Got zombies on the brain? (See what I did there?)
Well then you are probably anxiously awaiting the debut of AMC's "The Walking Dead" companion series "Fear The Walking Dead" later this month. The new show will focus on a family in Los Angeles and explore the early days of the zombie outbreak. Although "Fear The Walking Dead" will provide fans with a new perspective on the zombie apocalypse, it doesn't sound as if the show will provide the same type of adrenaline rush. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Dave Trumbore of Collider has seen the first two episodes and while he describes the pace as "shambling," he also notes the unique differences between the two series.
"With the exception of the opening scene, it takes a long, long time for anyone else to cross paths with the undead on screen," Trumbore wrote. "Instead, we spend the majority of our viewing time getting to know the Clark family, and by extension, the Manawa family."
Madison (Kim Dickens) is the mother of the not-so-law-abiding Frank and the do-gooder Alicia (Alycia Debnam-Carey). Madison is dating Travis (Cliff Curtis), who shares custody of his son Chris (Lorenzo James Henrie) with his ex-wife Liza (Elizabeth Rodriguez). Confused yet?
All told, swapping out authority figures like Rick for everyday Joes like Travis gives "Fear The Walking Dead" a different vibe than "The Walking Dead." But will loyal supporters of the original be willing to go for such a dramatic shift in focus and tone?
"Fans of The Walking Dead will likely be interested in checking out this show, but I'm worried that the action-packed pacing of the original will taint their expectations to Fear. It's a slow-burn series, even with a 90-minute premiere, but the cast and pedigree could make sticking through the six-episode first season worthwhile. In addition to staying patient, try not to let your frustration with some character decisions get the best of you."
Sounds like viewers will have to be willing to accept a significantly slower pace in exchange for a greater focus on character development. Given that the show is based on the threat of the undead, it's promising to hear that the living will get their proper due.
"Fear The Walking Dead" will premiere on AMC on Aug. 23.
