The Walking Dead Reboot: Why Rick and Maggie’s Return Isn't Necessarily a Good Thing

Since the return of popular character Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan) on the series The Walking Dead, many fans are eagerly awaiting further appearances of another fan-favorite, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). But considering the inconsistent and often frustrating direction the show has taken, it’s understandable to question whether Rick’s return would be beneficial.

Loss of Direction and Purpose

The series began with a clear direction and purpose: survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with undead horrors. However, somewhere along the way, the writers and producers lost sight of this core premise. Decisions like distributing romantic subplots and catering to a specific audience seemed to overshadow the original intent of the show. The constant attempts to add social justice themes, such as diversity and inclusion, felt unnatural and undermined the show’s formulaic approach to storytelling.

Rick and Michonne’s Romance: A Case of Poor Decision-Making

One of the most critical turning points in the series was the introduction of Rick and Michonne’s romance. What was supposed to be a core connector between two key characters degenerated into a victorious but misguided narrative of “everybody gets a trophy.” This narrative shift was more about social reform than character development, causing a significant loss of respect for the show among many viewers.

The depiction of characters engaging in romantic situations, despite the overwhelming threat of the zombie apocalypse, felt like a real betrayal. The show’s portrayal of these interactions, such as the awkward scenes in 100-degree heat with thousands of dead bodies present, only served to drive home the feeling that the series had strayed far from its roots. The relationship between the two characters became an uncomfortable reminder of flawed writing, rather than a compelling narrative device.

The End of Negan and the Inconsequential Climax

The resolution of Negan’s story arc was another major disappointment. In a series that had built up its villains with meaning and purpose, the way Negan’s conflict was handled felt like a fleeting moment. It lacked the depth and importance it could have had, and it was a letdown for fans who had grown to care about the characters involved.

The show’s attempts to address social justice themes, such as the PC (Politically Correct) inclusion bandwagon, seemed to come at the expense of meaningful storytelling. By forcing intricate storylines and character development into these themes, the show lost its sense of urgency and authenticity.

A Disappointment to Longtime Fans

As a Gen X-er, I found myself urging friends to finish the series much like a required class. I used to rewind previous episodes to catch details, but now, watching is more about making fun of the absurdities. The season arcs often devolve into teenage angst and melodrama, which feels out of place in a post-apocalyptic setting. Character progression and decisions, like Judith wielding a mini Katana sword while Rick uses his .357 magnum, feel more like props from a video game than essential narrative elements.

The series started with a complex interplay of character challenges and relationships that were crucial for its success. However, as time passed, the show made it more about appeasing a specific audience rather than individual character growth. The transition from The Walking Dead to Fear The Walking Dead further highlighted this issue, as both shows attempted to fit into broader social and political movements rather than focusing on the core elements that made the series great.

A Call for Authenticity and Realism

The entertainment industry has been criticized for overcompensating and pandering to various social and political movements, often to the detriment of quality storytelling. The Walking Dead’s transition from a survival series to a political soap opera only underscores the problems that arise when creators prioritize social themes over character development and plot progression.

elphi; Scriptures

As someone who has always valued authenticity and realism, it’s disheartening to see the show veer away from its core principles. The drive for inclusion and diversity, while admirable, should not overshadow the impact of a well-written story and compelling characters.

In conclusion, while the return of Rick and Maggie could breathe new life into the series, it’s also crucial to remember what made the original Walking Dead so compelling: its focus on survival, character development, and complex narratives. Returning to these elements might be the key to reviving the show’s success.