In the realm of zombie apocalypses, The Walking Dead once captivated audiences with its tale of a small, resilient group navigating a perilous world. But as the series progressed, it shifted its focus to larger communities, leading to a decline in its captivating narrative.

The show’s strength lay in its portrayal of a nomadic group constantly adapting to new threats and environments. However, settling down in communities like Alexandria fundamentally altered the show’s essence, diminishing the sense of danger and urgency that had initially enthralled viewers.

This shift towards large communities has been poorly executed, resulting in repetitive storylines and predictable conflicts. The pattern often involves the arrival of a hero group at a place run by either good or bad people, leading to conflicts that result in the downfall of the place and its inhabitants. This formulaic approach lacks complexity and fails to engage viewers.

The lack of intricate political dynamics further diminishes the show’s appeal. Unlike series like Game of Thrones, where various powerful factions coexist and interact, The Walking Dead presents isolated conflicts between the hero group and a single villain group. This linear narrative structure stifles the potential for a sprawling, interconnected world.

The introduction of the CRM and its advanced society holds the promise of introducing new narrative elements. However, the show’s history of poor planning and lack of coherence raise doubts about whether it can deliver a truly innovative and engaging storyline.

The absence of a well-defined geographical and political landscape further undermines the show’s credibility. Communities like New Babylon and the Commonwealth seem to exist in isolation, with little interaction or awareness of each other. This lack of connectivity makes the world-building feel shallow and unconvincing.

The show’s failure to plan ahead has resulted in inconsistencies and plot holes that detract from the overall viewing experience. The lack of continuity and plausibility weakens the emotional stakes and tension that are essential for a compelling narrative.

While some may argue that The Walking Dead is merely a zombie show and should not be held to high standards, the fact that it continues to produce new content year after year suggests that it has the potential to be something more. Returning to its roots, with a focus on a nomadic group surviving the zombie apocalypse, could revitalize the series and recapture the magic that made it a cultural phenomenon.