‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ Recap – ‘Brave’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.
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It should be common knowledge at this point, that the zombie story has accomplished a great deal on the silver and small screen. For not only have these horrific creatures made horror one of the most popular genres out there by way of The Walking Dead, they’ve also helped to bring some powerful stories to life. The kind that have managed to examine our modern world and the problems that plague society, alongside some powerful explorations of the human condition. Since we’ve seen the darkest parts of mankind on display by those who wish to take advantage of the chaos of the end of the world, and that particular brand of evil has been beautifully counterbalanced by the wonder of everything good in the world. Since we’ve also spent time with noble and just people in these incredible tales. 
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But while these stories have captivated us by way of fine writing and blood and guts and outright scares, what’s truly fascinating about zombie themed storytelling, is that it tends to play it safe when it comes to its setting. For a vast majority of these tales tend to take place in the midst of the ‘dawn of the dead’ if you will, or shortly after the world has come to an end, for maximum drama of course. And really, the only person to break this rule is the master himself; George A. Romero. Since his tales of terror eventually took the time to go far into the future and examine what society might look for those who survived the end and found a way to put the world back together again. But as The Walking Dead Universe continues to expand and explore new frontiers, this particular franchise has opted to follow in Romero’s footsteps and explore what comes next for humanity when the dead have conquered the world.

A feat that is accomplished by way of the brand-new series, The Walking Dead: World Beyond. For ‘Brave’ wasted zero time in showing us a world where modern society found a way to continue along in the face of zombified adversity and that made this particular series premiere quite the fascinating tale. For seeing a fully functional city, ten years after the end, where people go about their day in a familiar manner, speaks volumes to the fact that certain people would do whatever it takes to have a sense of normalcy and continuity in this situation. And while there are courses in self-defense in Omaha and everyone is aware of what awaits them beyond the walls, these people continue to party and go to therapy and do everything that we do now to keep that status quo rolling, and that proves to be quite dangerous.

Because there are others in this brave new world that understand people would be eager to retain what once was, and those nefarious people would be eager to use that desire to their advantage and that’s why the mysterious Civic Republic Military immediately puts up red flags when they first appear. In large part because this organization has been popping up in The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead for years now, and their actions there already make them suspicious. But their desire here to use propaganda and promise to keep the people of Omaha under control only adds to our concerns. Because it’s clear from the get-go that they only seem to have a passing interest in the safety and survival of humanity, unless of course it can offer them something, and clearly, they are going to become quite the menace as this limited series continues along. 

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But while it is fascinating to finally put a name to his organization and get an idea of where they operate, it is the more intimate elements present in this story that make it worth the audience’s while. Because this particular story really dives deep into the long-standing psychological effects of sustained trauma and stress. For Hope and Iris, two of our main characters, are broken teenagers when we catch up with them here. For they are haunted by the day the world ended, and they’ve been asked to be strong and be bold for so long, that they have never properly dealt with the events and the loss they suffered on that fateful night of the living dead. Which has left them both in a stunning daze, one where they haven’t a clue what awaits them in a world where hopes and dreams are no longer what they used to be. 
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Which is a brilliant element to inject into this particular tale. Because what’s been expected of Hope and Iris is exactly the expectation that hangs over Daryl and Carol and Morgan and Alicia on the other shows and it is nice to see this story, properly point out that unresolved trauma and excessive stress can leave people adrift emotionally. Plus, it is equally as powerful to see how these elements can absolutely transform youth into hardened teenagers that are unsure of how to proceed in life when forging ahead is all they know, and that particular aspect of sustained trauma is what sets up the future of this story. For eventually, Iris and Hope come to realize that they aren’t really living at this point. They’re simply surviving and waiting for the next crisis or big moment to overcome, and that if they don’t do something about that now, they’ll carry their ghosts into adulthood.

A reality that motivates them, to do something about their problems by heading out into the world, and while that seems dangerous and foolish at first glance; the fact that they are doing this because their father is in trouble behind CRM lines makes their quest a noble one for certain. And really, when all is said and done, this is simply a brilliant way to open up a new chapter in The Walking Dead Universe. For not only does it take us into uncharted territory both setting and story wise, it’s obvious now that this is going to be a genuinely unique and dangerous tale. Because our heroes know nothing of this world and what it has transformed into in the past decade since the dead began to walk the earth and that will present them with incredible challenges, the kind that will change them forever, and that is perhaps the best part about this brand-new series.

Because that kind of character development simply isn’t possible in the other two shows since they are dealing with harsh conditions and maddening villains at every single turn. But here, there’s the open road and time to think, and places to hide from the roving herds of the living dead. Which means these characters will able to find themselves and figure out what they want out of life in a world where death no longer has meaning. But before they find that internal peace, they’ll have to grapple with their past and the hardships of survival since they’re far away from home and that is going to provide the audience with one emotional and powerful experience. One that will see our characters suffer and triumph and rise and fall as they work to save a life and that definitely leaves one excited for the unknown journey ahead and all the wonder and horror that it is going to send our way. Until next time.     

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