“Let’s get one thing straight. This isn’t a democracy anymore.”
Though one may have heard this argument in the heat of the recent election, zombie fans everywhere know exactly who uttered this iconic line: none other than Rick Grimes, protagonist of “The Walking Dead.” Spoken in the finale of the previous season, these words have set the tone for season 3, currently airing on Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC.
However, some may find the description of Rick as the protagonist problematic, and that is exactly why this season will be so exciting.
Let’s back up a bit: In the end of season 2, we see the epic death of Shane Walsh, which uncovers a larger truth about the zombie virus as interpreted in this show. Initially, Shane began as the savior of Rick’s family and was the epitome of a true friend. However, as Shane becomes desensitized to the post-apocalyptic world rampant with undead cannibals, he tries to retain what little autonomy he has by needlessly challenging Rick’s authority and marriage. Shane goes on to become the primary antagonist of the show, equal to the undead in his potential to threaten the lives of those around him.
How does this impact season 3? Rick is now left in complete control of his immediate group with no real challenge left to his authority. He expressly informs his dependents that he is their unquestionable leader, his reasoning being that he has gotten them this far. Left almost powerless to ensure his own livelihood by a world of complete anarchy, Rick seems to be following the path of Shane. By getting a taste of control and destroying a challenge to this power, Rick realizes exactly what he doesn’t want taken away from him and it seems like he may do anything to keep it.
One might counter this argument by pointing out that the character of The Governor has been set up as the primary antagonist of this season, negating the need for Rick’s downfall as as a source of conflict. This is a completely valid point, but there are several implications one must consider.
Of course, Rick being set up as the fallen hero won’t flesh out in this season and culminate in his death by the hands of, say, Carl. He is undoubtedly the main character of the show and to kill him off this soon would be foolish. However, it makes perfect sense that the downfall of Rick will be the overall plot of the series and could take several seasons to become a reality.
As for the Governor, the choice on the part of the writers to include a power-hungry keeper of the peace is genius. The audience is introduced to the idea of a man who may have initially set up a safe-haven as a way to protect the ones he loved, but has become transformed into a ruthless dictator by exposure to unadulterated power. The Governor will serve as this season’s Shane: an immediate threat to Rick’s power, and a reflection of Rick’s future.
As Rick’s friends and family slowly fall to the virus, his struggle to keep order becomes less about saving the group and more about being in control of it. He couldn’t have said it better himself: it isn’t a democracy anymore.
So what other developments can the audience look forward to in this season? For one, the writers seemed to have learned from their mistakes of Season 2. Much of the previous season was dedicated to exploring interpersonal relationships, something that got old quickly with the format expanded to 12 episodes. While drama is essential for any show, one thing must be realized: this is a zombie show, and viewers expect every episode to be as gory as Dawn of the Dead. Though one might call it distasteful to root for a multitude of brutal decapitations, zombies are to this show as stormtroopers are to Star Wars: they’re expendable and you shouldn’t feel bad. And from the very first episode of Season 3, the writers have supplied the audience with more zombie deaths than the best undead films.
Another exciting development to look out for is the death of multiple main characters. With Shane dead and even larger characters killed off in the most recent episode, The Walking Dead proves to be a show that doesn’t have reservations about killing those the audience have come to expect to survive for the entirety of the series. In addition to painting a realistic picture of this nightmarish dystopia, it will keep viewers on their feet to wonder: who’s next?
So tune in to AMC on Sundays at 9 p.m. and make sure your roommates know you will be watching (reactional screaming is quite common).
Leave a Reply