‘The Walking Dead’ Is Not A Show About Survival, But About Humanity

thefederalist ^ | Nov. 27, 2015 | Jay Caruso

[PROCON]

Since “The Walking Dead” premiered in 2010, non-fans have often asked fans about the appeal of the show: “Who wants to watch people constantly on the run from zombies?”

They mistakenly equated the show with feature films about zombies. Zombie movies almost always have the same underlying theme: survival. From “Night Of The Living Dead” to “28 Days Later” to “World War Z,” there is only one question viewers pose to themselves: “Will the characters survive?” There is never enough time to go beyond the theme of survival and really become invested in the characters.

In “The Walking Dead,” survival is part of the show. But it is not a show about survival. The walkers serve as a plot device, but overall the show is about people and what happens to their humanity when they face such situations. Viewers get to invest in the lives of the characters, allowing us to go beyond the circumstances they face or the world in which they live. This dynamic enhances the story.

[PROCON]

Spoilsport, ‘cuz it’s in the script :-)

[montag813]

I had to stop watching after three or four episodes of season one, because of the ridiculous portrayal of the racist white guy, and absurd, calculated diversity of the cast

[Larry Lucido]

I like The Walking Dead but I think they should do a series on the Haitian Voodoo Tic Tac rattle torture undead.

[circlecity]

When people tell me they don’t watch the show because they don’t like “zombie” flicks, I generally tell them that the major drama of the show is the conflict between the group of survivors, conflict with other groups, usually violent and just trying to survive in a very violent, world. Sort of a Lord of the Flies scenario. They could have made much the same series in any post disaster environment. IF all it was about was fighting zombies it would have gotten boring and repetitive by the third episode. I generally don’t make much of an impact though.

[ConjunctionJunction]

Walking Dead ping!

Please let me know if you would like on or off The Walking Dead ping list.

[ConjunctionJunction]

Thanks for the ping!

[Boogieman]

I think the closest you're going to get is Warm Bodies or Cemetary Man.

[CatherineofAragon]

"Carol going from a battered wife to a psycho. Yeah, I really want to spend six seasons exploring that character development."

How is Carol a psycho? She's become a strong person, a legitimate bada## who won't hesitate to take out a threat to her family group.

[McGruff]

I’m always a week behind so I never click on Walking Dead threads. I hate knowing what’s gonna happen.

[Larry Lucido]

I’d like to see Chuck Norris star in Walker: Texas Walker.

[JPX2011]

I generally tell them that the major drama of the show is the conflict between the group of survivors, conflict with other groups, usually violent and just trying to survive in a very violent, world. Sort of a Lord of the Flies scenario.

I agree with that and have told people something similar. For me though it has gotten to the point where I no longer enjoy the interplay between personalities or other groups. I no longer have the patience for the ricocheting pinball action of going from one encampment to the next. I'm not asking for a deus ex machina plot device but they need to start moving towards a conclusion.

[PROCON]

Chuck would be one bada$$ zombie, LOL!

[IYAS9YAS]

2 TO 4 YEARS AFTER THE ZOMBIE APOCOLYPSE STARTED!

Well, I can tell you this, I bought an RV that hadn't been run in over two years (from my folks, so I know it wasn't used for any trips, or even started during that time). It started right up. Ran through the tank of gas with no problems. Even the generator started up, once the gas made it through the line to it. I've driven it several thousand miles since, with no problems. The gas in it sits easily for 8-10 months at a time before use, as I usually only use it between May-Sept, if I use it at all.

[MeganC]

“Where’s the zombie show that features a zombie as the hero?”

It was called “The West Wing”.

[showme_the_Glory]

I haven’t really been able to get into another series since 24. I might try TWD?

[circlecity]

"I'm not asking for a deus ex machina plot device but they need to start moving towards a conclusion."

I don't see that happening as long as it keeps getting the incredible ratings it's getting. But I understand your point.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Humanity is about survival.

[CodeToad]

True. If it were about survival they ain’t doing such a great job. They die for stupid reasons.

[machogirl]

I need a new pair of dollar-store glasses. I thought the header said, “Hannity”.

[circlecity]

"I haven’t really been able to get into another series since 24. I might try TWD?"

Give it a shot. I would caution that if you do don't give up on it halfway through season two. Season one was great. Season two got pretty plodding about half way through. I was ready to give up on it (I was power watching on netflicks at that point) but someone told me to gut it out because season three really picks up and it's been great for me ever since then.