People die so regularly on The Walking Dead that the cast of the zombie drama know full well that their role could disappear at any point. It must be tempting, then, to imagine the ideal way for your character to exit the show if and when the big moment comes.
At least, that’s what Josh McDermitt has done. The man behind turncoat survivor Eugene revealed to EW that he’s informed TWD director/producer Greg Nicotero about how he’d want his character to leave the series, and it’s at the hands of Andrew Lincoln’s Rick.
“I don’t know that there is anyone more fun to watch do a physically intense fight scene than Andrew Lincoln. I told him and Greg Nicotero (resident badass) that IF Eugene were to die, I want to be choked out by Rick. Most actors have a “thing” — a look they can shoot to the camera, and that’s how they make their money throughout their career… I think Andrew Lincoln’s “thing” is choking people in a scene. It’s so intense you think he’s really trying to choke the guy.”
McDermitt’s right about his co-star’s signature move. The “Grimes choke,” as we’ve now christened it, has been used by Rick throughout the show whenever he’s in a spot of bother. He even used it in the most recent episode, when Rick wrestled with Jadis, the leader of the Scavengers. Like McDermitt says, Lincoln clearly gives these physical moments his all.
As for whether the “Grimes choke” could ever be used on Eugene, it’s not totally outside the realm of possibility. Though former allies, Rick and Eugene are now on opposing sides, since the latter betrayed the Alexandrians to work for Negan and the Saviors. The treachery cut close for Rick, too, so it’s not hard to imagine him being pushed to the point where he would take Eugene’s life. That being said, anything can happen, and Eugene could even reform by the end of the season, so who knows? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
The Walking Dead continues with its midseason finale this Sunday on AMC.
