How ‘The Walking Dead’ Fans Reacted To An Emotional Break Up In The Season Finale

It is hard to believe, but heading into the season finale, Carol and Ezekiel are … or were the longest remaining couple on The Walking Dead. Think about it: Glenn and Maggie’s relationship ended because Glenn died; Rick and Michonne are technically split up because Rick is gone; and even the budding romance between Aaron and Jesus ended with Aaron’s death. Yumiko and Magna are in a relationship, but that’s new to The Walking Dead, while Gabriel and Rosita’s romance is relatively young, too. Two other relationships also ended with the death of one side of the couple last week, in Alden and Enid (RIP) and The Blacksmith and Tammy Rose (RIP). The newest romantic relationship on the show, Henry (RIP) and Lydia ended before it really even got started.

Love is tough in the zombie apocalypse. There are a number of issues that apparently take precedent over romance on The Walking Dead, namely survival, and those who have seen the odds when it comes to relationships may also balk at the prospect. One side of the relationship always seems to be dying.

In the ninth season finale, however, we witnessed a rarity on The Walking Dead: A couple actually broke up before one partner was killed. We have seen it before — Rosita and Abraham come to mind — but it has happened less than a handful of times. Of course, someone’s death precipitated the break-up of Carol and Ezekiel, it just wasn’t one of them. However, after Henry died, Carol recognized that she could no longer live in this fairy tale as the Queen to Ezekiel’s King. The idea of it hurt too much. While Ezekiel believed some time alone with Carol might allow them to move on, Carol clearly saw it the other way around: She had to leave Ezekiel behind in order to move on. Ultimately, she removed her wedding ring, and while Ezekiel didn’t take it back, Carol nevertheless moved to Alexandria with Daryl, leaving Ezekiel behind at The Hilltop.

It was rough going for fans of Carol and Ezekiel, and they let their feelings out on social medial.

— The Walking Dead (@TWDFamilyy) April 1, 2019

NO CAROL TOOK OFF HER WEDDING RING

THIS IS THE END OF EZEKIEL AND CAROL EVERYONE #TWD #TheWalkingDead

— ~Brittany~ (@teenwolfhuman) April 1, 2019

So…carol and the king Just done I don't accept this. #TheWalkingDead

— Ali (@Alicat1032) April 1, 2019

Honestly it’s messed up that Carol broke up with Ezekiel like that. She’s not the only one in pain. #TheWalkingDead

— D_loves (@damarius_ingram) April 1, 2019

Ezekiel: We made it.

Carol: *leaving for Alexandria*#TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/zHCgZbYhKl

— Pieter J. Ketelaar 3 (@PieterJKetelaar) April 1, 2019

Oh my god… they're apaocolype version: divorcing. Yo… THE KING AND QUEEN ARE DONE CAROL AND EZEKIEL BROKE UP AND SHES MOVING OUT I….,.,.,..,.,,. I KNEW IT UGH I HATE THISSSSSSSSSSSSS #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/vqgCuLknMg

— Logan Thomas (@LoganTommo) April 1, 2019

I’m going to cry, I loved King Ezekiel and Carol together! #TheWalkingDead

— Taylor (@DarylDixonSwag) April 1, 2019

In the comics, Michonne breaks Ezekiel’s heart. I’m so glad they had Carol do it in the show, even though it split up my favorite couple. #TheWalkingDead

— Summer (@IamBatMILF) April 1, 2019

At least, we can start shipping Daryl and Carol again. One fan’s breakup is another fan’s hope.

— Smeary (@Smeary) April 1, 2019

Lookin' like Carol is jumping on the #Caryl ship too. #TheWalkingDead

— Kirstie (#KeepPounding) (@kmccloud628) April 1, 2019

carol is going to alexandria to be with daryl THANK YOU VERY MUCH #thewalkingdead

— brittany (@brittrosenthal) April 1, 2019

NOW MY DARYL AND CAROL WILL RISE!!!!!!!! #caryl #thewalkingdead

— brittany (@brittrosenthal) April 1, 2019

Will Carol and Ezekiel reunite in season 10 Or is this break permanent We won’t find out at least until next October, but with the way things go on The Walking Dead, don’t expect both to live long enough to reconcile.