The Walking Dead actors know just as well as the viewers that the blood and guts isn’t as important as the actual storyline. In one scene actress Lauren Cohan who plays Maggie almost quit after reading a particularly gruesome part of the script.
In the scene, Maggie had to perform a C-section on Lori, to deliver baby Judith, while Carl watched nearby. Going to her co-star and fictional husband, Steven Yuen (Glenn), she recalls the incident on Inside the Actors Studio:
“I knock on Steven’s door, and I said, ‘I have to leave the show. I don’t think I can do it,’” said Cohan, who explained how she and the cast lived in the same apartment building. “It affects you so deeply to the core to touch on – to dive into so much of this material.”
The British actress then added, “And then I realized that’s why I have to do it. We watch to feel and to hopefully, honestly portray something. And bad stuff happens, and what’s the point in not getting real about it?”
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
Setting the Scene of Lori’s Death
In the scene, Lori is lying on the floor in the abandoned prison, looking up at her son Carl. Staring into his eyes, she says, “You take care of your daddy for me, all right?” to her son Carl, who is still a boy, with shaggy hair under his dad’s oversized hat.
Carl is obviously scared, realizing he is losing a large piece of his physical and emotional protection. Almost angry with the situation, Lori then says, “You are going to beat this world!” to her son. “You are smart and you are strong and you are so brave!”
The family then trades “I love you’s” and embrace. “You got to do what’s right baby,” reminds his mother. “Promise me you’ll always do what’s right. It’s so easy to do the wrong thing in this world. So if it feels wrong, don’t do it. If it feels easy, don’t do it. Don’t let the world spoil you. You’re so good,” she reminds her son.
“My sweet boy,” she says with a smile. “You’re the best thing I ever did. Maggie sits nearby, crying to herself. “Maggie, when this is over, you have to do it,” reminds Lori. “It can’t be Rick.” Carl then hands Maggie a knife. “I’m sorry,” replies Maggie as she begins the C-section and delivers baby Judith.
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
Maggie Delivers
The scene ends with Maggie walking the baby in her arms. Carl hands over his coat to wrap up the newborn and new life is born into the show. Carl also changes, even volunteering to make sure his mother doesn’t turn into a walker. This is pivotal point for each character and the introduction of baby Judith.
One can’t help but wonder what Steven Yeun told Lauren Cohan in that trailer, but it can be assumed that he has always understood the ups and downs of the show. We certainly look forward to seeing a bigger role for Maggie this season.
