What I've Learned From The Walking Dead

Written by Shae

As I have done a few of these before I thought I'd add and expand on them. Mostly, because as I watch The Walking Dead through season 1 to present, I feel like there is so much more that this show has taught me. Zombies have been a part of our cultural development and certainly held some influence on our media. Whatever type of Zombies have been featured throughout various incarnations in books, comics, and movies, none have ever made it to the small screen like those in The Walking Dead have. It's something that I personally struggled with and an addiction that I can't seem to beat. When I first saw this show, I was apprehensive. I'd heard a lot about it from many a friend and finally just decided to give it a go. I finished the first season in one sitting.

The first thing I noticed about this show, is how the characters react to seeing the Zombies. Seriously, how could nobody in this universe know about reanimated corpses eating people!? That's like, horror 101 right there! Well, not to the people in The Walking Dead. Turns out, in this universe, Zombie media never existed. Which makes a lot of sense considering the series. While the characters have never been exposed to these monsters before, they're certainly giving a lot of lessons to those of us watching. It's debatable on the likelihood of something like a Zombie Apocalypse ever happening for real. That doesn't mean I'm not prepared. If The Walking Dead has taught me anything, it's that being prepared for anything is never a bad idea. If you've had the chance to listen to our Geek Alert than you may know all of us here at Girls of Geek take the Zombie Apocalypse very seriously. We've even gone to the trouble of planning out what each of us would do if such an event were to occur. Now, I feel there should be a disclaimer here where I assure you that I'm not crazy, but what would be the fun in that? After all, if 99% of the population suddenly turned into flesh eating monsters, I can guarantee that my sanity is not going to be the biggest worry.

Speaking of sanity, that seems to be another major theme of the show and something that has really gotten me to re-think just who I want by my side in the impeding apocalypse. Especially with characters like the Governor….But then you have characters like Daryl! So, when it's the end of the world, choose wisely! I mean, you'll be sharing resources with these people and trusting them to have our back. I just hope my best friend doesn't pull a Shane and try to kill me! Speaking of company, make sure you have a group of friends that knows how to be quiet. Apparently Zombies are drawn by noise…as are all predators….and blood. Noise and blood. Not their blood, but human blood. If you also have pet Zombies, the others will leave you alone! Pretty genius! I'm honestly shocked I've not seen a Zombie Apocalypse enthusiast on Doomsday Preppers! They really need that to happen on that show….surely I'm not the only one who has put some serious thought into this.

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Speaking of thought, a lot has gone into location. Where you live and where you make camp could be the difference between living or dying. The Walking Dead is set in Georgia, and shows a lot of camping, or a house on a farm, or houses in general, or a jail! All of which seem pretty good, but they're always having to go out for resources. Top floor of an apartment in a relatively moderately populated area? Not a bad idea for the beginning. But, that's a matter of preference. Supplies, however, are a matter of need. Why is it when they visit a store/pharmacy/place, they take what they need? I plan on taking all the things! Pharmacy? Medicine isle? I'm taking every last thing I can get my hands on. Don't need it? I don't know that! Take it all and think about what you don't need later. Same goes for food! Especially items like dry cereal, crackers, and candy bars! Those things are tasty, and now a part of survival! 

The most important thing The Walking Dead has taught me, though, is the value of a shower. Imagine the smell that would be going on in that type of environment! I mean, really just imagine it. I can't. Mostly, I don't want to. Perfume, deodorant, toothpaste/brush/mints, just became my best friend. Also dry shampoo and leave in conditioner…and most likely a lot of water. Like all I could get my hands on and hoard. Yeah, a lot would be for drinking, but some would be for the occasional quick clean up. Actually, I may just want to hide myself in a Super Store and pretending nothing is going on outside. On the off chance I have to defend myself, I'm going to take some serious advice from The Walking Dead and go for the head with a sharp, shabby, pointy, weapon. It's just more efficient. Arrows also seem to be a good idea, but guns are quicker, and very loud. Sword seems the better option! 

Lastly, cardio. Which feels like a general rule in any and all Zombie like scenarios. Cardio looks like a key part of surviving these bite-happy creatures. So, I guess after this, it's off to the gym for me! You can never be too prepared for these things. The Walking Dead may not be real, but the life lessons they offer, sure are.

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