SPOILERS!! In case you were not aware, this post will contain major spoilers for The Walking Dead. I’m only thinking of you here.
From the first swing of Lucille to the final close of the gates at Alexandria, Season 7 of The Walking Dead has managed to provide ear-shattering highs in conjunction with mind-numbing lows. It goes without saying that the latest incarnation of this Apocalyptic Drama has captivated fans on endless occasions in increasingly gruesome ways. However, for every hideous death scene comes the caveat of elongated discussions between characters that we as an audience have grown increasingly tired of.
After what was a tiresome Season 6, The Walking Dead opened Season 7 with probably the best single episode of the entire run. The introduction of Jefferey Dean Morgan’s Negan produced a threat to the group not seen since the Governor of Season 4. The difference being that this guy does not give a single damn about what he does or who it may involve in the process. His principles are resolute and his actions are justified – in some warped way.
After warning Rick and his fellow survivors that their acts of war would result in the unfortunate but necessary execution of at least one candidate, the team eventually find themselves at the mercy of this joyfully chaotic figure. The candidate was initially Abraham, a noble recipient who valiantly accepted his fate with a touching acknowledgment to his newfound love, Sasha. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be the end. After an act of rage on the part of Daryl, Negan moved on to viciously deform Glenn, continually striking his head with the beautifully barbaric Lucille.
Take it from me when I say nothing else of any consequence happens during Season 7! We meet a man so delusional he establishes himself to be a genuine King, with a tiger as his accomplice – no really! Rick goes from subservient to independent in a heartbeat and the Survivors decide to instigate a war against the Saviours. It may sound interesting, but that’s because it has been condensed into 42 words, try watching it over 14 episodes of produce disputes, PTSD, regal language and “character development”.
The Walking Dead for me was always at its best when the stakes were high and the pressure was on. Take Season 3 for an example. The prison was under siege from walkers, disease, mistrust and most of all, The Governor. The whole time I felt compelled to watch the next episode, eager to see if/how the group will survive. By now I feel as though we as an audience have become tired, the Walkers have been devalued to such a point they have become an inconvenience instead of a threat, the faceless human soldiers have become too expendable and the Survivors have lost their level of interest.
I’m not saying there aren’t moments that intrigue, Negan has been a breathe of fresh air for example. It’s been nice to see someone genuinely enjoying themselves at being a complete asshole and thankfully we will see Morgan chew up more scenery in Season 8, I just hope the rest of the cast try to do the same.
