Is The Walking Dead Really About Zombies or Just a Side Distraction of a More Complex Storyline?

It's hard to sustain an apocalypse. Most forms of apocalyptic scenarios either lead to the extinction of humanity or things eventually start getting better. However, zombies provide an external and persistent threat that hinders the progress of rebuilding. They offer a constant challenge, forcing the surviving communities to concentrate their efforts on managing the undead, rather than repairing the fabric of their society. This is what makes The Walking Dead such a fascinating show—zombies add the necessary tension, but they are not the core of the story.

Evolution of Zombie Threat in The Walking Dead

In the early seasons of The Walking Dead, the zombies posed a significant and immediate danger. A lone zombie could be lethal. As the series progressed, so did the emphasis on human dynamics. Herds of zombies were introduced, but even this threat became less pressing. The most recent episodes highlight the controlled guidance of zombie herds by the survivors, demonstrating that with strategic management, the undead can be tamed.

However, the human threat has always been a constant and unrelenting one. This became evident from the first episode when Shane, driven by jealousy, pointed a gun at Rick. Humans are unpredictable, often acting in irrational and destructive ways. In comparison, zombies, while dangerous, follow a certain pattern and predictability—both physical and emotional.

Post-Apocalyptic Themes and Human Behavior

At its core, The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic story that explores how humans behave in extreme scenarios. It delves into the brutal reality that in such an environment, one's true nature is brought to the surface. The zombies in the show are merely a trigger for this exploration. The story could have been about a nuclear explosion or any other cataclysmic event—what would have mattered is the human response to it. Walls might have been different, but the central themes of survival and the thin line between humanity and savagery would remain the same.

The Psychological Aspect of Zombification

What truly sets The Walking Dead apart is its exploration of the psychological aspect of zombification. Even as the story seems to be about the undead, it is deeply about the survivors' reflections on the people who became zombies. Questions like, "Who were these people who became zombies? Am I condemned to become one of them? Is it possible for them to heal? Does their humanity still remain?" resound throughout the series. Rick's statement that "we are the walking dead" encapsulates this existential crisis faced by the survivors. Despite their efforts to survive, they are all condemned to suffer this fate, just as the zombies once did.

Final Thoughts: The Core of The Walking Dead

I wrote 150 pages about The Walking Dead, and almost none of these pages were about zombies. Instead, they were about the survivors themselves, their struggles, their doubts, and their hopes. The Walking Dead is a story about survival, but it is also a story about the nature of humanity. It is a stark reminder that the real threat lies within, not without. The zombies are merely a manifestation of this internal struggle.

In conclusion, while zombies are the trigger for the story, they are not the subject. The Walking Dead is about the survivors, their resilience, and their enduring quest to find a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. And ultimately, it is a reminder that the true apocalypse may not be external but internal.