The Walking Dead

[Clare Kennedy]

I had to ask. Anyone watching The Walking Dead?

[Ben Chiu]

Hi, Clare!

I watched THE WALKING DEAD (TWD) 1st and 2nd season (even bought the first season on DVD). I haven't see anything from the 3rd season yet (so no spoilers, please!), but I have to say that I was a big disappointed in the 2nd season (it seemed like they were just wasting time to save money or something).

That said, I think TWD is a great show. I think I read somewhere that it's based on a well established comic. As much as I hate how most of what we see out there are remakes of old movies, old TV shows, fairy tales, and comics, this one is better than most. I've said in another message, but I'll say it again, it's the human drama that makes it interesting--regular folk in extraordinary situations.

I think I also read that the producers of the show are departing (it may have happened already) from the comic's storyline. I suppose we'll see who is better at story. If you keep killing off characters, how long can you go? It'll be interesting to watch on several levels.

[Clare Kennedy]

I'm glad that you watch it. It is my favorite show on television right now! I love all of the seasons, especially season three!

We have all of the graphic novels.

I love so many things about the show. I find it really entertaining and sad and thought provoking (what would YOU do if...) and beautiful and inspiring and sometimes even funny. It has surprised me many times and am always dying to watch just one more episode. I like all of the characters, even the ones that are not likable.

[Ben Chiu]

I bought the first season and watched the second season each week. Yes, I hear the 3rd season is the one that has the big plot points. I'll probably buy it and do a WD marathon!

As for "what would I do...?" You've probably noticed my Zombie Hunter patches on my jackets (Dave knows a little about my arsenal stockpile...)

Paul and I have been kicking around a Zombie movie idea. Actually it's pretty good if I say so myself. The problem is cost (make-up, FX, large number of extra's/zombies), so it has to be shelved for now.

[Clare Kennedy]

ohhh, I would love to see a zombie movie in your hands!

[Ben Chiu]

These guys are pretty good.

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingam ... -6C9635110

This makes me think there are probably folks out there that would jump at the chance to play a zombie in a movie... still the practical FX would take a small army of craftsmen to pull off.

[Ben Chiu]

Just finished a WD 3rd season marathon. (No zombie dreams so far!)

Definitely better than season 2, but I still think season 1 was the best. I never read the graphic novels, so I don't know when/where in the story the series diverted from the original novels.

In any case, I think I like series 1 more because there seemed to be more surprises/risk (I guess you could call it "zombie desensitization", but I think it's more than that). Anyone else feel the same? Perhaps my days long zombie immersion has dulled my brain...

[Clare Kennedy]

I agree. I love (hate) the governor. He is so insane! I am dying for Season 4.

[Ben Chiu]

Actually I was kind of disappointed on what they did with the "govna" character.

[+] What I would do differently with the Governor character

Sure, when we saw the GV kept zombie heads and a live zombie in his closet (his daughter) it was shocking, but for me, there wasn't a good payoff for it. I'm a fan of drama, so I would have made the GV some kind of mass murderer or other societal deviant/outcast when the world was "normal." This would be a greater contrast to his standing in the zombie world--where he's now considered a pillar of society.

[Ben Chiu]

Anyone watching this?

I still think Season 1 was the best. To keep my attention, the characters need to be in peril. The more dangerous, the better! The infighting is getting boring...

Basic stuff--heroes need antagonists who can beat them. The cliff hanger from last week brings one back, but he's been beaten before (which lessens the threat).