The Walking Dead: Should fans focus on performance rather than the character’s longevity?
By Tony Smejek
The Walking Dead viewers think episodes drag on, but do they not understand the epic nature of a story-filled journey? Let’s put it in perspective via another drawn out, “unexpected journey.”
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The Walking Dead show ratings hit an all-time low according to Variety and this isn’t the first time ratings for this series have dipped. The head guy Scott Gimple sees the show lasting 20 years, according to The New York Daily News. However, with ratings going in an unfavorable direction could you even fathom the show’s longevity? The series is touted as being an episodic journey, especially for each character.
Chatter on the Interwebs expressed to the world how long and drawn out these episodes are. Some have claimed the recent “Honor” episode was too lengthy. Carl’s dying did seem to go on for quite a bit, but not a dry eye was in the house with the recent compilation put together by Skybound on YouTube.
Take a look for yourself…
That said, it looks like there’s still a devoted following that have no problem getting caught up in the show’s artistic drama. It’s likely the superb acting chops of the remaining cast members keeping people engaged.
Don’t Be Sad Because It’s Over, Smile Because It Happened
If you’re a glass half-full kind of person, then someone could appreciate what Carl’s vision was of the future, the big picture. It’s a spiritual acknowledgement of himself wanting to bring forth peace to the world. I actually do appreciate many of other “drawn out” episodes. He even impacted Negan emotionally when conversing with him on the fence.
Viewers and fans were upset by Carl’s death. However, why be so attached since that’s the nature of the show and show business? Should fans focus on performance rather than the character’s longevity?
Is Carl Like Thorin Oakenshield In The Hobbit?
This ending to the mid-season premiere triggered in me a connection to the final act of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. That scene with Bilbo and Thorin felt so much like the dialogue including Michonne, Rick, and Carl in Alexandria’s church. The likeness of the corresponding performances are uncanny when regarding how much “merrier” the world would be with people like Bilbo.
Carl wants the same and with an “unexpected” newcomer (Negan) that’s “growin’ a garden” in Carl’s vision.
"“Farewell, Master Burglar. Go back to your books, and your armchair. Plant your trees, watch them grow. If more people valued home above gold … this world would be a merrier place.”"
In comparison to gold and home, Carl’s vision was of killing vs. peace, which had its similarities. After all, this trilogy started off with an “Unexpected Journey“.
Peter Jackson explained himself why The Hobbit trilogy had to be three films. He thought that it was important the characters drove the story as opposed to a narration that J.R.R. Tolkien had to offer, according to Hypable.
"“You want the narrative to be told either through the dialogue or the actions, so that’s really why we ended up with the depth and exploring the character depth that we had done on The Lord of the Rings.”"
That said, it appears that Scott Gimple and company could be aiming at a similar drive.
Other “Drawn Out” Episodes
The back story of Morgan having met his mentor, learning the art of self-defense, and then re-encountering Rick in Alexandria was one of my favorites. Other episodes featured a split-up group and airing stories of where each character had journeyed when they temporarily stepped away from each other. This impacted the show big time after they all left the prison.
However, some social media posts by true fans even admitted themselves that the show is now equivalent to “clocking into work”. That it’s more of a chore if anything. Some still watch even though they admit it’s not as good as it used to be.
Of course, I’m sticking it out to see what becomes of all this in the end. I’m still obsessed with another chopper flyby that happened during this season. This could prove that somewhere out there is a highly sustainable and well-defended area of the world. Maybe this place could be waiting for the zombie outbreak to burn itself out.
Will there be another Dr. Jenner-style encounter?
It’s Become Fashionable To Criticize Content
The endless complaints online about the show tend to make me believe there’s a lack of patience and/or appreciation for the art form. We live in an impulsive, “gotta have it now” society. It has become fashionable in the geek community to criticize every little piece of content in existence.
Memes have been popping up on social media touting, “express an unpopular opinion”. Apparently, this is a thing these days, so perhaps this has been drilled into pop-culture as well?
Next: 7 Questions we need answered in TWD Season 8 Finale
Are they just not seeing The Walking Dead from a perspective of where it CAN actually be appreciated?