AMC’s The Walking Dead regularly comes under a lot of criticism and many online sources such as Forbes, Cracked and Deadline were panning the show particularly as viewing figures hit a five year low with the Season Finale last April. While it’s not always been easy street, the cult show still has a lot to shout about! So here are five reasons why The Walking Dead is still worth watching…
5. Richonne
One of the apocalypse’s most dynamic couple Rick Grimes and Michonne’s relationship has slowly developed over the past two seasons but the indications were always there. Even from the moment the pair met there was clearly a spark between them and the long drawn on looks between their introduction and that fateful night in Season 6 foreshadowed what was to come. Even when Rick briefly got together with ill-fated Jessie, we knew who Rick really needed to move on from his late wife Lori. In the comics many of Michonne’s storylines were given to Andrea but the clear lack of chemistry between Laurie Holden and Andrew Lincoln and the characters early demise in Season 3 meant that Michonne was destined to become the future Mrs Grimes.
4. Maggie’s leadership
One good thing to come out of the death of Glenn Rhee is the empowerment and strength it gave it his widow Maggie. British raised Lauren Cohan has always been one of the shows strongest actresses bringing multiple layers to the complex character balancing humour, heart break, happiness and sorrow all often within a single episode. Maggie has given us a number of great storylines but often they relied on her relationship with Glenn so now she’s fighting her battles alone, the show can take her to the next level. Already showing the signs of a strong and dynamic leader, it’ll be interesting to see how she takes on the role of leader of Hilltop now Gregory is seemingly out of the way!
3. Rick Grimes
For many Rick Grimes is The Walking Dead! The thought of killing him seems unthinkable and surely his demise would see the end of the show, so with that in mind I know there is still plenty to come from everyone’s favourite zombie killer. Andrew Lincoln has undeniable chemistry with a number of his fellow actors including his opposite Jeffrey Dean Morgan who plays the psychotic Negan and it will great to see them share the screen a number of times more in the new season. It’ll also be interesting to see what extremes Rick will go to take the world he believes is rightly his!
2. All Out War
One of the comic books most memorable storylines that spanned Issues 20-21 sees Negan’s “Saviours” attacked by Rick’s army made up of the communities from Alexandria, the Hilltop Sanctuary and the Kingdom. We know things are likely to happen a little differently than in the comics as the like of Andrea and Abraham are no longer with us but it’s possible that other characters will fill the roles they’ve left vacant.
1. Negan
Still probably the most menacing villain on television, Negan has a lot of ground still to cover if the comics are anything to go by. So far Jeffrey Dean Morgan has offered up some of the most spine chilling performances on the box namely in his debut episode at the beginning of Season Seven and his positively creepy scenes with Carl in “Sing Me a Song” where Negan showed the audience his truly sleazy side blurring the lines between warped father figure and twisted predator. We know Negan can be totally unpredictable and if we’ve learnt anything we know to expect plenty of twists and turns ahead. One thing’s for sure his beloved Lucille will definitely be busy in Season 8!
The Walking Dead returned to the UK on Monday. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.