WTF TWD?: AMC’s Hit Series Takes a Dark(er) Turn

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Photo Credit – The Walking Dead

If I were having a romantic conversation with The Walking Dead, I’d probably coo, “You had me at ‘bathing in zombie guts.’”  Remember that early episode of The Walking Dead in which the characters rub zombie guts all over their bodies to mask their human scent and navigate through the ravenous packs of undead?  Well, I’m not really saying that’s the moment I fell in love with the show, but it’s the moment that I realized – along with a compelling storyline – that The Walking Dead was willing to cover uncomfortable, even nauseating terrain that most horror – on the Big Screen or the TV – never considers touching.  Watching the zombie-guts, season one episode of The Walking Dead is in fact a fond memory.  Michael and I sat eagerly in front of the television, ready to binge watch the first five and a half seasons of the show to prepare for the second half of season six, which was set to air in the spring.  When the characters lathered themselves in zombie guts like they were taking a shower and basking in aromatic, sudsy soap, Michael started to gag, and gag, and gag.  “Honey, shut your eyes!”  I exclaimed.  “I am,” he yelled, “but I can still hear them!”  “Well then, leave the room,” I told him, because I really thought he was going to vomit, and if he vomited on me, well, that might just send me over the edge, and then we’d have a mess on our hands.  But he didn’t (leave the room or vomit).  And so, we enthusiastically enmeshed ourselves in six more seasons of drama, violence, and unpredictable, unchecked bloodshed.  Ahhhh, memories. Continue reading “WTF TWD?: AMC’s Hit Series Takes a Dark(er) Turn”

WTF TWD?: AMC’s Hit Series Takes a Dark(er) Turn

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Six): Who’s the Real Villain Here?

Guest Writer: Michael J. Miller

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Photo Credit – AMC’s The Walking Dead

As a fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead, I spent the past week re-watching Season Six to get ready for this Sunday’s impending Season Seven premiere.  So much of the undercurrent of last season was devoted to slowly building the tension (and anxiety!) surrounding the Saviors and the introduction of their boss, Negan.  In the final moments of “Last Day On Earth” we finally meet The Walking Dead‘s ultimate villain.  This profanity spewing, motorcycle jacket wearing, bat swinging, vision of dread certainly radiates menace.  And, from what I understand, he’s to be the Joker to Rick’s Batman.  But, if I’m being honest, he’s not the character who scared me the most last season, nor is he the one I fear the most going forward. Continue reading “Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Six): Who’s the Real Villain Here?”

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Six): Who’s the Real Villain Here?

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Five): Aahh – I’m Losing Faith in Humanity!

Guest Writer: Michael J. Miller

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Photo Credit – AMC’s The Walking Dead

Season Five contained an odd experience for me.  By nature, I am a trusting person.  I believe in (and hope for) the best in people.  I think a better, beautiful world can be forged.  I believe we can overcome our darker habits and live in the light of love.  I’m as nonviolent a pacifist as you can be, thoroughly believing that violence only breeds more violence.  I even unashamedly believe in the potential to transform our world, free of hate and violence, in the power of love, trust, and mercy.  However I seemed to forget all of that when our intrepid group of survivors wandered into Alexandria. Continue reading “Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Five): Aahh – I’m Losing Faith in Humanity!”

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Five): Aahh – I’m Losing Faith in Humanity!

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Four): Things got DARK…

Guest Writer: Michael J. Miller

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Photo Credit – AMC’s The Walking Dead

It seems redundant to say that a show about surviving after the zombie apocalypse, a show known for its graphic violence and bloodshed, is a little dark.  In fact, it seems like a completely needless observation.  It may even seem like – GASP! – filler.  However, as Kalie and I binge-watched The Walking Dead back in November (something I wouldn’t recommend unless you like intense, free-floating anxiety), I felt Season Four took the darkness of the show to a whole new level.  It forced me to ponder, is this the cost of survival in this world?  Could I become what I’d have to survive if I lived in this sort of a setting? Continue reading “Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Four): Things got DARK…”

Walking through The Walking Dead (Season Four): Things got DARK…

Point – Counterpoint : Grooming in the Zombie Apocalypse

Guest Writers: David Miller and Michael J. Miller

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Photo Credit – The Walking Dead

A few weeks ago, Kalie began her “Walking Through The Walking Dead” series and in her first article, she briefly commented on how the characters in the show have a surprising amount of mousse/hair gel for a post-apocalyptic dystopia.  There’s also a lot of shaving of the face for men and legs/armpits for the women too.  Basically, there’s an odd amount of modern grooming happening in a world gone to hell.  This has generated a great deal of heated debate (particularly between my brother and I).  So, below David and I have written short, opposing opinion pieces about grooming in the zombie apocalypse.  Please read and please, please, please (yes, I’m begging but sibling debates will generate this) leave your opinion in the comment section about whose side you’re on!  We are seeking some Internet aid in settling a debate that has filled too much of our free time already. Continue reading “Point – Counterpoint : Grooming in the Zombie Apocalypse”

Point – Counterpoint : Grooming in the Zombie Apocalypse

Walking Through The Walking Dead: Ethical Quandaries in Seasons 1 and 2

Walking Dead TwoWhy do so many people watch The Walking Dead?  I’ll admit, I was a bit cynical when I first tried to answer this question.  I reasoned that people watch The Walking Dead because it has an unprecedented amount of violence, or because Americans love guns.  And those elements of the show might be appealing to some viewers, but they don’t fully explain the show’s intrigue.
Continue reading “Walking Through The Walking Dead: Ethical Quandaries in Seasons 1 and 2”

Walking Through The Walking Dead: Ethical Quandaries in Seasons 1 and 2