The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic horror TV series that has been popular since its premiere on AMC in 2010. The show follows a group of survivors led by former sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, known as “walkers.” One of the most beloved characters in the series is Morgan Jones, played by actor Lennie James. Morgan’s character has gone through many changes over the course of the show’s run. In this essay, we will explore what happened to Morgan in The Walking Dead, from his first appearance to his most recent storyline.
Early Appearances
Morgan Jones was first introduced in the pilot episode of The Walking Dead. He was a father and husband who had lost his wife to the zombie outbreak. When Rick Grimes, the show’s protagonist, first encounters Morgan, he is living in a house with his son, Duane. Morgan is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife and is hesitant to trust Rick, who he sees as an outsider.
Morgan’s character arc in the first season of the show is relatively small, but he plays an important role in establishing the show’s themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to survive in a world overrun by zombies. Morgan’s relationship with Rick also sets the stage for future developments in the series. The dynamic between the two men is complex, with Morgan initially distrusting Rick but eventually coming to see him as a friend and ally.
Seasons 3 and 4
Morgan disappears for a while after his initial appearance, but he returns in the third season of the show. In this season, he is shown to have become a much different person. He has lost his son, Duane, and has become a solitary figure, traveling alone through the zombie-infested landscape.
When Morgan encounters Rick again, he is almost unrecognizable. He has become a skilled fighter and has developed a philosophy of non-violence. However, he is also haunted by his past actions, which include killing his own wife after she turned into a walker. Morgan’s storyline in seasons 3 and 4 is focused on his attempts to reconnect with Rick and the other survivors. He is initially hesitant to join their group, but he eventually becomes an important ally, helping the survivors to fend off attacks from both zombies and other humans.
In season 4, Morgan’s character arc takes a more introspective turn. He is shown to be grappling with his own demons and the guilt he feels over the death of his wife. This leads him to become more introspective and philosophical, as he tries to make sense of the world around him. Morgan’s journey in seasons 3 and 4 is a testament to the show’s ability to develop complex and nuanced characters, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.
Season 5
In season 5 of The Walking Dead, Morgan’s character is given a significant amount of screen time. He is shown to be on a mission to find Rick, who he believes is still alive. Along the way, he encounters a man named Eastman, who teaches him the philosophy of Aikido and helps him to overcome his guilt and trauma.
Morgan’s time with Eastman is a turning point for his character. He learns to value all life, even the lives of his enemies. He also begins to see the importance of forgiveness and redemption. This new philosophy is a stark contrast to his previous character arc, where he was a skilled fighter who had no qualms about killing walkers or humans. Morgan’s transformation is one of the most significant in the series, as he becomes a beacon of hope and a symbol of the possibility of redemption in a world overrun by violence and death.
Season 6 and Beyond
Morgan’s newfound philosophy of non-violence is put to the test in season 6 of The Walking Dead. He is forced to confront a group of hostile survivors, known as the Wolves, who threaten the safety of the survivors in Alexandria. Morgan’s attempts to spare the lives of the Wolves ultimately lead to tragedy, as they attack and kill several members of the community. This event marks a significant shift in Morgan’s character, as he realizes that his philosophy of non-violence may not be practical in a world where survival is paramount.
In the later seasons of the show, Morgan’s character continues to evolve. He becomes a mentor to other survivors, including a young boy named Henry. He also becomes involved in a conflict with a group known as the Saviors, who are led by a ruthless dictator named Negan. Morgan’s character arc in these later seasons is focused on his attempts to balance his newfound philosophy of non-violence with the need to protect his friends and loved ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Morgan Jones is a complex and multifaceted character in The Walking Dead. His journey from grieving father to skilled fighter to pacifist and back again is one of the most interesting arcs in the series. While his character has had its ups and downs, he remains a fan favorite and an important part of the show’s mythology. Morgan’s transformation from a violent survivor to a pacifist who values all life is one of the most significant in the series, and his struggles to balance his newfound philosophy with the need to protect his loved ones make him one of the show’s most compelling characters. The show’s ability to develop complex characters like Morgan is one of the reasons why The Walking Dead has remained popular with audiences for over a decade.
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