When does this show actually get good?

ixoy · 20-10-2014 10:00PM #1

I watched the first season of 'The Walking Dead'. The pilot was pretty good but I thought the rest of the first season wasn't good, wasn't okay, but actually quite bad. I found the characters flat, the acting weak, and the story not much better than a soap opera with the occasional guest appearance by a zombie.
I was so underwhelmed I couldn't be bothered with the second season and, from hearing others speak of it, it apparently was quite weak as well (they also dropped it after the first, or halfway through the second, season).

And yet.. this show is very popular. Is there some sort of switch around? Does it suddenly get good? Or, seeing as I didn't rate the first season at all, will I probably never like it?

For what it's worth, I loved the Telltale games and am currently on Volume 12 of the comic book series which I think is excellent and I've found far more compelling than the TV show. It also means I've a good idea of the main story arcs I reckon for the next few seasons which is further dampening my enthusiasm (I know we've got the likes of Daryl, not in the comics, etc but I imagine broadly we're on the same track).

So really should I just ignore the TV version if I've found it as weak as this?

NUTZZ · 20-10-2014 10:47PM

To be honest if you haven't liked Season 1 you're probably not going be to be a fan of the series, it could be just a show you don't take to.

solomafioso · 20-10-2014 10:48PM

Read the comic instead. Personally it's far better.

marco_polo · 20-10-2014 10:57PM

Yep I would say if you didn't enjoy the first season, I don't think there will be much in later seasons that will change your mind. Its a fairly slow paced show, and varies wildly in quality between the best and worst episodes. I do enjoy it myself but can totally understand why others find it frustrating (OH bailed out after 2.5 seasons as she hated almost all the charachters immensely

). Each season has just enough high points to keep me watching though.

5starpool · 20-10-2014 11:11PM

Keep going with the comic just I'd say. I like the tv show too, but if you don't like it now you probably won't. If you are on volume 12 in the comics you've probably covered all the tv show plot anyhow so far although they are quite divergent in some places as well, but the broad strokes are similar.

ixoy · 20-10-2014 11:33PM

Thanks - will stick with the comic books then and the games. I reckon they're going to have a bit more leeway to be hard hitting anyway and make some choices that they wouldn't do for TV (thinking of one in particular). Plus I love the artwork in it.

AlanS181824 · 20-10-2014 11:53PM

I love the first and second series, the third was way too stagnant IMO and the fourth was awful.

The fifth is very good so far though!

Liamalone · 21-10-2014 02:06AM

Series peaked at series one, comics have went to pish but were superb for about 100 editions.

Comics > TV

easily.

Padraig Mor · 21-10-2014 09:42AM

The show is definitely wildly inconsistent - when it's good, it's very good, but when it's bad, it's...well not bad - but bland. So season 1 good, season 2 treading water, season 3A excellent, 3B more treading water, 4A pretty good, 4B OK.

21-10-2014 09:49AM

Steer clear of the TV show if you don't like it already. Its cliffhanger nature keeps me coming back.

Paddy Cow · 21-10-2014 10:50AM

Personally I thought season 1 was by far the best season, probably because it was so short. In season 2 they doubled the number of episodes and dragged it out an awful lot. They could've probably done a much better job if it was only six episodes. If you don't like season 1, then the rest probably won't hold your attention.

You should watch the last episode of season 4 (for context) and the first of season 5 (for brilliant gore).

obriendj · 21-10-2014 11:37AM

Paddy Cow wrote: »

Personally I thought season 1 was by far the best season, probably because it was so short. In season 2 they doubled the number of episodes and dragged it out an awful lot. They could've probably done a much better job if it was only six episodes. If you don't like season 1, then the rest probably won't hold your attention.

You should watch the last episode of season 4 (for context) and the first of season 5 (for brilliant gore).

Its a real shame that when a show is successful in the States they just increase the number of episodes in the next season

in the UK if the show worked with 6 strong episodes in season 1 then that format is retained.

rob316 · 22-10-2014 10:05AM

I started watching about 2 weeks ago, just finished off season 2. I really like it and I'm looking forward to starting season 3.
I do feel season one was the best so far, there was an awful lot of filler in season 2 and I felt it dragged to a pretty obvious ending.

