**Editor’s note: contains spoilers.**

After almost six months, AMC’s biggest show, “The Walking Dead” returned this past Sunday. After spending all summer debating, fans of the show tuned in to finally find out one thing: who died. Little did the audience know, the writers of “The Walking Dead” had a few tricks up their sleeve.

After breaking the record for views with each passing season premiere, the season six premiere in October 2015 failed to break the record set by the season five premiere the year before. The season seven premiere clearly aimed to remedy that. While it gave a gallant effort, the record is still held by the season five premiere at over 17 million viewers.

This failure is not for the lack of trying. The season seven premiere is arguably the darkest and bloodiest episode of “The Walking Dead” to date. The episode features the two deaths of Abraham and Glenn, a twist most people did not anticipate.

Abraham’s death is impactful, but not necessarily surprising. When compared to the comics, Abraham should have died earlier in season six, as he is a side character when compared to the likes of Rick, Daryl, Glenn, Maggie or Carol. While it’s graphic and shocking, the real surprise is Glenn’s death. Not only is Glenn’s death the first death of a character from season one since season 3, but it also makes Abraham’s look like a field of roses on a summer day. The gore is multiplied exponentially, with several disturbing shots, including one with Glenn’s head dented in, one of his eyes bulging out its socket and him still trying to talk to Maggie.

The message is clear — Negan is evil, and he means business. He follows this up by almost making Rick chop his own son’s arm off.

The decision to kill two characters successfully takes care of multiple arguments. First, it makes clear that the writer’s are not afraid to kill off any character. Second, because Abraham had already died, Glenn’s was a complete surprise. Finally, because Abraham was already dead in the comics, his death frees up the storyline so that it can better coincide with the comics if the writers want.

There’s just one problem: this is the second time we have watched Glenn die. Glenn’s death is meant to be extremely impactful and for fans to feel that a huge loss. While it does succeed with this on some level, the sting of his death is not as heavy as it could have been because of the fake-out death of Glenn less than one year ago. Glenn’s fake-out death was not well received last year, and with his actual death in the season seven premiere, it is hard not to feel cheated.

“The Walking Dead’s” overall direction and mood over the past six seasons took a hard turn with the season seven premiere. For some, this is a breath of fresh air. For others, it will be too much and might even cause some fans to stop watching “The Walking Dead” entirely. It is a risky decision on the writer’s part. By greatly increasing the gore, death and overall serious tone, some fans will likely abandon the show altogether.  However, this change may pay off for “The Walking Dead” in the long run, by appeasing fans who have long complained that the show is no where near as gory, effective or enjoyable as the comics.

The overall quality of the premiere is spectacular as usual. The realism of not only the deaths and special effects, but also the other character’s pain is evident. A huge portion of this praise goes to the actor’s themselves. Maggie Greene, Eugene Porter and Rosita Espinosa especially put their heart into their portrayals and it shows.

Finally, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the newcomer playing Negan, is perfectly cast and brings his A-game. As much as you want to hate him, fans will have to admit he does his job well. He portrays Negan exactly as he is: crazy, evil, smart and strong. Clearly, Negan will be a difficult foe for Rick’s group to take down.

Overall,  “The Walking Dead” season seven premiere is a strong effort and entertaining first episode. However, if one was already uncomfortable with the violence and gore of  “The Walking Dead,” season seven will clearly not be for you. Whether or not this increased gore and violence will affect the massive popularity of  “The Walking Dead” is something that will only become clear in time. Until then, rest easy knowing one thing; Daryl Dixon is still alive.