A Preview of ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is outright safe to say, that every single person involved with a brand-new television series, hopes for longevity and adoration when their new story hits the airwaves. Because who wouldn’t want to be involved with a T.V. show that fans cannot get enough of, and that lasts for years on end? For that means that everyone behind the scenes has tapped into something that resonates with people on a fundamental level. But sadly, that hope is rarely realized in the industry, since television shows can and will fade from the lineup on a moment’s notice. But while that is an unfortunate and harsh reality of the business, there are some shows out there that grant the wish of those involved and stay on the airwaves for a good long time, and the best of the best… even begin to expand into an outright universe and when that happens; the original show in this new saga, becomes nothing short of a legend. 

For the series in question is in essence a trailblazer now, one that sets the tone for the new stories being born within in its respective world and one series that meets this particular qualification is The Walking Dead. Because after a decade of bold storytelling, one that gave rise to a prequel/sister series in Fear the Walking Dead, another new entry in this horrifying universe is coming to life on October 4th by way of The Walking Dead: World Beyond and well, we have some spoiler free thoughts to bring you in regard to this new series, specifically, why you should tune in. Because it turns out that this particular chapter in the TWD saga is going to be quite the incredible adventure, one that explores elements that the other shows have been unable to thus far. A feat that this particular series accomplishes by taking us into uncharted territory for this franchise.

Because in this particular tale we are introduced to a city where people survived the end after all and enjoy much of the creature comforts that existed in the world before the dead returned to life and attacked the living. Which at first glance makes it seem as though this is a story about starting over and what that looks like and therein lies the surprise. For rather than simply show us people getting by and putting the pieces back together, the dynamic characters we meet here, who are indeed young adults; have questions about this world and their future. Because a world where death has no meaning, and where survival is paramount, changes one’s views of what tomorrow looks like and the questions that these characters ask about all of those notions; is what allows for this show to dive deep into philosophical concepts that the TWD Universe has always flirted with. 

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The kind that quite frankly explore the meaning of life, and how one finds purpose and direction in the midst of a crisis and that is downright brilliant to find within the framework of a zombie story and the wonder of this new series doesn’t end there. Because this is also a story about the power of trauma, and how it hangs with us in ways we never think are possible and how we sometimes have no choice but to confront it, even when crisis surrounds us. Which makes this perhaps the most intimate and relatable TWD story to date since these are elements in life that everyone has to deal with at some point. But, while it is quite delightful to settle in and enjoy a series that features depth and meaning on a George Romero-esque level, we’ve yet to answer an important question that everyone likely has in regard to this series… is it scary? 
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As it turns out, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Because all philosophy lessons aside, the walking dead in this series, or ‘Empties’ as they are called, are a legitimate and terrifying threat once they arrive in this tale. Simply because the main characters have never had to face this kind of hazard before, since they've been living in relative safety their entire lives, and the horror the dead provide is further enhanced by a grand sense of danger that permeates the fabric of this series. Something that is nurtured by the world we step into with our intrepid heroes as they begin their journey and well, that makes this premiere and the entire series as a whole, a must-see for certain. Because this really is the TWD Universe at its finest since it offers a grand exploration of the human condition and a compelling story wrapped in doom.

But what is truly amazing about this new series, is that it provides the audience with a grand sense of anticipation and curiosity for that matter as well. Because this really is uncharted territory for the franchise, and we don’t know who is good or who is bad or what we will find in a world where the dead now rule, since safety and community are paramount to the other shows in this franchise and that is going to make one for incredible viewing experience. One where we are outright required to just sit back and enjoy the ride. For much like our intrepid characters, we are at the mercy of fate, and it is going to be quite incredible to see what horrors and victories await our newfound friends, as they make their way through a world they simply don’t understand.

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