I've heard so many references to this show that I finally decided to take the plunge. The Walking Dead is obviously about zombies. Much of the show moves as slow as a typical zombie. The pilot episode's first 25 minutes is a lesson in patience. That being said, the characters create instant attachment; paradoxically, they are also incredibly unremarkable. Their humanism really shines through the entire time. I suppose that's the point.
There's much more relationship drama than you expect and it's also not as scary as you would think a zombie show would be. Although, I did watch all of season 1 in one sitting and had zombie dreams that night! There are definitely gory parts to it. The reason season 1 can be watched in one day is because there are only 6 episodes. I will confess that I fast forwarded past the very slow and long scenery shots. The substance of the entire season is, generously, half it's length in time. There's a lot of talking...and talking...and talking. As much as I appreciate character development, the droning on and on about feelings is excessive.
The lead character, Rick Grimes played by Andrew Lincoln, is very likable and fits well into his definition.
If there's a blaring omission, it's strong female characters. The Walking Dead feels like a throw back to the 50s and 60s. All the leaders are men, all the problem solvers are men, all the women are the ones who need saving, or need to be calmed down. It's all quite typical. The first strong female character doesn't get mentioned until the finale and unfortunately is only available via video of her dying brain. Where's Marg Helgenberger or Jada Pinkett when you need them?!
The Walking Dead feels like Lost meets Mad Men meets zombies...Lost: Mad Zombies (I've never seen Mad Men, I'm just referencing the era).
On a seemingly positive note, the desire to watch the next season is uncomfortably present.
On a scale of 1-10, The Walking Dead: Season 1 is 7.0
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