The first half of "The Walking Dead" Season 7 stirred a controversial topic for fans. Mainly, because it has seen deaths of some of the most beloved characters from the show' first season that lead to some fans complaining about the story had gone too far.

Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes in the AMC series, defended the show's backlash in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Lincoln admitted that it was also painful for the actor during filming of the first half of the season. When the publication asked Lincoln about the negative feedback from the fans, Lincoln talked about the brave, bold and challenging story that the show is attempting.

"The Walking Dead" actor stated that rather than just having a cool buildup to war between Negan and Rick, Scoot Gimple wanted viewers to want more than that. Gimple wants the audience to immerse in the story and feels what the characters felt.

Lincoln also admits that the narrative decisions made in the first half was not for everyone's taste. "You don't to be negative, but if you're endeavoring to make something different and unique and challenging-and hopefully dangerous and new-sometimes it might provoke different reactions from people," he said.

Lincoln added that he stands by everybody, especially to the writers and directors that makes the show what it is now. Lincoln added that the actor admires the brilliant writers that the show has that have taken some risks.

Meanwhile, Danai Gurira who plays Michonne in "The Walking Dead" admitted on Digital Spy that she also found the shooting pretty rough as well. Gurira stated that the actress couldn't eat.

Gurira also iterated that the episodes the team produced were very rich. Gurira went to explain that viewers were watching a severe post-traumatic time period and it's going to be a time of struggle and brokenness and that's what happens.

Gurira added that the characters are handling their traumas very specifically. And that is great in the storytelling that viewers are not sure how it could all be good again. Gurira says that fans can expect a really riveting comeback in mid-season of "The Walking Dead" Season 7.