The television network AMC is generally known for dedicating itself to classic American movies. However, there have recently been a few exceptions, with the rise of critically acclaimed shows like Mad Men and Breaking Bad, which are often considered more like cinematic experiences than just ordinary television programs. The latest addition to the line-up, The Walking Dead, has followed a similar path to success, gaining over seven million viewers after its first season, as well as multiple nominations. The reason for these accomplishments is simple: it is the first television show to take all the adrenaline and suspense of a generic Hollywood zombie movie, and stretch it out into a weekly series that never bores or falls flat.
In season one, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) was introduced as the lead character when he awakened from a coma to find the world overrun by flesh eating zombies. He began a lone journey to find his family, and eventually discovered that his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), son Carl (Chandler Riggs), and best friend Shane (Jon Bernthal) had taken refuge with a small group of survivors just outside the city of Atlanta. Rick then finds that, while he was presumed dead, Shane and Lori kindled an intimate relationship, and complication ensued. The season ended after just six episodes, as the group visited the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and then left without any hope. Some characters made the decision to end their terror-stricken lives early.
Season two has picked up right where season one left off, as the group makes their way across the country searching for some new form of refuge. Rick, the clear frontman, is constantly faced with the most difficult decisions. While these pressures slowly build on him, his wife Lori deals with the lingering guilt of her affair with her husband’s best friend. The uniting problem that has yet to be resolved since the season’s opening episode is the absence of Sophia (Madison Lintz), the little girl that lost her way in the “walker” infested forest. The search for her persists as the group stays at a local farm inhabited by a large, rather isolated family. The outstanding aspect of the show remains the emotions it can elicit, often reminiscent of real world catastrophes. The quality of the story has only improved since its first season, as have the production quality and character development. Each character has their own set of issues, as well as that one really big one they all share that gives the show its name.
The Walking Dead does an equally good job of filling its viewers with fear and suspense, and developing its characters and legitimate story. It would be easy for the writers to disregard plot and focus more on the “scary zombie” aspect of the show. But instead, a lot of work is put into every episode to make sure that there are other emotions that are elicited other than fear. There are times when viewers will almost forget that the characters are under a constant threat from the ravenous undead creatures that want to eat them.
On October 25, AMC announced that the show will be returning for a third season, after the first two episodes of season two exceeded rating expectations. Writer and co-creator of the original Walking Dead comic book series Robert Kirkman reacted to this news by tweeting “Oh yeah!!” in excitement to his fans. And there is great justification for his jubilance, as he is slowly watching his creation become one of the most watch shows on TV.
