The Walking Dead

Had heard nothing but great things about 'The Walking Dead' from friends and IMDb reviewers. It took a while to get round to walking, both from being busy and also not being sure whether it would be my cup of tea.

Finally getting round to it a few years ago and slowly working my way through it, 'The Walking Dead' turned out to be very much my cup of tea and as good as the hype made it out to be. Seasons 1-5 of 'The Walking Dead' to me were absolutely brilliant, and it still shocks me at how an intelligent, well-made (so much so that it is easy to mistake it for a film) show about zombies could be made when so many films have tried and failed abysmally to do so. My only complaint about the early seasons actually is the slightly slow start to Season 2.

'The Walking Dead' is incredibly well made in the production values, with gritty and audacious production design, photography of almost cinematic quality, effects that look good, have soul and are not overused or abused and pretty frightening make-up which helps make the already freaky zombies even freakier. The music is haunting and affecting, having presence but never being too intrusive.

For five seasons, the writing was intelligent and thought-provoking, with lots of tension and emotional resonance and improving every time a story and character were expanded and given more complexity. Loved that the stories had multiple layers and felt satisfactorily resolved, while the action is both thrilling and terrifying, the blood-spattering gore uncompromising.

Seasons 3 and 4 are especially good in this regard, and it is the latter where the complexities and nuance of the storytelling and characterisation particularly shine. The pace was a little slow to begin with in Season 2 but thrilling elsewhere while not rushing through important pieces of information. Direction is smart and atmospheric while the show throughout has been strongly acted especially from the two leads playing particularly well-crafted characters.

Which is why it is so sad that Season 7 has been a dead mess on the whole, apart from the production values, some effective world-building and the actors did their best with what they had (an achievement somewhat, admiration is to be had for anybody able to do anything with such poor material). Season 6 did have some slow and pointless moments and the finale was a disappointment but had good things. Can say very little good about Season 7 though.

A season where once interesting, complex characters are no more. Negan was a fascinating villain, now a cartoonish caricature that one wants done away with, don't blame Jeffrey Dean Morgan here, he's great in the role, it's the writing. Pacing has been all over the map, often brutally slow. The season has had too many characters and subplots that are mostly under-explored or completely superfluous. There was heavy reliance on over-convenience, lots of melodrama, very talky sections that add little and feel like padding, little character growth, frustratingly illogical decision making and some convolution. And there were very few thrills or scares thanks to lack of suspense and a sense that everything feels toned down.

Overall, brilliant for about just over two-thirds but Season 7 was a serious disappointment and has left me dubious as to whether to stick with the show for the eighth season. With such a decline lately, there is a sense that a once addictive personal favourite show has run its course. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

Everyone knows that the last few seasons of The Walking Dead weren't the same quality as the earlier ones, those early seasons were groundbreaking in so many ways that this series is considered among the best ever. Because of that this show still gets a high rating from me. Like most long running shows, it had its ups and downs but even at its worst it was still the #1 show on cable, in fact it has been #1 every season it's been on the air. The last few seasons without Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) haven't been as good but it at least started to get back to being a pretty good show during this last season. Norman Reedus (Daryl) and Jeffery Dean Morgan (Negan) continued to carry the show after Andrew Lincoln's departure to the point where people looked forward to it again. Having said all that, it was still probably time for it to end.

I'm still a little young you know (lol) and I didn't know the old zombie classics of the genre as the illustrious George A. Romero did it but this modern-day classic is a must in the style. No SF, just humanity in decline fighting for its survival through hordes and hordes of ''Walker''. Even if it took me several years to watch it completely due to a lack of motivation, it's still a real thrill to find myself in my living room with all this gang with whom we really get attached. I'm currently listening to ''Fear of the Walking Dead'' and I plan to listen to the subsequent series of the genre that have come out <3.

Really loved this programming, especially Rick. It is a shame that COVID seemed to have slowed Andrew Lincoln down as he was seemingly bound for big things before hand. The first couple seasons were brilliant, for me it was the Negan effect that really hurt the show, especially making it out as if Rik would fear him which was laughable. Rick delt with the Governor, he won't fear someone like Negan who was essentially a coward. I especially did not enjoy the six year jump as it did not make sense as to why Daryl would still be looking after so long when they would have come to terms with it by now. The finale was probably the poorest episode in the entire show.

The Walking Dead is a genre-defining series that captivates audiences with its gritty storytelling, compelling characters, and unflinching exploration of survival in a world devastated by the undead. Based on Robert Kirkman's acclaimed comic book series, this post-apocalyptic drama transcends the typical zombie narrative, delving into the complexities of human nature and the bonds forged amid chaos.

The early seasons are particularly impactful, with Andrew Lincoln delivering a commanding performance as Rick Grimes, whose leadership and moral dilemmas form the emotional core of the series. The ensemble cast, including Norman Reedus as the resourceful Daryl Dixon and Melissa McBride as the resilient Carol Peletier, adds depth and nuance to a diverse group of survivors. The evolution of these characters is handled with care, making their journeys resonate long after each episode.

One of the series' greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance intense action with raw, emotional storytelling. It masterfully explores themes of loss, hope, and the fragile line between humanity and savagery. From the terror of a walker herd to the unpredictable dangers posed by other survivors, the show maintains a constant tension that keeps viewers engaged. The blend of horror and drama is seamless, creating a world where every decision carries weight and consequences.

However, The Walking Dead is not without its flaws. Pacing issues and extended plotlines, particularly in later seasons, can hinder the narrative's momentum. Some characters experience inconsistent development, and the show's ambitious scope occasionally results in uneven storytelling. Despite these imperfections, the series remains compelling, with powerful moments, shocking twists, and deep character arcs that continue to captivate its audience.

Having rewatched the series multiple times, it's clear that its impact and storytelling have solidified its place as one of the most significant television shows of its genre. The raw depiction of survival, resilience, and the human condition keeps drawing viewers back, offering new layers of appreciation with each revisit.

In conclusion, The Walking Dead stands as a landmark in the zombie genre, redefined by its focus on character-driven drama and moral complexity. While not without its imperfections, the series earns its legacy through its gripping stories, unforgettable characters, and emotional intensity. It remains a captivating watch, offering enduring appeal for both dedicated fans and new audiences alike.