AlanS181824 · 22-10-2014 10:08AM

rob316 wrote: »

I started watching about 2 weeks ago, just finished off season 2. I really like it and I'm looking forward to starting season 3.
I do feel season one was the best so far, there was an awful lot of filler in season 2 and I felt it dragged to a pretty obvious ending.

Get used to it.

It's 70% filler, 20% talking, 10% OMFG ZOMBIES!!!

Agricola · 23-10-2014 12:44AM

I liked season 1 the most because it had a concise impactful, film type feel to it. There was little to no filler. The characters were trying to get to the CDC and everything was focused on finding out what happened, getting to safety and finally the potential for a cure.

While later seasons have been good, there is just way too much dragging out going on. The time spent on the farm, with week after week passing by with little happening was just ridiculous. I suppose purists could argue its more realistic, but it doesnt necessarily make for entertaining TV.

The major thing that bugs me about the show is how the characters never discuss what could have happened to bring about a zombie apocalyse. There are no storylines wherein this might be explored. It's a pretty big talking point you would think. Also, apart from this season where they have some momentum to go to Washington now, they never discussed what might be happening as regards a cure, should they be trying to go somewhere or do something. It was just all so directionless.

NUTZZ · 23-10-2014 12:51AM

Agricola wrote: »

I liked season 1 the most because it had a concise impactful, film type feel to it...

I think you should spoiler parts of, if not all, of that post. This thread will attract people who haven't seen the show or are contemplating watching it for the first time and you've mentioned some big details in it.

Hyzepher · 23-10-2014 10:03AM

Agricola wrote: »

Also, apart from this season where they have some momentum to go to Washington now, they never discussed what might be happening as regards a cure, should they be trying to go somewhere or do something. It was just all so directionless.

For the most part everyone is just trying to survive. There is no responsibility on them to find a cure or even set off to find those who are interested.

The inclusion of Eugene has changed this somewhat. They are homeless and going to DC is as good a plan as any.

All things being equal most would have preferred to stay at the prison, grow crops and be safe for the rest of their lives. All except Carl who just wants to kill everything.

pc7 · 23-10-2014 04:23PM

I wonder does binge watching it effect the enjoyment. There have been weeks I cannot wait until its on again, never mind the mid season break last year, that was some episode, I was counting the weeks until it was back. Really enjoying season 5 now, only 2 in but its been really strong.

23-10-2014 04:56PM

pc7 wrote: »

I wonder does binge watching it effect the enjoyment. There have been weeks I cannot wait until its on again, never mind the mid season break last year, that was some episode, I was counting the weeks until it was back. Really enjoying season 5 now, only 2 in but its been really strong.

Its a strange show. I way prefer Boardwalk Empire but I'd usually watch Walking Dead first on a Monday. The cliffhangers get me every time.

Sephiroth_dude · 24-10-2014 02:54PM

I Found season 1 and 2 good enough not great, I've enjoyed season 3 and 4 way more.

charlieharper · 19-11-2014 09:52PM

I'm barely hanging onto the show now. If you didn't like Season 1 then you'll hate it.

In my opinion:

Season 1: Brilliant with good stories and cliffhanger ending

Season 2: Absolute Rubbish, a whole season set on a farm dedicated to finding a character whom you know is already gonna be dead and killing off the shows best character near the end

Season 3: Faith restored, The Governor comes in and he is electrifying.

Season 4: The worst by far. We are introduced to a dozen new characters of which all but 1 are killed off (what's the point?)

Season 5: The Cannibals, yes great these guys are crazy I can't wait.......oh hang on they're gone by the 3rd episode I think it was and now we're back to the same old sh*te

I haven't read the comics but it seems like they're worth a go because unless the famous Negan comes soon I'll be deleting this show from my planner.

