With much fanfare and anticipation, the second season of The Walking Dead ended last Sunday (US).
The TV adaptation of the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman has been a hit for cable channel AMC since it's debut in October 2010, making it one of the most watched cable series to date.
The Walking Dead TV series have changed some of the plot lines and sequence of events from the original comic material, but has remained faithful to the larger themes of surviving the outbreak and the roller coaster ride of emotions survivors have to go through.
After the group's escape from the fiery inferno that used to be the CDC, they find themselves faced with the question of where to go next. While stopping at a highway to stock up on scavenged supplies, the group is forced to hide themselves when a large horde of walkers amble by. The encounter causes Sophia to run away and, despite Rick's best efforts, goes missing. This becomes the catalyst for the events of the rest of the season, from Carl's accidental shooting by Otis, the group ending up at Hershel's farm, Shane's transition from scorned lover and dethroned leader to bat shit level craziness, and Rick's evolution (and devolution) as the group's leader.
And afterwards? Well, let's just say when you think things will get
better... they very rarely do.
As expected, the sophomore season of The Walking Dead dished out some casualties, a lot of drama, a lot of craziness and, in the end, a lot of walkers.
In terms of storytelling, I have to judge the season in two parts, which were aptly separated by the season break last winter. Unfortunately, the first half was slow going and featured less zombie killing than I would have liked, which was a shame, because I was excited about the group's stay at Hershel's farm. The first half was reduced to soap opera proportions, with the very much needed encounters with walkers too few and too far in between. I'm actually a great fan of showing how a zombie apocalypse can affect survivors who may or may not die in the near future, but there were times when the second season showed drama that were too overdrawn and tedious to watch.
One of the reasons why I loved the comic series version and the first season of the TV series version was because the events tend to unfold at a pretty fast pace, with everyone struggling to keep up and trying to live to see the next day. I really didn't expect that they would follow the comic series' storyline to the letter (now, that would be too depressing and harrowing), but I felt that it did showcase better character evolution.
My biggest disappointment in season two of The Walking Dead would have to be the development for specific characters. I'm all for showing human flaws, but, somehow, certain characters were just grating on the nerves. In the beginning, I thought I was going to huff every time Carol or Andrea opened their mouths, with the former lamenting the loss of Sophia and the latter blaming Dale for letting her live. But in the end, my final choices were part of the Grimes family. Carl gets runner up position, less for his bad decisions and more for his attitude. I think I liked the creepy comic book version better. And who gets first place as the most annoying character in recent television? Lori. Really, Lori? The woman's place in a zombie apocalypse is to wash clothes and help out in a kitchen? I think that was the only time I swore while watching the series when the scene didn't involve a spectacular and satisfying walker death.
The season finally picked up during the second half, when the plot lines started to race ahead. The last few episodes were actually good enough as season finale material by themselves, so it softened the blow of the prevalent annoying sensation every time I saw Lori on screen. The latter half tackled the various issues that could have taken place earlier in the season, but were still satisfying nonetheless. There were plenty of surprises and shocking moments, even to those who already follow the comic book series.
Despite my prolonged discussion of my discontent regarding the first half of the recently concluded second season (and yes, my complaints about Lori), The Walking Dead still rates high on my must-watch TV series list. The cast continue to be great, even if some of them lose their accents a few times. Even with the lulls, the show makes up for it when the storyline actually hits its stride. If The Walking Dead eventually ends it run and its show runners handle it right, it can achieve what few TV series aim to become... a pop culture phenomenon with a dedicated cult following.
I have high hopes for season three, especially if they intend to build on the momentum of this season's finale. With the introduction of kickass Michonne, who I think would just be a great match to my favorite character Daryl in terms of awesomeness, the group's eventual stay at the prison, and eventual conflict with the Governor, season three can very well become my favorite season as it incorporates all my favorite parts in the comic series. Though I shudder at the notion at how the Governor will turn out if they are completely faithful to the comics. Really, he makes Shane look like an inexperienced school boy in terms of villainy.
So, I will patiently wait for next fall's offering of walkers and demoralized survivors.
That should be enough time for me to get over Lori.
And in the meantime, I will once again enjoy the internet memes lovingly compiled by Funny or Die.
Which reminds me... If I'm ever alive when a zombie apocalypse actually takes place, I want Hershel's ability... Unlimited ammo. Oh, and the ability to conjure a blazer out of nowhere.
If you don't know what I mean, watch The Walking Dead season two finale.
If you do know what I mean, I'm sure you agree.
Happy viewing!!Labels: Action, Adaptation, AMC, Drama, Horror, Must-Watch, TV, TV Series, Walking Dead
