[SPOILER ALERT...]

Well, there's no point in hiding it now.  Fans of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC all know that Shane got himself all corpsified and deadzo after trying to murder his best friend, so it's safe to say that Jon Bernthal is free to pursue other projects.

And pursue them he has! 

With Bernthal's exit of 'The Walking Dead' no longer under wraps, The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Bernthal will follow former 'Walking Dead' showrunner Frank Darabont to take one of the leads in Darabont's new TNT period drama 'L.A. Noir.'  News of Bernthal negotiating for the series had leaked previously, seemingly confirming suspicions that 'The Walking Dead' would likely end its second season with Bernthal's character dead.

Bernthal will take the role of Joe Teague, the LAPD cop at the center of 'L.A. Noir,' which revolves around the police force's pursuit of mobster Mickey Cohen. He joins former 'Heroes' star Milo Ventimiglia, who plays a former marine who served with Bernthal’s character during World War II and is now a budding lawyer groomed to be a master “fixer” for the mob.  Current 'Justified' guest star Neal McDonough has also been cast as LAPD Chief Parker, “a man with a long memory and a ruthless streak when provoked, committed to rooting out corruption in the police department, and equally dedicated to bringing down Mickey Cohen and the mob.”

Darabont will write and direct the pilot of 'L.A. Noir,' adapted from John Buntin book 'L.A. Noir: The Struggle For The Soul Of America’s Most Seductive City,' telling the story of decades-long conflicts between the LAPD and the city’s criminals.  Darabont will also serve as executive producer for the series.

Much as we might miss Shane, at least we know for sure where to find Jon Bernthal again!  Although something tells us he won't be quite as deliciously villainous.

What say you?  Will you follow Bernthal to Frank Darabont's new period drama?  Give us your reaction, or even a eulogy for 'The Walking Dead's Shane in the comments below!

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