Bacchus · 20-11-2014 03:56PM

Season 1: Fantastic, albeit the CDC stuff was a bit random.
Season 2: Boooooring. It was way too dragged out and only properly picked up in the last 2 or 3 episodes of the season.
Season 3: The Governor was a great villain and the prison setting was an improvement over the farm. Definite improvement in the quality of the show but it still meandered a bit aimlessly at times. Again, it picked up to a great finish in the last few episodes.
Season 4: Continued the good form of season 3 and ended the Governor plot. It also finally broke the show away from the "1 location" setting of the previous 3 seasons with the group split and working their way to Terminus. This produced probably some of the best material of the series to date and ended on a brilliant cliffhanger.
Season 5: The show is finally hitting it's stride IMO. The characters are on the move and they are a lean mean killing machines. The writers seem to have cracked the code of managing a big cast and keeping the zombies threatening too. The episode with the B team was a bit weak IMO but other than that it has been great.

mzungu · 20-11-2014 09:49PM

Bacchus wrote: »

Season 1: Fantastic, albeit the CDC stuff was a bit random.
Season 2: Boooooring. It was way too dragged out and only properly picked up in the last 2 or 3 episodes of the season.
Season 3: The Governor was a great villain and the prison setting was an improvement over the farm. Definite improvement in the quality of the show but it still meandered a bit aimlessly at times. Again, it picked up to a great finish in the last few episodes.
Season 4: Continued the good form of season 3 and ended the Governor plot. It also finally broke the show away from the "1 location" setting of the previous 3 seasons with the group split and working their way to Terminus. This produced probably some of the best material of the series to date and ended on a brilliant cliffhanger.
Season 5: The show is finally hitting it's stride IMO. The characters are on the move and they are a lean mean killing machines. The writers seem to have cracked the code of managing a big cast and keeping the zombies threatening too. The episode with the B team was a bit weak IMO but other than that it has been great.

Agree with this.

Season one benefitted from being so short, no room for any fillers. Season 2 and the first half of season three were not up to much at all. In fact I stopped watching midway through season 3. Then I watched the second half of season 3 and all of season four in a two week period. Binge watching suits this show a lot, I should have done that with season 2.

Season five now has a mix of action and drama. The creators have a settled on a formula now, I'm hoping it goes from strength to strength from here.

NIMAN · 20-11-2014 09:51PM

Have watched maybe a dozen episodes ever, just when I flick on to them.

Never enticed me enough to watch it every week, lately seems to be all about how graphically you can kill a zombie. Gets more gruesome with each one.

20-11-2014 09:55PM

As someone who read that comics, the governor was a mess

tommy2bad · 20-11-2014 10:04PM

Yeah it's not everyone's cup of tea. I loved S1 hated S2, S3 had promise but didn't deliver, S4 much better and S5 is almost the best one, I say almost because we haven't seen it all. Come to think of it since a certain character of the female persuasion got dead'ed the show improved dramatically. ironically because of the loss of 'drama'.

Bacchus · 25-11-2014 10:06AM

Deleted User wrote: »

As someone who read that comics, the governor was a mess

He was toned down a bit for the show (and his story was extended) but I really enjoyed the TV show interpretation of the character. They could have gone a little bit darker with him though.... but then certain other characters would not be the same either.

shinny · 03-01-2015 12:32PM

Binge-watched the show over the Christmas break. Agree with a lot of the comments.

The governor storyline was quite good (had potential to be better), but should't have continued into Season 4, in my opinion.

Season 5 definitely picks up the pace again and now I can't wait for it to be back.

Hank Scorpio · 06-01-2015 09:47PM

Shane was brilliant in season 1 and 2, those two seasons are probably my favorite. Wish he was still in the show, rewatching the old seasons lately reminded me of this

I haven't taken to season 5 at all yet. I'd say season 1 2 4 3 in that order

I preferred the smaller group where you knew everyone's name by hand and they had some good character development, in season 5 there's so many in the group now and I genuinely don't care for 90% of them

willmunny1990 · 09-01-2015 04:49AM

I think its a show that needs to be binge watched.

Season one was good, season two was boring, it had some good dialogue at times but noting happened for most of the season.

My personal favorites were the first half of season 3, first half of season four and the start of season five, although the last couple of episodes were weak IMO. In between is okay but it can be VERY hit and miss and has huge dips in quality.

At the moment I think there are too many characters, most of whom I couldn't care less about. The size of the group needs to be cut down IMO, as when they dedicate episodes to some of the sub group/characters it can be very very weak, a lot of the characters cant carry episodes IMO.

Yakult · 10-01-2015 05:47PM

Only watch it because theirs not much (or anything at all) like it on TV. After every episode bar a few scenes, I question myself on watching it, then I realize theirs not much better on so I continue to watch. I really think something needs to happen and not the talking kind. Its getting stale.

When does this show actually get good?

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