What is TWD?
Why is it so hard to get TWD right? It begins with a misconception of what the series is about.
If you were to ask a kid what he likes best about the comic or show or even the game...they would likely point out the Gore. Indeed, the series does revel in it's attempts to push graphic violence. Larry's murder...taking Lee's arm...or Carver's forced retirement. Gore can be a good payoff for an episode, especially when that payoff is well deserved.
Some people will say that TWD is bad ass characters, and it has to be said that there is something to that. Rick, Negan, Michonne, Clementine...the tv version of the Governor...Jesus. The Comics and show and game do not lack for characters that you could call bad ass...nor do they lack for compelling characters.
TWD is not about the Walkers...it is not about being a bad ass..more is it the gore. It is like saying Star Wars is about lightsaber battles.
TWD is about our humanity. It is about the moments that make life worth living, and fighting for. TWD is about scenes where Lee and Clementine sit talking about Lilly and Carley/Doug and Duck being bitten. TWD is about sitting around a campfire and for just a little while enjoying life and friends. It is about sitting in an attic and talking things out and sharing a drink.
These are the moments that build the characters we love or love to hate. Everything other than those, very human moments, are just frosting on an already delicious cake.
I write this, in hopes that TellTale does not forget the humanity. This should be in their wheelhouse...but it is easy to over look.
I love the series...and I like TellTale a lot, I just hope they remember the humanity in the rest of the season.
Comments
Don't know about the comics, but the Telltale Licensed Games is/was a story about human characters working together to survive of a zombie apocalypse. Each and nearly every one of these characters are sympathetic but flawed individuals who often find themselves questioning their fortitude and morality as they try to make sure they and the people they love gets to live another days: some find redemption, others find condemnation. Right and wrong is no longer a straight line and simultaneously clearer than ever before, as there are clear virtues that keep even the most selfish just against the line. Those who go over this line often oppress the innocent, destroy others over a petty grudge, or delude themselves into thinking that they're way is the right way, making them worse then the very monsters responsible for making everyone so desperate: for he who fights monsters often becomes one himself. But there is still hope for most in this world: a world where a murderer gives his life for another, a world where a little girl can grow to defend herself, a world where a teenager can overcome their insecurities to do what's right by their companions.
The purpose of any apocalyptic scenario is to show humanity stripped naked from all the traits that define and make us humans. To show the bestiality inside people and what we are capable of.
"Good dog! Wanna play?"
This is absolutely correct. If you think The Walking Dead is about the walkers, you are sadly mistaken. Speaking of humanity...
I always pictured the final antagonist in this series being some type of Oppressive Government. A faction that's completely fucking lost it. Walkers are practically a thing of the past, it just completely focuses on people now, etc.
If there's one thing this series has proved, its that humanity can't learn from its mistakes. Negan still tried to rebuild, sure. But he went about the entire thing in the interest of himself. He went about rebuilding wrong. Taking a single branch from a tree you're climbing with each step slows the process of you getting to the top.
The thing about the human race is there are ALWAYS assholes. They were there before societal collapse, they remained there during societal collapse, and you bet your sweet candied ass they were still there after society collapsed. Conflict is just in our nature.
The walkers in The Walking Dead will be around for a while, but the horrible factions will never go away.
The boat is a metaphor for letting go of the past....in the end, Kenny is almost destroyed by his inability to let go.
Too bad this season's more about rush-zombie-herd-plot and "mei Family" than actual character development.
DID SOMEONE SAY ICE WALLS
But ya gotta save da Javi fam, fam!
How many time I should say this....1 word:
M:make
O:Obama
N:new
E:evil
Y:yall
Sorry my mind can't be creative sometimes I just finished exams ^__^
I TOLD YOU NOT TO TALK ABOUT MY FAMILY!
Jane: FUCK YOU!!!
YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!
GO TO HELL, YOU SON OF A BITCH!
Someone please send this to TT, they need to see this ASAP.
crushed it
I agree. What makes The Walking Dead so special, at least the games since I've never read the comics or watched the TV show, is that it's not just a run of the mill zombie story, but a story about the survivors surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. The zombies are basically just a backdrop and occasional hurdle.
I read this with their actual voices, feeling an urge to pick a dialogue option.
JESUS
[SOUNDS OF CAR BRAKING AND SPINNING]
I think they know...
I like to think of it as pioneer story.
Judging by Ties that Bind part 1 & 2, they clearly don't.