11 Reasons I Can’t Wait for the Return of ‘The Walking Dead’

The Walking Dead is cueing up for its second season, and as a huge fan of the show and a major zombie nerd in general, I just can’t wait! Really, I’m jonesing. After trying unsuccessfully to get my zombie fix by hanging out at the DMV, I’ve taken to writing about the show in my journal…my official Zombie Survival Guide Journal. (Where else do you think I’d record my thoughts on The Walking Dead? A Hello Kitty Diary? Pfft. I’m a professional.) I thought I’d share a little bit of what I’ve written with you. Without further ado, here’s 11 reasons why I can’t wait for the return ofThe Walking Dead.

1. Characters You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into:
The Walking Dead’s cast of characters go far beyond the shallow horror stereotypes we’re accustomed to. These aren’t vivacious beach bunnies wandering lemming-like into a masked mad man’s machete: Rick Grimes and company are realistic in their shortcomings, their bravery and their sense of shared sacrifice.

2. Characters That the Zombies Can Really Sink Their Teeth Into:
Show creators weren’t shy about knocking off cast members in season one, and one of the consequences of having such believable characters is that it really – well, bites – when one of them succumbs to the walkers.

3. We Have Met the Enemy and He is Us:
Zombies aren’t the only enemies that our survivors have to face: Their fellow human beings can be just as dangerous – or even more dangerous – than the zombies. At least you know what a zombie wants, humans are a little more unpredictable.

4. On the Road Again:
As dangerous as it was, Atlanta provided a lifeline for our little band of survivors. Food, water and other supplies were there for the taking. Now, after the explosion at the CDC, not only do they have to escape the city, they’re probably never going to go back. What will the open road hold for Grimes and company?

5. Merle Dixon:
Racist, violent and untrustworthy to the extreme, Merle Dixon was always a danger to the other survivors. Now that he’s missing a hand and on the loose, you can be sure that he’ll turn up again soon, and when he does, he’ll be looking for revenge.

6. The Governor
Long-time readers of The Walking Dead comic book are eagerly anticipating the appearance of The Governor, a despotic psychopath who is one of the big baddies of the series. Some people suspect that Merle Dixon may reappear in his guise.

7. Bizarre Love Triangle:
Lori is determined to put her fling with Shane behind her, but Shane won’t let it go without a fight. If Rick ever finds out he may very well have one.

8. Tis the Season:
Halloween just isn’t Halloween without The Walking Dead. Last year’s big premiere ground many a party to a halt – at least for an hour – and now it has returned. For me, at least, The Walking Dead is as much a part of Halloween as candy corn and smashed jack-o-lanterns.

9. Familiar (Fetid) Faces:
The Walking Dead’s zombie make-up can stand side-by-side with the best that Hollywood has to offer, and season one had some truly memorable ghouls. The “Bicycle Girl” zombie in Season One recently made the leap to her own web series. Who’s going to be the break-out zombie star of Season Two?

10. To Be Frank:
Frank Darabont’s departure from the show was quite controversial this summer, but as much as we’ll all miss him, a little fresh blood might make Season Two all the more unpredictable and exciting.

11. Continuing Zombie Education:
The Great Recession. War Without End. The Kardashians. With the last few years as grim as they’ve been, I’d hardly be surprised if the zombie apocalypse began in earnest. While I haven’t the foggiest idea how to fix the economy, I’m pretty sure that I’ll at least know how to handle the shambling, flesh-hungry hordes.

The Zombie Survival Guide Journal giveaway is now closed! Thanks for entering.