The highly anticipated new series of The Walking Dead is finally available. It’s time to find out if it lives up to expectations, especially after so many years of anticipation. Is this a success?
Finally ! After years of waiting and several changes along the way (first a film project, then a series), the project The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, centered on the characters of Rick and Michonne, is available, particularly across the Atlantic. This is an opportunity to do a press review and find out what to expect in terms of quality. Is this a good or bad series? Let’s take stock with you. We warn you, this may make some people disappointed…
The Walking Dead, a new series that disappoints?
We start with the very serious media Variety. Unsurprisingly and as often mentioned in positive reviews, the series marks the long-awaited return of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), two of the most beloved characters in The Walking Dead franchise. Moreover, the two actors are described as having undeniable chemistry. The introduction of new, well-realized characters also provides new dynamics and enriches The Walking Dead universe with compelling perspectives and stories. However, the series suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the early episodes which are described as slow and clunky, which could turn off some viewers. The article also points out that the TWD universe seems saturated with content, which may diminish the impact and excitement around this new series, despite the return of iconic characters…
It’s a bit the same observation at discussingfilm. Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira deliver captivating performances, building audience engagement through their chemistry and shared history. Their on-screen dynamic raises the stakes well and keeps viewers interested throughout the series. The journalist also explains that the action sequences, especially those involving hordes of walkers, are impressive and remind fans of how good the franchise is when executed with the right level of dedication. But once again, the series seems to suffer from pacing issues, with the narrative often interrupted by excessive dialogue about life and survival, which dilutes the excitement and urgency of the main plot. Additionally, the series’ overall writing is criticized for failing to match the energy of the on-screen performances, leaving a feeling of missed opportunity.
Good and bad
At Collider, we find a similar observation. The relationship between Rick Grimes and Michonne, at the heart of the series, is praised for its wise choice, providing significant emotional moments thanks to the strong performance and great chemistry between Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira. However, the series becomes increasingly scattered and unstable as it progresses, with a lack of clear direction and insufficient emotional depth. Additionally, some of the narrative reasoning presented by Rick is deemed unconvincing, calling into question the credibility of the story and reflecting a shared viewer frustration with the direction of the series.
As for Entertainment Weekly, the focus on the love story between Rick and Michonne and their quest to find each other introduces a new emotional angle to the series. Highlighting their chemistry and relationship depth. New characters, like Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) and Nat (Matthew August Jeffers), add diversity and richness to the universe, providing new dynamics and perspectives. But, despite presenting the series as a significant expansion of Rick and Michonne’s story, there remains uncertainty over its length and ability to sustain interest over multiple seasons.