Horror drama series walks a dark road

In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by walkers and rival faction survivors, Rick Grimes still holds out hope for a better future. But the journey ahead is laden with obstacles and threats, writes Debashine Thangevelo

THE WALKING Dead will go down in Hollywood’s TV annals as one of the most successful translations of a comic book to a TV series. That it has been given the nod for an eighth season – not forgetting the slew of accolades it’s gathered along the way – attests to the pull of the storytelling, with much credit going to creator Frank Darabont.

And it is helmed by a truly stellar cast, with Andrew Lincoln (pictured) as the main protagonist.

Now the zombie post-apocalyptic space in which the narrative resides is augmented by ingenious storytelling every season. This is aided by a minefield of strategically planted twists.

Not only is the show a celebrated hit, it has helped to propel Lincoln’s career. While he has bagged a few interesting roles in his career, he became an overnight success story with The Walking Dead. It also explains his devotion to the series. In a recent press conference to promote the seventh season, Lincoln talked about the journey that lies ahead for his character.

This time around, Rick seeks out the help of King Ezekiel, who is protected by his pet tiger. He proposes they join forces to liberate everyone from the tyrannical rule of The Saviours. However, Ezekiel, who has an uneasy truce with them, decides to protect his kingdom. While empathetic to Rick’s cause, King Ezekiel feels his tribe has suffered greatly already.

Of his character’s harrowing journey to date, the 43-year-old British actor says, “I think I’ve been asked to do some crazy stuff in this show. But this season, it feels like we’ve jumped off the deep end and we’re going into very dark psychological territory.”

He is, of course, talking about the new regime in power.

He adds, “I do think that this is a story about rebuilding, which is probably why we had this terrible episode at the beginning of the season rather than the end.”

For those that missed it, Negal (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) tried to push Rick to breaking point by having him almost cut off his son Carl’s arm.

As for whether the dark journey of his character lingers with him long after he has left the set, he confirms: “I don’t sleep, man. This has been a sucky season. For some reason my sleep pattern has just been off. I think it’s just the nature of the job. This is a weird role to inhabit.”

On Dean Morgan disrupting the whole alpha male dynamic, Lincoln says, “Yeah, it’s fun. I mean, he’s a great actor. I think it’s a very interesting dynamic. I think to introduce somebody like this, with a very distinct way of ruling his community and imposing his rule on other communities, creates a very exciting new vista for the show.”

Co-star Austin Amelio talks about joining the series as Dwight.

“It’s been awesome. It’s been very intense because I came in season six and, at the end of it, I’ve been in the thick of things. But it’s been great… getting to work with Jeffrey and Norman (Reedus). And the writing’s incredible,” he says. What’s the real deal with his character? Amelio defends, “I don’t really see him as a villain. A lot of people do.

“Well, being under the thumb of Negan is definitely something – you’ve kind of got to rise to that occasion. And I think him trying – and hoping – that maybe he and Sherry will get back together is one theme that plays out in season seven.”

The actor also reveals, “I think in season seven it’s kind of like the hero’s journey in a way. He goes from following Negan’s orders and then, throughout the season, you kind of see him change and start planning his own coming up. It’s gonna be interesting for sure.”

As always, multilayered storytelling ensures viewers become emotionally invested in the journey of their favourite characters and villains. Of course, this war against the walkers and rival faction communities isn’t without collateral damage…