The Walking Dead's Decline: Is It Too Late to Save the Show?

The recent season of The Walking Dead has garnered significant backlash from long-time fans and casual viewers alike. One concerned fan shared their opinion that the current series has become so bad that they can no longer sit through an entire episode. This sentiment echoes the views of some who feel the show has lost its spark and taken a significant turn for the worse.

However, not everyone shares this view. Another fan of the show claims that after the disappointment of Fear the Walking Dead, the current season of The Walking Dead actually looks much better.
According to this fan, the narrative has returned to focusing on the core characters, Daryl and Carol, which has breathed new life into the series. This return to the original integrity of the show is seen as a positive development, signaling a renewed focus on the kind of suspenseful, human drama that made the series beloved in the first place.

Returning to Substance: The Core of the Series

The The Walking Dead phenomenon originally captivated audiences with its blend of suspense and genuine character development. Daryl and Carol’s arcs have consistently provided a reliable core amidst the chaos of a zombie apocalypse. The latest focus on these characters is re-invigorating the show with its original essence. Fans are clearly appreciating this return to substance, as they turn their attention back to the pieces that initially drew them to the series.

Perception of Quality: Beyond Daryl and Carol

A risk inherent to any long-running series is the addition of new characters. While the introduction of fresh faces can add dynamism, it can also detract from the show’s consistency. This was evident in seasons where new additions seemed misplaced and uninteresting, a common criticism expressed by fan feedback. However, returning to the core characters allows for a narrative that is more focused and cohesive, catering to the established audience that prizes the show’s deep emotional impact.

The Decline in Quality: An Ongoing Debate

While some find solace in the return of Daryl and Carol, the question remains: has the show truly devolved into a state where it can no longer be watched with enjoyment? Critics argue that the emotional manipulation and excessive crying scenes (particularly men crying) have cheapened the show's once-prized authenticity. These scenes have been criticized for taking away from the suspension of disbelief and the emotional depth that the show previously offered.

Another significant criticism is the upside-down moral alignment where the "good guys" are punished, while the "bad guys" seem to thrive. This imbalance has led to a sense of frustration among viewers, who find it hard to maintain their engagement and allegiance with the show's protagonists.

Skimming Through the Talkative Parts

With the show's storytelling becoming increasingly deconstructed, an emerging trend among viewers is the strategic skipping of dialogue-heavy scenes to maintain a semblance of integrity and human emotion. Viewers are opting to focus solely on the action and the interactions that matter most, thus filtering out the elements that they find increasingly incongruous with the show's original purpose.

Final Thoughts on the Future of The Walking Dead

It is hard to determine whether The Walking Dead can be salvaged. The return to form with Daryl and Carol is a welcome improvement, but the continued presence of elements that detract from the show's quality remains a major concern. Whether the show can regain its initial zeal and draw back its dwindling fanbase, only time will tell. For now, it seems that the most reliable way to enjoy the series might be to focus on the characters whose narratives drive the show.

Keywords: The Walking Dead, zombie drama, TV viewers