Regardless of the show having the whole "no character is safe" mentality, these characters should have been untouchable.

Disagree all you'd like but i firmly believe that the downfall of this show is because main characterss dropped like flies towards the later seasons and if they kept this main cast of characters alive and on the show it would have continued to thrive. i know people will say the appeal of the show is that no character is safe but ratings dont lie. people want main characters to feel attached too. glenn dying tanked the viewership and then carl dying was another huge hit, lastly rick departing was the final blow. They should have all stayed.