leadership repeatedly.

I just wanted some fresh viewpoints from the posters here.
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#10
riptor_10

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People rarely chat about the possibility of Daryl being killed off either.


Shhhhhhhhhhh! Don't say that!!!
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#11
p-dizzle

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Killing Glenns character isnt too far fetch
Spoiler
however, on the show it seems that he is now a younger Dale. Moraly strong and compassionate as also mentioned above which might be his weakness. Season 3 trailer at marker 2:39 shows what looks like Glenn or his body double being held back by someone....could it be?
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#12
GoKillZombies

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Glen kind of reminds me of that Asian kid in the Goonies who does all the electronic stuff...Data? Was that his name? He adds some color...not racial color...but personality color to the cast. He uses his skill set pre ZA as best he can to adapt to the ZA. I think Maggie has watered him down a bit though. In real life, I think she would chew him up and spit him out. But I would love to see some strong moves on his part. And I love warrior Glen. I really hope he makes it to the end....whatever that may even mean.
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#13
Bestrafen

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P-Dizzle and RETURN, with that logic, Daryl would be immortal since he never appeared in the comics. He might as well drop the crossbow and just poke zombies in the eye.
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#14
mr teaspoon

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He's turned into the heart of the group since Dale died.


In what way?
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#15
NiallC

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I think season 1 he got the attention because the group was split for the most part. When Rick was with the scavengers Glenn got the attention because he was the one who knew what he was doing and that was the similar thing when they went back to Atlanta for Merle. But I think when the Vatos were introduced and in the CDC episode he didn't get the attention because he wasn't needed, in Vatos he was kidnapped so nothing could be shown about him and in the CDC episode it was all about Jenner.

In season 2 I think he had as much work as he did in season 1, he did his scavenger jobs like season 1 and he created the link between Herschel's family and the group, otherwise I think things would have been moved on a lot quicker. He also kept Dale relevant considering the only other person involved with him was Andrea and she was too busy planning her escape and he also picked up Dale's life lessons on things. He also found the walkers in the barn and told the group to keep things moving.

This season he has done two major things, he helped the group get in the prison and he guarded Herschel and although the latter isn't that important if he hadn't been told that the suspense around Herschel wouldn't have been as high with only Carl being available to kill him. We're only two episodes in so we can't judge.

I think because alot of us are basing decisions off season 2 it is quite difficult because of how slow it was. Season 2 was made up of Shane/Rick/Lori love triangle, rick wanting to stay on the farm and the relationship between the two groups and finally the developing of three characters; Daryl, Andrea and Carol.

I think Daryls progress in S2 is an obvious as is Andreas but Carols was still important and although many don't realise it she gets alot more characterisation than others such as Glen, T-Dog and Carl with the last two having it dumped on them between seasons. She had her relationship with Ed in S1 whilst S2 consisted of the Sophia search and her bringing in Daryl to the group which I would consider a lot of stuff for Carol considering her little screentime and now we have seen how much stronger she has become for season 3 where she is doing a lot more.

Yeah so i sorta got off track but my point is that he has had important parts in all three seasons but because off how slow S2 was and their efforts with other characters that it might not be as visible.
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#16
Judari

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I could honestly see them killing off Glenn. Rick making the run through the yard shows he can also be the runner, although I think his doubt of Glenn's ability to kill Hershel was based out of emotional consideration due to Maggie. However T-Dog is becoming more prominent then Glenn so far, which could be an indication of either of their deaths. T-Dog getting to shine more before he dies or Glenn being pushed into a smaller role before he bites it. Personally I'd rather see Glenn die than T-Dog. Characters who have experienced loss are a lot more interesting on the show so this could really be Maggie chance to grow, as her character has become more dependent (although understandably) on Glenn from S2 til now. Although she will probably loose either Beth or Hershel, if not both so Glenn dying as well may be a bit much.

Also I just want to say that I do really like Glenn but I don't see as much of use of him as I did before.
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#17
Stan

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I would ask this of any character Maggie was interested in...
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#18
WanderFull

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I didn't read the comics but know some big parts of it. It seemed like Glenn was always was Rick's right hand man, Sophia's "parents". So in the tv show, Daryl acts more like Rick's right hand man and they killed off Sophia. I did asked myself what's Glenn's part in the show now. But, the tv show is different than the comic. The recent episode Rick talked to Glenn and I liked it because that's what it was like in the comics. Their close friendship they have. I see Glenn being the optimistic guy of the group.
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#19
AngelLeigh

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I think we'll see more of Glenn later on in the prison. There's a story arc with Maggie that can play out very interestingly. It would be very sweet to see them *Comic Spoiler*

Spoiler


I also believe if they do, at some point, infiltrate Woodbury for supplies Glenn would be an extremely amazing asset to have. Something tells me you won't have to worry about Glenn dying for quite a while, there's just too much to do with him.
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#20
gracie lou

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Glenn has been with Rick a long time in the comic, but I never considered him to be his right hand man. Other characters fit that description better.

Namely:
Spoiler

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#21
cooper56

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I dont see glenn being killed honestly. It would be a huge waste to kill him this early on before any thing happens with maggie and that plot is not fully explored. If he did die i would be pretty pissed honestly it would be as bad as them killing carl this early.
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#22
DeadCave

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Glen kind of reminds me of that Asian kid in the Goonies who does all the electronic stuff...Data?

THIS is probably the reason why!




Yeah I know it's actually Short-round but if you'll remember Data dressed up pretty much the same way!
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#23
thelastpaul

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It's really hilarious cause I told my brother that Glenn was probably short round. "INDY!" ahh poor Asian actors. Glenns point right now is to be in a relationship with Maggie. They're the only active "couple" at the moment
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#24
Tobedesu

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He seems to be one of the bigger characters that I wouldn't miss so much, although he has had his moments.
As some have said, he could have a big upcoming role when the Governor story comes alive.
the remaining characters at this point, and at moments throughout, are slightly different to the comics.
It does make you wonder how the different characters will be used, especially with the Governor storyline.
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#25
HungryGhost

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Glenn and Maggie can easily be a huge part of the tv show - even warranting their own parallel arc. I wouldn't be shocked if they took a load of the show even this season. There is a lot you can do with what amounts to be the only serious couple on the show. They offer hope and are both 100X better than in the comic.
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