Title: Lessons 'The Walking Dead' Could Emulate from Netflix's Top Novelty Series
In the realm of AMC's "The Walking Dead" and its numerous spinoffs, there's a noticeable point of contention that forever irritates me: the immaculate appearance of the characters. Even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, these survivors seem to defy the conditions by looking clean and put-together.
Just feast your eyes on Maggie (Lauren Cohan) in this image, safeguarded by a neat denim jacket, and sporting perfectly styled hair. If you weren't aware of the dire zombie apocalypse situation, you'd scarcely believe that she was from "The Walking Dead."
Carol (Melissa McBride) from "Daryl Dixon: The Book Of Carol" is another prime example of this dissonance. Her gleaming hair, complete with a brand-new leather jacket, and stylish accessories, all make it difficult to fathom that she's a woman who's fought off a horrifying encounter and subsequently escapes on a motorcycle.
Take a gander at Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) in the latest iteration of "The Ones Who Live," who manage to look sanitary and well-groomed, amidst their harrowing escape from the powerful CRM. Rick's impeccably trimmed beard has never looked better, and as for Michonne's hair, it's as sleek as ever.
The issue with such a stark contrast between appearance and the dire circumstances these characters face is that it shatters the immersion viewers have grown to cherish. While it doesn't detract from the visual appeal of the cast and their designer wardrobes, it strips away the very essence that made "The Walking Dead" so engaging in the beginning: realism.
In the traditional zombie apocalypse narrative, scarcity plays a pivotal role. The scarcity of resources, such as water, food, safety, and supplies, is paramount—as are basic commodities like running water and personal hygiene. Living by a fire means you'll inevitably be smothered in smoke, making bathing less frequent an option. With the constant threat of death looming, survival necessitates a shift in priorities away from luxuries like keeping tidy and looking fashionable.
Even the ruggedly tough Daryl (Norman Reedus) manages to maintain an air of "hobo chic," which, in our interpretation, means he's inadvertently reaching peak grunge, despite his usually well-groomed appearances.
The spinoffs don't necessarily escape these problems. For instance, in the latter seasons of "The Walking Dead," characters, such as Nick, may look like they've seen better days, but even at their lowest points, their appearances are still remarkably polished.
This isn't the case in earlier seasons of the show, though. Characters were caked in sweat and filth, blood and gore covering their tattered clothing, truly embodying the harsh realities of their world. Things were notably different in "Fear The Walking Dead," when Frank Dillane's character Nick resembled someone straight out of a post-apocalyptic nightmare.
But there's an exception to every rule, and it appears in the form of Netflix's "American Primeval." This new limited series is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in its unwavering dedication to gritty realism. From the costume design to the makeup, no detail has been overlooked to create an atmosphere that feels utterly authentic.
The show's makeup director, Peter Berg, has been quoted as saying, "It’s important that we represent the world as it truly was—good, bad, indifferent, ugly…. Once you cheat that, it doesn’t land the same." The show went to extreme lengths in crafting realistic environments and character appearances, even constructing hundreds of indigenous items for the cast to wear and carry.
Smear some dirt on your face, AMC. Pay attention to the details that truly make a post-apocalyptic world feel real—the dirt, the grime, the scars, the worn-out clothing, and the constant threat of death. Give the viewers immersion that they can truly connect with and make "The Walking Dead's" chemistry stronger than ever.
Despite the gritty realism displayed in earlier seasons of "The Walking Dead", the characters' immaculate appearances continue in its spinoffs. Maggie and Carol, from "The Walking Dead" and "Daryl Dixon: The Book Of Carol" respectively, are examples of this discrepancy. However, Netflix's "American Primeval" sets a new standard with its commitment to authenticity, as depicted in the costumes and makeup of the series. In the future, viewers can also anticipate the release of "The Walking Dead 2025" and "The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2", both promising to deliver new stories within the "The Walking Dead" universe. Additionally, "American Primeval" will also be available on Netflix, further expanding its offerings of engaging and realistic post-apocalyptic shows. Lastly, among the best new Netflix shows is "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live", which continues the story of Rick and Michonne.
