Ever noticed how folks latch onto a show in such a way their love for it is all-encompassing … rabid?
Lost … Buffy … Battlestar Galactica are a few which come to mind.
The Walking Dead has that same sort of following. Its fans are dedicated; eager for news about the show; vocal. Throughout part one of the second season, the internet was ablaze with rumor on what had become of Sophia. There’s been (continuing) gossip Daryl’s brother Merle will turn out to be The Governor down the line (Here’s one piece on it.) And there’s been lots more.
Now we get a nice, juicy tidbit that’s come to light concerning former showrunner Frank Darabont and a verified tale about what could have been at the start of season two on The Walking Dead from Sam Witwer (Being Human) who played the tank zombie in the series opener. And, to boot, a follow-up from Frank himself laying out a possible story line that would make a spiffy little aside.
As cool as season two has been thus far (The Walking Dead returns next month), the twist Frank talks about would have been a great little bonus.
We can play the “what if” game ’til the cows come home regarding Darabont’s dismissal as showrunner, couldn’t we? Was his hand in the game the thing that initially made the show what it is today? Was his stint positive? Negative? Have The Powers That Be over at The Walking Dead been living up to fans’ expectations? No doubt Darabont’s presence was felt, but things seem to have motored along pretty swimming thus far.
But, as mentioned, followers of the series are a pretty vocal lot.
Thoughts?
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Jan 09, 2012 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
With only 13 episodes in the season, as interesting as an “aside” episode may be, it seems self indulgent. Look at what fans of Lost did when Nikki and Paolo were introduced.
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Big difference, Bobba-Looga:
This would be a one-off episode. It wouldn’t drag on and on and on like the 100 Years War.
but that’s 1/13th of the season!
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Did you not read the article linked above? Per Darabont, he planned on utilizing effective and interesting circumstances to pull everything together in a satisfying manner. And that, to me, shows he was thinking ahead … so I don’t mind it would encompass 1/13th of the season.
Not to mention he noted it would be a short sequence, not an entire episode worth of back story.
Unless a potential cure or somesuch was revealed, I think I might feel cheated.
We don’t want to end up in “Black Market” territory, irritating the fan base. (haha Dorv)
Too funny, lady, too funny.
It’d be interesting to know exactly when Darabont stopped being involved, which episode was in production when he was ousted? Assuming it was early on I think they’ve done fine without him and the slowness of the season certainly can’t be blamed on the Darabontlessness, they’re just going slower because they have more episodes this season.
The soldier’s story would have been interesting though, mostly because I want to see more of what happened immediately after the outbreak began.
I wouldn’t say I’m a rabid Walking Dead fan with all encompassing love (I certainly was with Lost though) but I do think they’ve done a smashing job, I have very few complaints so far.
Great site, by the way!