The Zombies Have Arrived

The Zombies Have Arrived

by tiffany_devol@xfilesnews.com (Joselyn Rojas - Staff Reporter)

After a much anticipated world premiere on Halloween night, AMC's The Walking Dead and their Zombie apocalypse have arrived to the small screen, snatching up over 5 million viewers it's first night. Three time Oscar winner, director Frank Darabont, brought viewers a 90 minute pilot entitled, "Days Gone Bye." The episode begins with a sudden thrill as Sheriff's Deputy Rick Grimes, wakes up in an empty hospital after being hurt in the line of duty. Panic sets in when he wanders around the facility only to find that he is alone and the place is devastated. As he makes his way outside, he stumbles upon a frightening truth; several corpses lying around the hospital and no one is around. He begins a frantic run home to his family only to find the house empty. The Sheriff soon teams up with other survivors, Morgan and Duane Jones who deliver the terrible news: a zombie outbreak has taken hold of the United States.

As the episode continues, Grimes finds himself en route to Atlanta, where the Centers for Disease Control have set up a quarantine and where he hopes to find his wife and young son. He enters a once bright and alive Atlanta, only to find it silent, gray and dead. It doesn't take long for him to find himself surrounded by a mob of zombies (a la Michael Jackson's Thriller) and scrambles into an abandoned tank to survive the attack. The last thing heard before the screen goes dark is a radio transmission: "Hey you, dumb ass. Yeah you in the tank. Cozy in there?" - A cynical and funny touch that graces the ending to this fantastic pilot.

Far more happens in between beginning and end but you really must watch for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Based on the comic book series, The Walking Dead created by Robert Kirkman, the episode falls in accordance with common zombie lore. This post-apocalyptic episode shows a destroyed world, dominated in number by zombies named "Walkers" whom by definition, are reanimated corpses. For those horror fans among you, the opening scenes are reminiscent of the film 28 Days (Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2000) which depicts a viral infection that causes a psychotic outbreak known as "the rage." The pilot episode is filled with outstanding special effects and make-up, created by special effects guru, Greg Nicotero (Kill Bill Vol.1, Inglorious Bastards, The Book of Eli).

4.7 million viewers tuned in on Sunday November 7th to watch the second episode, "Guts," where X-Files alum Laurie Holden makes her first appearance with Michelle MacLaren (The X-Files, Breaking Bad, Harsh Realm, Lie to Me) directing.

MacLaren captures the audience with magnificent aerial, in-depth and close-up shots complimented by great lighting and cinematography.

Just days after airing it's second episode, The Walking Dead was renewed for a full 13 episode 2nd season on AMC. Whether you like zombies, or not, The Walking Dead is a fantastic show and proves that to AMC, story does in fact, matter. Even those with blood and guts.

Looks like the "Walkers" are here to stay.