<P> In response to the backlash the cliffhanger received, showrunner Scott M. Gimple said: </P> <P> If you approach it from a place of skepticism or with the idea that there's some kind of negative or cynical motivation behind it...it's difficult to convince you otherwise . I do think we've done enough on the show and we've delivered a story that people have enjoyed (to warrant fans giving) us the benefit of the doubt . I truly hope that people will see (the Season 7 premiere) and feel it justifies the way we've decided to tell the story . </P> <P> The episode received a 6.9 rating in the key 18 - 49 demographic with 14.19 million total viewers . This was a significant increase from the previous episode, "East", which received a 5.9 rating and 12.38 million total, but also significantly lower than the ratings for the season five finale, "Conquer", which was watched by 15.8 million American viewers with an 18 - 49 rating of 8.2 . Including live + 3 ratings, this episode was watched by 18.42 million Americans . </P>

Who dies in season 6 finale of the walking dead