Whilst it's not usually within Clash's remit to report on TV shows we simply must make an exception in the case of 'The Walking Dead'. Perhaps it's the crisp mornings, the darkening nights or simply the smell of Halloween in the air. Forget vampires, those sanguine suckers have had an unprecedented TV monopoly in recent years but now it's time to step aside. The Zombies are coming...
Based on the award winning graphic novels of Robert Kirkman, known for their controversial storylines and moral ambiguity, 'The Walking Dead' already has a huge fan boy following. There were reports of spontaneous cheering and clapping during the screening of Episode 1 when it premiered at Comic Con earlier in the year. Due to be shown on the American network AMC on Halloween we only need to wait a paltry week before it premieres in the UK on the FX channel on 5th November. Result.
As it was directed by Frank Darabont, the man responsible for 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green Mile' we can expect great characterisation and good visuals. But this isn't some hokey good triumphs evil depiction, you only have to watch his Stephen King adaptation 'The Mist' to see that he's not shy of the sort of nihilism and cynicism last seen in the great 70's horror flicks.
In an opener reminiscent of '28 Days Later' we have small town Sherrif Rick Grimes waking up from a coma to discover that whilst he's been asleep there's been a zombie apocalypse. Grimes is the moral backbone of the story, an American everyman who's ironically played by Englishman Andrew Lincon, best known as Egg in 'This Life' and Mark, the sappy one in 'Love Actually'. So whilst the casting may not be obvious, it's certainly inspired.
Refreshingly, the zombies have been created in the traditional fashion with makeup and great props rather than cgi, which bodes well for the authenticty and depth of the show. Word on the streets is that it's already been picked up for a second season. We can hardly wait.