Note: This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season 9 episode 15 'The Calm Before', as well as comic book spoilers.



The pikes happened in devastating fashion, but what's next?

The Walking Dead closes its ninth season in a few days. Interestingly we don't know much about what might happen (aside from there's snow), but fans have been speculating that Eugene's radio will come into play.

Gene Page/AMC

Not only have we briefly seen Eugene working on the radio this season, but a promotional picture also shows him with the device in the finale.

In the comics, Eugene's attempts to make contact with other people succeed.



Digital Spy asked executive producer Denise Huth about what viewers can expect from the radio in episode 16.



"I don't know if it's overly significant [in the season finale] but it's one of the great things that we get to do sometimes – which is sort of feature it for a moment and it's not a big deal then, but perhaps it will be a big deal later," she said.

Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment

"Fans of the comics probably know that that is a storyline directly from the comics. There is a big story with the radio. I like how we have chosen to introduce it.

"We introduced it way back in episode 6 when they were first trying to set it up. And then in this most recent episode, we see Eugene working on it again with Rosita."

The radio has been a poignant story thread given the events of this season. Eugene and Rosita working on the device in episode 15 is particularly notable, as the scene takes place with the backdrop of all of the different communities coming together again for the fair.

Gene Page/AMC

Huth explained that the radio serves as a "symbol of hope" for the survivors.

"They may never make contact with anybody else, but the truth is that they have a radio and effort is being made, that perhaps there are other people out there," she said.



"I like the idea that these characters have found a relatively safe home – the Whisperers notwithstanding – but they're still trying to find out if there are other people. Are there other survivors? Are there other people who are living in a different way that they can learn and benefit from?

"To me, it's just a great symbol of hope."

Gene Page/AMC

The comics see Eugene reaching out to a new character named Stephanie, who is part of the Commonwealth – an advanced group with around 50,000 members across different settlements.

During the time jump, Maggie stepped down as Hilltop leader and moved away to work with Georgie's community. There has been speculation since season 8 that Georgie is part of the Commonwealth, so perhaps this opens the door for Maggie's possible return.

Another theory going around is that Rick will be the one who responds to Eugene's radio messages.

AMC

Huth also discussed with Digital Spy what went into the decision to kill Henry and spare Rosita and Ezekiel.

The Walking Dead season 9 concludes on Monday, April 1 at 9pm on FOX.

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