Walking Dead Creator Discusses Season 6's Controversial Final Episode

As cliffhangers go, the recent season finale of The Walking Dead certainly caused much controversy and discussion amongst fans of the the smash hit zombie show. Now, Robert Kirkman, creator of the comic book and executive producer of the show, has spoken about the decision to deliver such an open ending.

Writing in the latest issue of The Walking Dead comic book, Kirkman explained that the main reason for the ending was to provoke discussion.

"Some people love it. Some people are indifferent. Some people HATE it," he said. "We weren't trying to game the audience, we weren't trying to drive you crazy, we certainly weren't trying to FORCE you to come back for season 7. We hope you were planning on doing that and still plan on doing that.

"We did want you to talk. And talk you are."

Kirkman went on to reassure fans that the next season would start in spectacular style. "The only thing I can PROMISE you is that the season 7 premiere is going to be awesome," he explained. "And when viewed as a two-part episode (the same way EVERY SEASON of Star Trek: The Next Generation ended with the first half of a two-part episode that was also a cliffhanger ...), it's going to be a pretty awesome ride.

"And every minute of the season 6 finale was important and was setting something up that you probably won't see coming."

Although the final episode of season six was down on the closer of season five, it still pulled in 14.2 million viewers, by the far the highest of any current cable show. Season seven of The Walking Dead kicks off in October.