How The Walking Dead still lives and you can’t kill it off
Predictions of the demise of The Walking Dead are actually premature because this zombie show has never been more alive. This year will see an unprecedented number of TWD shows as the world of the zombie apocalypse expands into a third direction.
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The Walking Dead might be a zombie show but it’s never been more alive.
This year will see an unprecedented number of TWD shows as the world of the zombie apocalypse expands into a third direction.
The second half of TWD kicks off tomorrow, while a new limited series called The Walking Dead: World Beyond debuts on April 13 and Fear The Walking Dead is back for season six, probably around July.
Reports of the demise of both of the shows have been greatly exaggerated, with both TWD getting a season 11 and FTWD getting a season 6.
So who will live, who will die and will any of them — just like the walkers — merely limp on, bits falling off, before finally getting a merciful spike to the brain.
TWD: WORLD BEYOND
This is the easiest one to pick as having a time limit, given it has already been announced that it will have just two 10-episode seasons before finishing.
But, given both TWD and FTWD have been happy to time-jump and switch characters, will those who strike a chord find themselves parachuted into one of those shows?
This series will see two young women take centre stage, as a group of young people come of age in the zombie apocalypse. Details have been scarce and there are no comic books to give us guidance but it appears that some will rise to the challenge and some will fall. But will there be enough time for us to fall in love with these characters? And like them enough that they could develop into a new series or switch into one of the others?
There is also the possibility that this two-season run is enough to test the waters. If World Beyond does well and either TWD or FTWD falters, then producers could switch all their efforts into the new show.
Debuts April 13 on Foxtel
Verdict: A bold move, like covering yourself in zombie guts. Will it stroll through the horde to success or get eaten like Sam in Season 6 of TWD?
FEAR OF THE WALKING DEAD
This is a show that has changed dramatically from its original premise. The idea was to follow two families through the start of the outbreak. Well, they are pretty much all dead, with the exception of Alicia (Aussie Alycia Debnam-Carey). The series has also time-jumped so it runs closer to TWD and has seen both Morgan (Lennie James) and Dwight (Austin Amelio) leave TWD for
the spin-off.
Now Morgan runs the group, which is determined to help others, no matter the cost and no matter how crazy the idea might be (including crashing a plane into an area filled with radioactive zombies).
I was worried about this show as season five drew to a close. There was no focal villain and the idea of “helping others” all the time wasn’t gripping.
Worse, the two best characters — both from the original season — were being wasted. Strand (Colman Domingo) is a fast-talking guy with a brilliant mind but a flexible moral code. Daniel Salazar (Ruben Blades) is a former South American torturer-turned-barber who lost his wife and daughter and now looks after a cat called Skidmark.
Neither were getting the time and love they needed.
But the last episode of Season 5 turned it around. Now we have Ginny (Colbie Minifie) who wants to create a better world, even if it means breaking a few eggs (or heads) along the way. She split the group up to join her various outposts, then shot Morgan and left him for the Walkers.
Her group The Settlers think Daniel is a harmless old cat man. Stand by for a nasty shock. Meanwhile, Strand looks like he is betraying the group to win favour with Ginny. But is he?
John (Garret Dilahunt) and June (Jenna Elfman) got married in the final episode but are now separated and must find a way to get back together. And how can Morgan survive and help reunite the group? Finally there is a purpose and the likes of Strand, Daniel, John, June and Alicia can get back to the essence of their characters.
Stream all seasons now on Foxtel. Season 6 will be back sometime mid-year.
Verdict: Looked like it had taken a mortal wound but, like Glenn from under the dumpster in The Walking Dead Season 6, FTWD will re-emerge and go on
THE WALKING DEAD
This was the show that started it all. But, like a Walker that’s been stuck down a well for 10 seasons, it looks very different now.
The arrival of Negan, which led to the death of fan favourites Glenn and Abraham, saw viewers start to leak from the show. The ongoing war against the Saviours, the contractual disappearance of Maggie (Lauren Cohen), the death of Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs), the looming departure of Michonne (Danai Gurira) and the exit of lead character Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) has sent the show in a different direction.
The good news is, the new direction has been a good one. If you dropped out during the long war with the Saviours through Seasons 7 and 8, it’s worth coming back.
By now the communities have run into The Whisperers, a bunch of freaks who wear the skins
of Walkers and “herd” them to use as camouflage and a weapon.
The redemption of Negan plot, as well as his growing paternal relationship with Lydia is great. What they have done with Carol, who is still grieving the death of her adopted son Henry is also excellent. I’m really enjoying what they are doing with Rosita (Christian Serratos) and Eugene (Josh McDermitt). In the comics they got together quickly but this is a real slow burn. Plus, in the comics, she got killed by the Whisperers but it looks like her place on the fence of heads was taken by Enid. I can see her inheriting the Michonne role when Gurira leaves this season.
For me, there has been a bit too much emphasis on Magna’s group — newcomers Connie, Kelly, Yumiko and Luke. If a couple of them died, I wouldn’t worry too much. The Whisperers are an intriguing enemy and a step up from the usual “evil warlord” plot.
The first half of season 10 also finished on a classic cliffhanger. While searching for the giant horde of Walkers that lead Whisperer Alpha is using as a “nuclear weapon” to threaten the communities, Carol, Daryl and most of Magna’s group fall into a trap — and a mine full of Walkers.
So, can they find their way out? Obviously yes, although it could cost a few of Magna’s group. Hopefully, anyway.
This second half of season 10 will see the end of Michonne. Can they find a way to reunite her and Rick for the proposed Walking Dead movies? Or will she die in a blaze of glory? At least we know Maggie will be back on deck for Season 11, come October.
Stream all seasons on Foxtel. Season 10B returns tomorrow (Feb 23) on Foxtel.
Verdict: Looked to be surrounded on all sides by hungry Walkers at one point but found the trapdoor out of there